Anyone else swim?

[PositiveMS]

My neurologist suggested swimming as a great form of exercise. That was two years ago. I just did not want to try it because I was doing triathlon swimming about 5 years ago, and I didn't want to be reminded of what I could no longer do.

BUT.....I finally decided to go, and have gone to the pool for about three weeks now, twice a week. I love it! I find I can be SO much more confident in all my movements in the pool, because there's nowhere to fall if you lose balance

I also don't overheat, which is awesome. It also helps with my walking (on land).

Anyone else into swimming?

[misslux]

I keep meaning to try adapted aquafit -- hopefully this summer!

[22cyclist]

I do swimming all of the time, plus water aerobics, which is very fun! You don't even feel like you are getting a workout, but you really are.

Happy swimming everyone!
Lisa

[PositiveMS]

Water aerobics, eh? I will look into that.

[90stangg]

The water is not my friend

Tried swimming aerobics a couple years ago, I got so fatigue afterwards I could barely walk. In the water a couple times since same results.

[DebbieB]

I've been wanting to try it, and actually got a doctor's note about a year and half ago supporting a MS-specific swim class at a local YMCA...but haven't taken the plunge (pun intended).

It's all about my weight (which is the xxxxxxx large size).

Ugh.

I probably need to bite the bullet and try it. Maybe I'll go and observe one day first...

[Trixi]

I would love to and used to kayak and swim when we had a pool. The last few years though my feet are hyper sensitive to cold especially cold water. Does that happen to anyone else? I would love to get back in.

[palmtree]

Swimming was my love before I got MS. I used to go every day. Since my dx the fatigue has been so bad that driving to the pool and dressing seemed like impossible tasks.

Last year I tried not buying my yearly membership to the pool and I felt like there was nothing left of my life. I was having swimming dreams where my arms wouldn't move in the water.

Now, I go about once a month. It feels wonderful when I first dive in. The first lap reminds me of old times and I feel like myself again. But then I have to get out, shower and change. If only they had a bed at the pool where I could sleep as soon as I get out of the shower.

In general, it's a good thing. The water makes me weightless so it's possible to do so much more than I can do on land. And the coolness all over my body is wonderful. They keep the pool at a perfect 79degrees so, most days it's just right. Also, it's a place to see others and socialize. I'm embarrassed about my body it just doesn't look healthy any more. But I'm just being self conscious.

For anyone looking for a way to exercise and has a place to swim, go for it!

[PositiveMS]

Yeah Trixi, the first time I went to the pool, my legs jumped when they hit the water! Very sensitive to cold. But I took the plunge and after moving around a bit the sensitivity died down. I swear though, after swimming the first time I could barely walk an hour later. However, after going three times to the pool, my body got used to it, and I feel stronger.

[Cat Mom]

Yes, love the pool! I live a 5 minute walk from our community centre with pool plus therapeutic (heated over 84 degrees) pool. Obviously, the therapeutic pool is too hot, when I get out legs so weak.

The regular pool is awesome! Only 2 issues... 1) there's a seniors' home across the street, I'm floating and fluffing around while people over 65 are lapping me... 2) it's been such a freezing, snowy winter. Since I don't drive, I can't bear walking home after being in the pool (wet hair, etc).

Water aerobics is an easily adaptable exercise no matter what stage MS is. There are also bikes that are made for the water, also an at-your-own-pace exercise.

Jen

[laurasari]

In the winter I was in Fl had acces to a pool and swam often. Now the summer is coming and I am in Ma with no access to a pool so walking and yoga will have to suffice enjoy

[marti]

Just a tip. Do not overdo it. Take it in baby steps at first. Like 5 or 10 minutes. I joined the class at our local YMCA and tried to do a 45 minute class. Big mistake. My heart rate was so uncomfortably high when I finished I had a hard time getting home.

My neuro just suggested swimming or light Yoga yesterday and she warned me about taking it slow.

[ru4cats]

I absolutely love swimming! I had physical therapy at a center that had a large pool, and my therapist taught me a routine that takes about 45 minutes. 4 years later, I still do the routine.

The water takes away the gravity "issue" that is my nemesis now. Because I have to travel 55 miles to the nearest pool, and winters in Montana make travel difficult, my husband and I recently committed to install a WaterWell with an underwater treadmill. It will be awesome to walk 10 feet rather than travel 55 miles to exercise!

[book lover]

You might want to check with your local MS Society. Our local MS Society chapter sponsors water exercise classes for MS patients. It is free and given at a couple of the JCC's. It is a great program -- there are even helpers who don't have MS and can help those who can't use their legs or arms at all. I have been going for several months and would highly recommend it to all.

[poppydarling]

I love swimming! Especially the Ai Chi that my PT taught me when I could make it to the facility. Now I get so tired just getting there and changing, that by the time I get in the pool, I'm exhausted I'm pretty mad about that. I'm going to try again at the local Y this summer.