National Multiple Sclerosis Society Website on Exercise
This page lists additional benefits of exercise for people with MS, such as better bladder control and less depression, among others also mentioned in the previous study I posted.
Also of note on this page is the activities listed in addition to "formal" exercise: Gardening, household chores, and cooking. Alternative forms of exercise mentioned were yoga, adaptive Tai Chi, and water exercises. Through links to each of these, one finds fantastic advise and resources. The descriptions of finding and assessing a yoga class are super helpful. My father has had good luck with a local Iyengar studio, which tend to have very knowledgeable and adaptable instructors. This website includes a phone number to an MS Navigator to help match you with an appropriate class, book, or video.
The benefits of tai chi and information on how to find a class are also listed. Tai Chi may be gentler than yoga and has a strong meditative component present in every class.
The last link of the website page brings you to the benefits of aquatic exercises. Swimming- or just being in the pool- can provide a fantastic way to experience cardiovascular movement, have a greater range of motion, and find a lightness of body that only the water can achieve. Listed from the website, water also supports weak limbs and encourages muscle relaxation. The water itself can act as resistance to work on muscle strengthening, and can allow for walking or swimming for more cardiovascular movement with less balance or strength required. The site lists several exercises involving, balance, stretching, and strengthening. Again, it's a fantastic resource:
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