Exercising in a Wheelchair with MS…LEGS

Exercising when you have multiple sclerosis can be a challenge, especially when you're wheelchair-bound, but it's important to stay active.

Try working out with exercise bands, which can be purchased with different levels of resistance and typically come in a package that allows you to increase the resistance as your strength increases. Each movement will be performed for 3-4 sets. For muscle building, keep the repetitions from 8-10 and for toning from 12-15. Exhale on exertion and inhale at release. Always sit tall in your chair, and keep your abdominals tight. This is a beginner routine so once you're comfortable, add more exercises.

Seated Leg Extensions:
-Place the band's handle on your left foot, making sure it's secure.
-Place the band under the right wheel for resistance, holding the remaining band in your right hand.
-Sit tall in your wheelchair without leaning into the back of the wheelchair.
-Lift your left leg up so that the back of your thigh comes off the wheelchair.
-Keeping your leg elevated, extend your leg out, straightening at the knee and then bend the knee. The only movement should come from bending and extending the knee.
-Keep your left thigh lifted off of your wheelchair the entire time.
-Keep the band on your left foot and move to the next exercise.
-Repeat with the right leg positioning the band under the left wheel.

Inner Thigh Adduction:
-Sit tall in your wheelchair without leaning into the back of the wheelchair.
-Place the band under the right wheel for resistance.
-Extend your left leg. Slowly bring your left leg toward the center of the body and then return back to the starting position while keeping your toes pointed towards the ceiling.
-Keep the band on your left foot and move to the next exercise.
-Repeat with the right leg positioning the band under the left wheel.

Outer Thigh Abduction:
-Sit tall in your wheelchair without leaning into the back of the wheelchair.
- Place the band under the right wheel for resistance.
- Extend your left leg.
-Slowly bring your left leg outward and then return back to the starting position.
-Keep your toes pointed towards the ceiling.
-Repeat with the right leg positioning the band under the left wheel.

Calf Raises:
-Place the middle of the band around your left foot, holding the handles in both hands securely with your elbows at your sides.
-Extend your leg. Point the toes forward and then slowly return to the starting position.
-Keep the band tight and concentrate on flexing and pointing the toes.
-Repeat on the opposite side.

* Like any exercise program, please consult your healthcare professional before you begin. Please stop immediately if any of the exercises cause pain or harm to your body.

It's important, especially with MS from a wheelchair, to keep the body moving. You have to stay motivated and...NEVER QUIT!!