Exercise Right Week is an initiative held every year aiming to bring to the forefront the importance exercise plays in maintaining good health. Exercising right is not just about being active, but about doing the right kind of exercise for your health and level of fitness.
This year’s theme; Motivation to Move focused on raising awareness of the importance of exercise for all Australians, especially those living with or managing a chronic condition or health issue.
One of our clients, Antonia, featured on the Exercise Right website this year and told us how she is Motivated to Move.
Antonia shares with us her exercise journey…
How did you come to work with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
My support co-ordinator at the MS society got me in touch with Active Ability Exercise Physiology when I was given funding for Exercise Physiology (EP) under the NDIS. The best thing is that they are a mobile company and they come to my home.
What condition or health issue do you work with your Accredited Exercise Physiologist to manage?
I have Multiple Sclerosis. I work with my EP to stretch the lower half of my body because I get a lot of stiffness which is associated with my MS. I also have balance, co ordination and walking troubles, so I work through strength exercises with my EP to keep me moving.
Nadia Levenets, Antonia’s exercise physiologist adds: Due to Antonia’s MS, she presents with a lot of lower limb and lower back stiffness so I work on releasing her tight muscles before we exercise. This optimises length in the muscles and allows us to work with more during the session. Our strength exercises are all completed in the home, I bring all the portable equipment to use and we focus on the leg strength, gait training and balance.
Have you always been active or were you prescribed exercise as part of your treatment management?
I have always engaged in some exercise and physical activity. I used to enjoy swimming and going to the group classes at the MS society in Lidcombe, NSW for exercise. I was excited to begin with my EP Nadia as this program she was giving me was individually tailored.
How did you feel when you started to exercise, what differences did you start to notice for both your physical and mental health?
At first I was tried and sore. I felt my body changing with the weeks that followed. But I can see that the exercise has and is helping me manage my MS. I can see my body adapting to better cope with my MS symptoms (pending on weather, I am heat sensitive). My mental health is also starting to change and I am thinking more positively.
“My MS is managed much better. The biggest change I have seen is that I can now walk better up the stairs and carry the shopping with my husband. I couldn’t do this before.”
What would you say to other people who may have been advised to exercise, who are apprehensive?
Exercise can help anyone with any condition. The biggest thing for me was to trust my EP. I now know they can look and see what muscles need to be exercised. They listen and get to know our bodies in order to improve our lives.
Do you think you’ll continue to maintain an active lifestyle?
Yes, definitely. Apart from seeing Nadia my EP twice a week, I have a stationary bike at home which I use daily for cardio exercise. I also complete the exercises I do with Nadia on my own the other days of the week.
“I am blessed with my EP Nadia, she has given me confidence. She listens and knows where attention is needed with exercise. Nadia listens and gives results. Thank you.”
If you too are Motivated to Move and would like help getting started, please contact us here.
The Active Ability Team xx