How do you balance exercise and MG?
We all know exercise is a key part of being/getting healthy, but overexertion is also a key part to triggering MG symptoms. Is there any tips or hacks to balancing exercise while trying not to trigger any symptoms?
I’ve always been in competitive sports. When I noticed my body wasn’t responding to my training I felt it was time to see my doctors. After six years of you are fine I got a correct diagnosis. During this six year period I adjusted my training good day bad day schedule. I now after having several breathing crisis no more pushing myself. Swimming cut way down on the yards especially when my legs have gotten tired just walking to the pool. In the gym I’m a shadow of myself but I’m still there. Dumbbells no straight bar. One doesn’t need an arm to suddenly quit. Yes, it is a roller coaster ride. Some days all I do is sleep or listen to music. Listening to your body is so important. Doing something is very therapeutic.
Hi
we appreciate you taking the time to share with us. It sounds like you have gotten to know your body and when to not push it anymore. Which is great! You are so right - listening to your body is SO important. How have you been doing this week? Please know we're here anytime. Kindly, Jessica (Team Member) I'm on the same boat as you...went from doing weight training or other workouts 6x a week to around 4x...still grateful i'm able to move, but it can be frustrating at times. Listening to our bodies is key to continue movement. Sending good vibes, all!
One of my patients with MG has found a great balance with exercise by making a few adjustments. They began with light, low-impact activities like stretching and short walks, and they listened to their body’s cues to avoid overexertion. For them, exercising earlier in the day when energy levels were higher helped prevent fatigue. Over time, they added brief, gentle resistance exercises under guidance. It’s really about pacing yourself and allowing plenty of rest. Small, consistent efforts have helped them stay active without triggering symptoms. You might find these adjustments helpful, but always check with your doctor to see what’s best for you!
listening to your body cues is so incredibly important. I do adaptive yoga, mostly in my chair, but sometimes in the bed. As I am recovering in the hospital once again it’ll be done in the bed. I do love how you mentioned conserving energy and using free effect activities without triggering symptoms! ❄️ team member Deborah ❄️
I've always been extremely active (playing and refereing soccer, playing pickleball and softball, riding my bike, hiking, etc.) but the MG has really begun to interfere with this - it's tough to referee a game or hit a ball when I need to keep one eye closed or start seeing double. It appears that exertion does tend to bring on my symptoms and I've been experiencing a pretty significant flare-up since late July or early August which isn't helping matters.
I enjoy fast, competitive sports and don't want to quit but it's tough to be able to sign up to referee a HS game, for example, not knowing what my status is going to be at game time. I'm wondering if it's just plain time to hang up the whistle after > 30 years...have you tried any adaptive sports? I adaptive ski and I’ve done adaptive kayaking and selling and quite a few other adaptive sports. But not quite the same but they do have a lot of the same exhilaration while still allowing you to control the energy exerted ❄️ team member Deborah ❄️
cold will help id look into doing exercise in a pool like water aerobics the colder the better just ensure you do not do this without supervision as you dont want to have a crisis while swimming and ensure people know about your condition so they can watch you closely incase anything happens
I love these tips! These are some great ideas ❄️ team member Deborah ❄️
