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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?

  1. I was diagnosed in 97 and I've learned that exercise should not be long sessions. I therefore do every day in the morning for 8 minutes - mainly strength training/ kettlebell swings to cover full body. Little and often is the way to go!

  2. I'm 73 and was diagnosed with ocular MG last fall. I have been on IVIG infusions for several months, as well as Azathioprine. My droopy eyelid comes and goes, with sensitivity to bright lights, but so far no other symptoms. I have taken yoga classes for about 12 years because of several herniated discs in my back, and just recently I started working out at the gym before yoga with a trainer to help strengthen my muscles overall. I'm trying to get ahead of it as much as I can!

  3. Began to use resistance bands at moderately high resistance a few months ago. They have made a difference. The advantage is that they are in the house and, depending on the day, I can workout for thirty minutes or so or parcel out various exercises throughout the day. No driving, parking, or membership fees involved. I has been going well for a mid-70s year old man. Walking is a problem, a major downer for a man who ran for 29 years. But, that is MG. It is my choice if I want to whine about not being able to run (or walk very far) or to be grateful that I was able to do it for so long. I was diagnosed in 2009 and have used mestinon since and, as of 2019, have been on mycophenolate with fairly good effect.

  4. How does one differentiate between exercise- induced weakness and shortness of breath and MG-induced muscle weakness and shortness of breath?
    I'm not crazy overweight but I've not exercised for many years because of sciatica. I'm now all healed from back surgery but I need to take off excess weight from being sedentary.
    Advice?

    1. Hello,

      I found these articles about exercising safely with MG. I hope that they are helpful 😀

      Chelley (Team Member)

      https://myasthenia-gravis.com/exercise

      https://myasthenia-gravis.com/forums/what-exercise-routines-do-you-enjoy-with-mg

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