24 msfocusmagazine.org with MS can’t afford this on their own and in most cases, medical insurance doesn't cover gym memberships or personal training. The assistance and education provided by MSFC is crucial to the MS community. Many people with MS, or other chronic conditions, who have experienced a profound physical decline, may be fearful of going to a gym and lifting weights or performing cardio. In fact, some simply aren't capable of doing this on their own. Even people who are fully capable of getting to the gym and exercising don’t always have an easy time. MS tends to cause trouble with balance, which is key to weightlifting and cardio exercises. MS also causes nerve damage, which often makes it difficult to fully experience the sense of touch. In fact, I injured myself in 2008, tearing my pectoral muscle while bench pressing because I wasn’t aware of feedback from my body. Just last year, I broke my foot by dropping a heavy weight plate directly on it as I tried to maneuver that plate from one piece of equipment to another. I cannot feel or grasp well with my left hand and should never have tried moving that weight without help. MSFC is designed to help people overcome these and the multitude of other challenges that MS throws at us, all while helping people to boost their fitness in a way that can improve their lifestyle long after the 12 week program ends. Here are some tips to help you workout successfully and safely with MS: Tip 1: Connect with a qualified and certified trainer who is educated about working with people with MS. Having a qualified trainerprovidessome- one with not just an education, but also a spotter for safety. This can help someone with MS train within theirboundarieswhile reducing risk and maximizing benefits. Through the MSFC, we have created a nationwide certification in association with American Fitness Professionals andAssociates, and work in conjunction with the Medical Fitness Network to help you find a trainer in your area. Tip 2: Strengthen your muscles to support the nerves. Because a person with MS doesn’t get as much feedback from their body as other people do, they’re prone to muscle atrophy. But, strengthening muscles helps improve balance and coordination. And of course, it also helps to increase muscle mass, which also helps decrease body fat. Health & Wellness