36 msfocusmagazine.org Getting a Mile Out of an Inch MS Communities Benefit from the MS Focus Health and Wellness Grant Finding a gym isn’t always easy, and several factors can weigh on that decision. Is it affordable? Is it clean? Do they offer classes or personal trainers? What if there are several gyms nearby?What if there aren’t anynearby? These are a small sample of questions that run through the mind of someone looking to join a gym and start an exercise regimen. For manywithin the MS community, there are other questions that must be asked: Is there a trainer familiar with the special needs of someone with MS? What if I can’t keep up with the rest of the class? What about over- heating? Can they accommodate different conditions or limitations? The general population has to worry more about the conveniences offered bytheirchosen gym.PeoplewithMSoftenhavedeeperconcerns about their specific condition, and how the offered exercise routines can help them fight MS and its symptoms. Because exercise is now regularly prescribed for MS, the need for peopleintheMScommunitytofindappropriate exercise routines has grown exponentially during the past several years. In 2004, MS Focus started the Health and Wellness Grant, which funds classes designed for people with MS that are overseen by qualified professionals. The program provides classes free of charge, offering everyone a safe environment for exercising, as well as a social space to meet other people within the community. More than 600 people, spread across dozens of states, participated in the program throughout 2017. Here are the stories from several of the program’s participants. Polly, from Virginia, said, “I attend a weekly ‘Yoga in Chairs’ class. It has made a big difference in my quality of life. I have been able to manage my symptoms and stay active. Because of the class, I have developed stronger trunk muscles, which has given me better balance. I experience far less muscle spasms now. Thank you for making our yoga class possible!” Betty and Linda, who attend a yoga class in Ohio, both wrote about their class experiences. Betty said, “The MS Yoga class is wonderful, especially because we all have similar physical limitations and understand each other. I could MS Focus Activities