Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often means navigating muscle weakness, fatigue, balance challenges, and changes in mobility. But one thing remains constant: movement is powerful medicine. Gentle, consistent exercise has been shown to improve strength, mood, balance, and overall function in people living with MS. The key is choosing movements that are safe, adaptable, and supportive of your energy needs.
Below, we’ll explore some MS-friendly exercise options — plus how the MOVAO Mini In-Bed Leg Press can be a game-changer for strengthening the lower body when standing or traditional gym workouts aren’t accessible.
Benefits of Exercise for MS
Research and clinical practice have shown that exercise can help individuals with MS:
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Improve strength and mobility
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Reduce muscle stiffness and spasticity
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Support cardiovascular health
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Improve mood and combat depression
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Maintain independence in daily activities
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Enhance circulation and joint health
The most important part? Starting at your level and avoiding over-exertion to prevent fatigue flare-ups.
Safe & Effective Exercises for People With MS
Here are some exercise options that tend to be safe and effective — especially when guided by a physical therapist:
1. Gentle Range-of-Motion Movement
Helps reduce muscle stiffness and improve joint mobility.
Examples:
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Ankle pumps
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Gentle knee bends in bed
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Hip and knee marches while seated
2. Seated Strengthening
Ideal for those with limited balance or fatigue.
Examples:
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Seated leg lifts
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Seated marching
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Light resistance bands exercises
3. Aquatic Therapy
Warm pools offer buoyancy and gentle resistance, reducing strain on joints and making movement feel easier.
4. Breathing & Core Activation
Supports posture, balance and functional movement.
Examples:
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Deep diaphragmatic breathing
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Gentle pelvic tilts
5. Bed-Based Strength Exercises
Perfect on flare-up days, during fatigue cycles, or when mobility is limited. This is where devices like the MOVAO Mini shine.
Why Lower-Body Strength Matters in MS
Many people with MS experience weakness in their legs, making activities like getting out of bed, walking, or standing from a chair more difficult. Strengthening the legs can help maintain these essential functions, and even small improvements can make a big difference in daily independence.
The MOVAO Mini In-Bed Leg Press: A Helpful Tool for MS
The MOVAO Mini is a portable, lightweight in-bed leg press designed by physical therapists for people recovering from weakness — including neurological conditions like MS.
Why It's Beneficial for MS:
- Allows safe, controlled strengthening while lying down
- Helps simulate sit-to-stand mechanics without weight-bearing strain
- Supports gentle progressive resistance training (up to ~50 lbs)
- Perfect for days when standing exercises aren’t doable
- Low-profile and skin-friendly for sensitive users
- Lightweight and easy to move, even in small spaces or bed environments
- Encourages consistent movement without over-fatiguing
Movement without barriers — that’s the heart of the MOVAO mission.
Even 5–10 minutes of consistent bed-based exercise can support:
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Muscle strength maintenance
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Improved circulation
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Better endurance for transfers and mobility
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Confidence in movement
Finding the Right Exercise Routine
Always listen to your body and consider working with a neurologic physical therapist who understands MS-specific needs and pacing strategies. The goal isn’t pushing harder, it’s moving smarter.
Start small. Stay consistent. Celebrate every victory.
Final Thoughts
Living with MS brings unique challenges, but movement can empower strength, confidence, and independence. With safe exercises and tools like the MOVAO Mini, maintaining lower-body strength becomes more accessible and less intimidating.
Because whether it's in a gym, in a pool, or right from your bed, remember:
Movement is Medicine.
