When muscle weakness and fatigue mean that even getting out of bed is a challenge, exercising with myasthenia gravis (MG) may feel like something that’s off the table. Yet staying active is key to maintaining your quality of life and overall well-being when living with a chronic autoimmune disease such as MG. Here’s some tips to help get started.
Shouldn’t people with MG conserve energy?
It’s normal to feel reluctant to exercise: People living with MG are often told to save energy where they can, from sitting while cooking and folding laundry to planning naps and rest into the day.
Though exercise takes energy, research indicates that the benefits can be worth it. Staying active can:
- Boost mental health and mood, which helps avoid stress and depression and the added fatigue they can cause.
- Build respiratory muscle strength.
- Improve muscle strength and stamina, which can help in everyday tasks.
- Build balance and flexibility.
- Help manage weight gain from steroids and other MG medications.
- Lower your risk of developing other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression and bone or joint pain.
- Improve quality of life.
Some research even indicates that exercise may directly help MG by boosting your immune response and building mind-muscle connection.
Tips for staying active with MG
Though mild-to-moderate exercise can help improve daily life with MG, it takes planning. Consult your doctor and a physical therapist before changing your routine. Ask their advice on a personalized approach to physical activity.
Take is slow
Before getting started, remember that fatigue is common in people living with MG, so it is important to avoid overexterion when exercising. High impact activities or prolonged exercise that puts a strain on the body should be avoided.
- Choose a low-impact activity you like to do, such as yoga, walking or stretching.
- Take regular rest breaks and listen to your body.
- Actively monitor your symptoms while you exercise.
- Stop if you feel out of breath, tired or weak
Read about myasthenia gravis FAQs
Set yourself up for success
Small steps can help may a difference when exercising with MG.
- Exercise in the morning when you have more energy and your MG symptoms are less active.
- Try to get enough sleep.
- Avoid stress: emotional stress can trigger symptoms and cause existing ones to worsen.
- Stay hydrated.
Don’t go it alone
Recruiting help can make exercise safer and more enjoyable.
- Work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to design a program built specifically for your needs and preferences.
- If finding the energy to get started is a challenge, consider working with an occupational therapist to help find more ways you can conserve energy throughout the day, to have more strength for light exercise.
- Ask a friend or family member to exercise with you. They can help you stay motivated, or assist if you suddenly feel fatigued.
Sign up here to get the latest news, perspectives, and information about MG sent directly to your inbox. Registration is free and only takes a minute.
