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Exploring Recreational Activities

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A diagnosis of MS doesn’t have to mean giving up on the activities that you love.  Many sports and hobbies are now accessible through adaptations or modifications.  Some of the most popular include:

Aquatic Activities

Aqua exercise, including swimming, lets people with MS move in ways that their disability might not otherwise allow, while providing the much-needed benefits of exercise. Call your neighborhood aquatic center or YMCA to find out if the temperature of the pool is less than 85 degrees and if it’s equipped with a lift.

Basketball

Wheelchair basketball follows the same rules as NCAA basketball with a couple of exceptions. Players are given classifications according to the level of their disability.  Anyone with a disability that prevents them for playing able-bodied basketball is eligible to play. For more information about wheelchair basketball visit the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. Wheelchair basketball programs may be offered at your neighborhood recreation center or through your community’s rehabilitation hospital.

Cycling

By modifying or adapting a bicycle to suit an individual rider, almost anyone can enjoy cycling. There are endless adaptions, including tandem bikes, handcycles, and recumbent bikes. For more information visit Move United, consult with your physical therapist, and visit your neighborhood bike shop.

Hippotherapy (horseback riding)

Experience the benefits of horseback riding even if you have limited mobility.  Hippotherapy, or therapeutic horseback riding programs, are available throughout the country and often incorporate strategies developed by a physical therapist or occupational therapist to address functional limitations. Whether you enroll in an official therapeutic program or are just looking for venues in your community with increased access for horseback riding, the American Hippotherapy Association and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship can provide information and resources.

Skiing

Adaptive skiing enables skiers with disabilities to participate in alpine skiing by using special equipment. Adaptive skiing lessons are available at many ski resorts, and through the Adaptive Sports Center, for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities.

Don’t give up on hobbies you love. Sometimes you just need to discover a new way of doing things.  For example, if you love to garden but find that the heat or kneeling pose a challenge, change how you garden. Garden in the morning when it’s cooler out.  Sit down to garden with a chair or bench nearby to help you stand when needed. Everyday tools and simple strategies can help many people continue to do the things they love so they can live their best life.

Tai Chi

Deep breathing, relaxation, and slow, gentle movements are the primary elements of tai chi. It is usually performed as an ordered set of slow, elegant motions that promote balance through thoughtful consideration of movement and heightening of body awareness.

Yoga

The aim of practicing yoga is not to merely assume specific postures, but rather to combine breathing, posture, movement and awareness to achieve relaxation, body awareness and other benefits.

Additional resources

Find opportunities near you
  • Adaptive Adventures - Adaptive Adventures provides ongoing programs, camps and clinics in cycling, climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, dragon boat racing, skiing, snowboarding, waterskiing, wakeboarding and rafting.
  • The Challenged Athletes Foundation's mission is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. View adaptive sports and activities resources.
  • First Descents – provides life-changing outdoor adventures for adults ages 18-45 impacted by serious health conditions such as MS. All adventure programs are week-long and fully adaptive. All program activities, food, lodging, gear and instruction are provided free of cost to participants.
  • Move United - Provides opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.
Learn about adaptive recreation

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