Studies show exercise not only improves your overall health and well-being, but also helps manage many MS symptoms. Move forward through exercise and find an exercise program in your community or become an expert in using a healthy lifestyle to help manage MS. Yoga is one form of therapeutic exercise available to people with MS.
Yoga for MS
Yoga is an ancient practice that combines posture, breathing, and meditation to connect body, mind and spirit. For people with MS it can provide the following benefits:
- Relief of chronic pain
- Diminishes fatigue
- Relieves depression and anxiety
- Improves spasticity
- Helps overcome stiffness
- Increases oxygen in the blood
- Promotes relaxation and sound sleeping
- Encourages living in the moment
- Provides a fun way to exercise and meet new friends
Adapting Yoga to All Ability Levels
MS Yoga instructors have additional knowledge of MS and symptoms. Instructors modify postures to your ability level using different props such as blankets, chairs, straps or blocks which helps eliminate stress on the joints and make postures more comfortable and safe.
Why I practice Yoga...
“Because of Yoga I have a better sense of space, more range of movement. For me Yoga is like taking a mini vacation twice a week.”
-Toni, Yoga for MS student
Yoga for MS is offered in the following areas:
- Metro St. Louis
- Creve Coeur
- Maryland Heights
- South County
- St. Louis
- Missouri
- Columbia
- Poplar Bluff
- Illinois
- Swansea
- Carbondale
For more information on the yoga for MS programs, please contact Kerry at 1-800-344-4867 or 314-781-9020, or via email at kerry.adkins@gatewaymssociety.org.
For all class listings, browse our Yoga Schedule