May is MS Awareness Month in Canada, a time to bring attention to the challenges of those living with the condition. According to Cummings Centre Wellness Supervisor Maria Fragapane, the importance of exercise cannot be understated when it comes to the management of Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. “A disease that is characterized by excessive fatigue and core and leg weakness, responds favourably to cardio/strength/balance and flexibility training, as well as proper nutrition and stress-management techniques,” notes Fragapane.
For nearly two decades, the Cummings Centre had been providing MS exercise in its Adapted Exercise Program, working in collaboration with the MS Society of Canada. Due to the recent changes due to the pandemic, the Cummings Centre has adapted its program offering to provide programs in both an online format as well as in-person programs.
Through online platforms such as the Cummings Centre’s Virtual Learning Library, Zoom and social media sites, staff and volunteers have been able to create and upload all kinds of programs for the community-at-large to enjoy. Among the MS specific exercise topics covered are Power up Your Pelvis (for incontinence), From the Ground Up (re-awakens your feet) as well as core training, posture & balance, full body stretch and boxing interval.
IN PERSON / ONLINE CLASSES FOR THOSE LIVING WITH MS & OTHER CONDITIONS
- Multiple Sclerosis Exercise
- Adapted Exercise for Functional Movement
- Adapted Chair Aerobics
- Adapted Tai Chi
- Strength & Flexibility
To browse classes, click here
CUMMINGS WELLNESS VIDEOS (FREE)
EXERCISE FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
with Maria Fragapane
POWER UP YOUR PELVIS (INCONTINENCE)
with Maria Fragapane
FROM THE GROUND UP (RE-AWAKENS YOUR FEET!)
with Maria Fragapane
CORE TRAINING
with Annette Vezina
POSTURE & BALANCE
with Annette Vezina and Maria Fragapane
FULL BODY STRETCH
with Annette Vezina and Jay Blumenstein
BOXING INTERVAL
with Maria Fragapane
Marie Flanders has been participating at the Cummings Centre in exercise programs designed specifically for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. The focus of the class is on improving fitness and function by incorporating cardiovascular training with core strengthening and overall body conditioning.
Flanders has been involved with the Cummings Centre for the past 15 years and is now glad to be back in person after being online due to the pandemic. “During COVID, I did a lot of online courses,” said Flanders who also participates in fine arts classes at the Centre. “It is wonderful to be back in person at the Centre. It makes me feel part of a community. The classes keep me strong and I feel better for doing them. Socially it is good as well. Participants are happy to see one another.”