Exercise Mild CP?

beatconnection

Hi

I’ve been searching for the best exercise/fitness for someone with Mild CP Low tone/low impact. Everything I have read mentions swimming but apart from that. Looking for something I can do at home day to day.

Any advice/recommendations appreciated

Thanks

Bydand

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/119584/exercise-mild-cp

Hi,

I think it’s great that you are wanting to add some exercise into your daily routine. I am a great believer in the benefits both physically and importantly mentally that regular exercise can achieve.

Mild CP will show itself in a number of ways but will likely effect the movement and posture of those diagnosed along with a number of other symptoms that you yourself will be aware of.

I am no expert but have had a love of exercise and sport since my military days ( where I was a physical trainer for a considerable period of time) but hopefully others will offer advice too.

I do not have CP but do have a severe life limiting lung condition that causes me all sorts of problems and has forced me too slow down considerably….unfortunately my brain often thinks it can do more than my 54 year old body can!!

I was shocked too read that for a long time it was the belief that physical exercise and CP were incompatible with one another, but as time has gone on it is generally accepted now that any form of exercise is better than doing none….within boundaries.

I took it upon myself too read up on mild CP as a result of your post and you are correct in mentioning swimming or water based aerobics as a frequently suggested exercise and I can see how those would be beneficial due to the supportive nature of being in the water but I also understand it may not be possible to participate in this.

For many (myself included now) doing exercise at home can be a good introduction to exercise and takes away issues such as finding the time to go out and do activities etc.

Have you considered trying resistance band exercises and using weighted ankle or wrist cuffs

These are low impact alternatives to using weights but can be very effective in providing a tailored set of movements within your own bodies range of movement and what is comfortable for you.

Resistance band exercises especially are very good at toning and to a degree building muscle, but they also help ligament and joint mobility and strength too which is equally important and can improve posture and movement.

The bands are generally easy to get a hold of (amazon for example) and come in all different strengths of resistance, from easy to extremely tough…

Google online resistance band exercises and you will find a plethora of accessible information and advice that you can take bits and pieces from and build up a workout program of sorts.

As for weighted cuffs, these offer a weighted resistance to your daily movements and again can vary in weight…..you can put them on wrists and ankles and go about your daily activities. These can be effective because your body is still moving through your natural range of movement albeit with a bit of weight to contend with, you aren’t forcing your body into awkward or painful angles or positions.

My advice for what it’s worth is start slowly, no need to rush and pay attention to what your body is telling you….if something doesn’t feel right it generally isn’t. Never overdo it and realise that rest is also an important part of any exercise regime.

Are you attending any support groups for CP as they can offer a range of support, help and advice from others who live with this illness.

i hope some of what I have said makes sense and maybe helps you start thinking about what you can do.

Let us know how you get on

S

beatconnection

Hi

Thanks for the reply, yes I do use resistance bands and find them really good. I haven’t tried weighted cuffs so will have a look into them as they sound like they could work. Biggest issue I’ve come up against with CP and fitness is finding something I can do regularly or daily as it’s so varied what works for one doesn’t work for another so a lot of trial and error.

Bydand

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/883655#Comment_883655

That’s great that you are already trying out the resistance band option, I use them frequently.

Cuffs can be good because they work on functional strength which is important and are pretty unobtrusive.

There are lots of other ideas such as TRX trainers, weighted vests, kettlebells ( choose wisely as not all are good) and bosu type balls which work on balance…doing band training on a bosu ball adds a whole new dimension to training.

I am also big on advocating body weight exercise , commonly known as calisthenics…folks often turn their nose up at them as being too easy but if done properly they offer a great training experience. They are generally very safe too as you are working within the planes of your bodies own movement….and like bands can be made easier or more difficult….lots on the web

It can be a bit repetitive training at home so if you can use a combination of things to keep up the interest that can be great.

I know a friend who has CP and he does wall rock climbing at his local sports centre and loves it…this challenges balance, movement, strength and endurance……roped on and supervised it is very safe…..you can also move along a wall just off the floor and still use muscles you never knew you had……it might be worth seeking out other things like this depending on your own symptoms and limitations.

take it easy

S