Chronic Health Conditions
At Mobilates we embrace everyone's individuality and provide a person-centred approach to exercise activities. Below you will find details of some of the most common conditions our members live with, some information about them and some top tips on exercising whilst staying safe and supported.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neurological Conditions
A neurological condition is any condition that affects the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves. Because these systems control your mind and body, neurological conditions can affect the way you think feel and interact with the world. Neurological conditions can affect anyone at any age. For example, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects your nerves which occurs when your immune system isn’t working properly. Others such as cerebral palsy are evident from birth and affect movement and posture.
Exercise Tips
Don't exercise to the point of fatigue and ensure you stay well hydrated. Reduce the risk of falling by having a chair nearby or start with seated classes and progress. Stop if you feel pain or sickness.
Osteoporosis & Osteopenia or Spinal Fusion
Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a bone to break (fracture).
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The stage before osteoporosis is called osteopenia. This is when a bone density scan shows you have lower bone density than the average for your age, but not low enough to be classed as osteoporosis.
Osteopenia does not always lead to osteoporosis. It depends on many factors.
If you have osteopenia, there are steps you can take to keep your bones healthy and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Exercise Tips
Avoid bending forward or sideways with weights or lifting weights above your head, as well as end-of-range waist twisting, turning, and bending.
Avoid repetitive exercise, for example, walking or running on a treadmill.
Have an extension bias: lengthening your lower back, tilting the tailbone slightly under to create more space and reduce pain. Extension in the thoracic spine is also important (As shown in the image above).
The hip hinge position (as shown in the image opposite) is crucial for osteoporosis/osteopenia and spinal fusion.
1 in 2 women over 50 will break bones due to osteoporosis. You can help reduce this risk by working on balance exercises.
For more information, visit The Royal Osteoporosis Society
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
PoTS is due to an abnormal response by the autonomic (automatic) nervous system and is characterised by orthostatic intolerance (the development of symptoms when upright that are mostly relieved by lying down).
Symptoms include palpitations, lightheadedness, fatigue, sweating, nausea, fainting and headaches, and are associated with a persistent increase in heart rate from the lying to upright position.
Exercise Tips
Front-load fluids first thing. Drink before the class you are taking. Try wearing compression gear.