Coping with Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a very challenging disease, and the symptoms and problems vary widely for different people. There is widespread agreement that working on moving, exercising, and staying fit will help you cope with your disease. Of course, check with your health-care providers about what is right for you.
What has worked amazingly well for Wendy, who has scleroderma for many years, is a program of conditioning and strength-training that is designed using an exercise ball. She had very restricted movements at one point with her disease, and had lost all of the muscle tone she used to have as an athlete. When she was feeling a bit better, she decided to try to re-develop her muscles by going to a gym. But what used to be easy for her was now impossible - most of the equipment required her to grip things with hands that could not unbend.
Then she found out about an exercise program developed by Mike Alalof, a body-builder and expert trainer who also knew first-hand about disability from having multiple sclerosis. She started working out with his program, and found that it did amazing things for her - helping her develop strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. She still cannot unbend her hands, but she's in much better shape than most people who regularly work out at gyms!
| If you can stand and bend easily, and want a hard workout, try Wendy's Ball Workout. This workout has it all - cardio, strength training, plus increasing your flexibility and balance - all while being totally non-abrasive to your joints. The smooth and rhythmic movements will give you strength and flexibility without adding wear and tear to sensitive joints. |  |
Or if you want to start out slowly or have balance or mobility problems, try out one of our exercise programs that is done from a seated position - challenging yet beneficial and adaptable for anyone!