But once I was diagnosed with my disorder, I benefitted physically from the practice. I learned that twists were helpful for my gastrointestinal health and the seated hero pose was calming. Other poses such as headstand and backbend I knew better than to attempt. Over time when my muscles got weaker, I avoided poses like cobra that strained my neck.

Supported Exercise

In my role as a support group facilitator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, I often heard people say they had stopped exercising as their condition progressed. To help keep them going, I looked for exercises designed for people with limited physical abilities. I found DVDs on tai chi and chair dance and yoga classes and brought them to our meetings. Some of us stood during the video instruction while others stayed in their seats. We had fun and felt safe in our little group.

Making Modifications

To create that same feeling of fun and safety in public classes, I started taking gentle yoga classes and worked hard to check my urge to keep up with more flexible or stronger classmates. I became more mindful of my limitations. Now I arrive early and set up my mat in a corner so I have two walls to help with balance. I pay attention to my energy levels and resort to child’s pose—a relaxation pose in which I sit on my heels with my torso folded over my thighs and my head and hands resting on the floor—when I can’t keep pace with the class. As my condition has progressed, I’ve changed classes.

Right now, I attend a local gym. There the  teachers are aware of my disease and offer props such as a chair and suggest modifications. I’ve found a fitness studio in Berkeley that offers classes for adults with physical limitations. I see both as my community. I find exercising with others to be a richer experience, which is why my collection of DVDs for accessible, adaptive, gentle yoga, tai chi, qi gong, and chair dancing sit idle on my bookshelf at home.

To ensure a safe exercise experience in any setting, consider these important guidelines:

Search the internet.

Plug in keywords such as accessible, adaptive, or gentle exercise. Many patient advocacy organizations provide their own classes with trained instructors such as boxing for Parkinson’s disease and yoga for multiple sclerosis.

Talk to the instructor.

Share your concerns with instructors before attending a class. Gauge their reactions as you describe your physical condition and limitations. Do they seem open, understanding, and compassionate? Don’t commit to a series before attending at least one class. 

Work with your limitations.

Learn as much as you can about your condition, strength, and endurance. No exercise instructor will understand your body as well as you. Consult your physician and/or physical therapist about exercise recommendations. If balance is a problem, find a sturdy chair to sit on or hold while standing behind. If you’re unable to get up after lying down, check if the exercise studio has a raised platform to assist with transferring. If working with free weights is too challenging, try using resistance bands to build strength. When your energy starts to deplete, consider resting or leaving the class early.

Leslie Krongold, EdD, lives in Alameda, CA, where she leads support group meetings for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. She also writes a blog and produces a podcast series called Glass Half Full .