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MS PATIENTS TAKE PART IN THEIR FIRST EXERCISE CLASS AT BS7 GYM

26 September 2013

On Wednesday 25 September, a group of patients from the Bristol and Avon MS Centre (BrAMS) based at Frenchay Hospital started a pioneering course at BS7 Gym designed to help them positively manage their illness.

The six week course, the first of its kind in Bristol to be introduced to high ability people with MS, teaches patients skills such as complex balance and movement in an environment where their individual needs are understood and cared for.  It’s hoped that they will then feel comfortable enough to join BS7 gym at a special discounted rate so exercise becomes part of their daily lives.

Remaining active is an important part of helping people to manage their MS and to help maintain their independence and stay in work for longer.

MS can affect anyone but people are more usually diagnosed in their 20s and 30s. Samantha Jackson is one of the patients taking part in the classes and she had her first relapse at just 24 years old.  Samantha commented: “I’ve had MS for eleven years now, and one of the things that I struggle with is my shocking balance, which is left over from a rather bad relapse. I really want to climb to the top of Snowdon next year, but my husband isn’t keen in case I trip and end up at the bottom of the mountain.  I’m hoping that this programme will improve something that stops me living my life to the full.  Then I’ll give that mountain a go!”

Each patient is also being offered the chance to nominate a buddy to join the gym at a discounted rate so they have extra support to carry on with their exercise. “I think that’s a really good idea” comments Samantha. “There might be days when some of the patients struggle to get up here on their own but knowing they have one of their friends to accompany them is sure to help.”

The classes are being led by MS Specialist Physiotherapist Tania Burge with the help of nurses from BrAMS and personal trainers from BS7 Gym.

“I’m delighted how the class has gone.” Tania tells us. “The positive response from the patients has been really encouraging. They’ve all said they’re looking forward to next week – which is a good sign!”

“In the lead up to the launch of the classes we spent time monitoring at what stage the patients are at with their MS.  We will do the same at the end of the course so both the patients and ourselves can see how they’ve improved. I really believe taking part in classes like this can help MS patients everywhere manage their illness.”

Caption for picture attached: From left to right MS Specialist Physiotherapist Tania Burge, Class participant Samantha Jackson, Personal Trainer from BS7 Gym Nathan Walsh and BrAMS Nurse Sam Messenger.

About MS MS is the commonest disabling neurological disease of young adults. Over 100,000 people in the UK have MS and it affects over two million more through their friends, family and carers.

About BrAMS Back in 2008 BrAMS was opened at Frenchay Hospital and is the first centre of its kind in the UK providing pioneering research, treatment and therapy for people with MS in the South West and beyond.  The multi-disciplinary care and research team based at BrAMS has established the unit as a centre of excellence and is now recognised worldwide for its expertise and the development of new techniques. To find out more information about the work of the BrAMS centre, visit www.brams.org.uk or contact the unit on 0117 340 2992.

About BS7 Gym BS7 Gym provides a high quality exercise facility for members of the community alongside Gloucestershire cricket professionals.  Based at Gloucestershire Cricket the facility is set in a secure environment with plenty of free car parking available.  The gym has recently been refurbished and is equipped with state of the art equipment.  As well as training in the gym, members can also use the squash court, or take part in the variety of classes that are included in membership.  All of the gym’s personal trainers are highly qualified to ensure you receive the best support and are able to make the most from your training.    To visit the BS7 Gym website www.bs7gym.co.uk

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