Gina Ramage, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at age 25, found that a structured exercise program significantly improved her energy levels and sense of stability, helping her manage the chronic autoimmune disease.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord, disrupting communication between the brain and the body. Symptoms can include fatigue, numbness, blurred vision, and difficulty walking. The condition is a leading cause of disability in young adults in the UK, with most diagnoses occurring between ages 20 and 40. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers, such as certain viral infections, may play a role. There is currently no cure for MS, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

For Ramage, an analyst from Glasgow, overwhelming exhaustion was a particularly disabling symptom. "All I would have the energy to do was get up, go to work and go home to bed," she recalled. "I was trapped in this cycle and my world was getting very small."

Initially hesitant to incorporate exercise into her treatment, Ramage was eventually recommended a free 12-week program for individuals with long-term health conditions, run by the healthcare charity Nuffield Health. The program involved two one-hour gym sessions per week, including discussions on lifestyle and 45 minutes of targeted exercise focusing on areas like stability and core strength.

"A lot of people go to the gym and do one thing, like lifting weights or running on the treadmill," Ramage said. "But I've learned that it's really important, especially for people with long-term health conditions, to balance exercises that combine flexibility, cardio and strength training."

This approach, which emphasizes balance and steady movements over heavy weights, helped build her core strength, improve posture, and reduce the risk of falls. Ramage noted that the community aspect of the group sessions was also beneficial.

Since completing the program, Ramage has experienced a significant increase in her energy levels. "The nature of the disease is that I am always going to have peaks and valleys when it comes to my symptoms, but even my lowest points are much better than they were," she stated. She now attends the gym two to three times a week, combining strength and cardio workouts.

Caitlin Astbury, senior research communications manager for the MS Society, confirmed that physical activity can improve mobility, muscle strength, and mood. "There is also evidence that shows not doing enough moderate to intense exercise can be linked to worsening symptoms of MS," Astbury said. "While it sounds contradictory, we know that many people with MS do find that exercise can help to improve fatigue."

Research published in the Journal of Neurology suggests that resistance training may be particularly effective in easing fatigue for individuals with MS, especially when programs are sustained for over eight weeks. Ramage now feels more confident and engaged in social activities, viewing exercise as essential maintenance for her health.

"Realistically, I know there is a possibility that my condition may get worse and there may be a time that I can't walk anymore. But I've learned lots of future-proofing skills and I see exercise as necessary maintenance to stay healthy," Ramage concluded.