Finding Your Fit: Exercise Tips for Individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
For many individuals with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), simple exercises like balancing on one leg can present a significant challenge. Despite widespread knowledge about the importance of exercise for overall wellness, the fitness world hasn’t fully adapted to accommodate the unique needs of individuals with CMT.
Navigating a fitness journey with CMT requires careful consideration. "The exercise world wasn’t built for people with CMT," personal trainer and CMT advocate Julie Stone explained.
Mast of the world of “adaptive fitness is not specifically targeted toward [people with CMT], and some of it is beneficial for us, but there are certain things that we *need to work on that aren’t always covered."
Beneath the challenges, however, lies an important message: exercise is possible for people with CMT, and finding the right approach can be transformative.
Prioritize Enjoyment and Functional Movement
Instead of tirelessly pursuing exercises that feel unenjoyable or unsafe, individuals with CMT might find greater success by focusing on activities they truly enjoy.
"Focus on the activities you enjoy," Stone emphasizes. "We also need to make sure we’re doing other important movements that can help us with CMT symptom progression."
This could mean heading outdoors for a languid walk instead of tackling a high-intensity routine. Finding alternatives for movements you might not be able to do safely, like using wheelchair dance instead of standing dance, can open doors to a truly fulfilling fitness routine.
Personalized Fitness, With Careful Consideration
When designing a fitness plan with CMT, personalized attention is key.
“Meet yourself where you are at because one day you can feel on top of the world and the next you can feel terrible, “Stone said, highlighting the need for adaptable exercise programs.
Stone recommends cautions against activities that involve a lot of squatting or lifting, opting for modified movements that protect joints. Maintaining constant communication with your body, listening to your limits and respecting them, is critical for individuals with CMT, who should prioritize body awareness and adjust their routines as needed.
This is where the guidance of trained professionals can be invaluable. "Working with a physical therapist or coach specializing in CMT is best," Stone said. "They can spot potential issues before
they become bigger issues."
Finding Your Support System
Individuals with CMT face not only physical challenges but also a lack of resources tailored to their specific needs. Fortunately, a growing community of individually
“There are actually many fitness
challenges but also, a lack of resources tailored to their needs. Fortunately, a growing community of individuals with CMT are making their voices heard.
Embracing a disability-inclusive mindset can be life-changing. "Having someone who can watch you
said.
forging ahead.
The fitness journey for individuals with CMT isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Looking ahead, Stone believes that: "It’s not about crossing off a checklist of exercises or getting jacked. but enjoying moveing your body and celebring your
abilities."
The true measure is not about achieving arbitrary fitness milestones by focusing on the enjoyment and what makes a positive impact on everyday life. This can be achieved, not lost.
