"We're not one thing, I think we're a fitness program, we're a post rehabilitation program to regain new skills and balance, and I think the most interesting thing about the class is that it evolved naturally into a support group," said Wagner.
In 2001, Joy Wagner was diagnosed with MS.
"I learned to regain my balance and improve my strength, and when I started working as a nurse again and working with our people like me," Wagner said. "I found that none of them were attempting to regain their former abilities or relearn things, and so I encouraged them to take an exercise class, finding out shortly after that that their were none that fit the abilities and the needs of this population."
Fit MS uses a combination of exercises, yoga and tai chi focusing on three problem areas. balance, flexibility and strength.
This class is offered three times a week at the Campanelli YMCA in Schaumburg.
Gina Bonfiglio was diagnosed with MS 23 years ago.
"I feel that it's an unconventional fitness class. This is a class that I come to definitely to help maintain the fitness level I have, but I also come because we help and support each other," said Bonfiglio.
Paul Wallace comes twice a week.
"It helps with my balance and my strength, but more importantly I can see how when I don't come what the effect is, so while I can debate how much I've improved, I can see if I don't do it what I've lost and what I can't do," said Wallace.
"I find that people who are drawn to a program like this are looking under every rock for looking for something they can do so they can live better," said Wagner.
There is also a Fit MS DVD available. For more information go to www.fitMS.org.
