I don't know where you are in your couse of treatment. Whether to join or not is dependant upon whether your muscles are working. Although my muscles don't work very well at the present time, as a result of support and encouragement from my neurologist and members of our group, I believe that my condition will improve.

My neurologist discouraged joining a gym. He suggested that I go to a gym and try it, but not work very hard. He expressed concern that hard physical work would make my condition worse. Nevertheless, I went to a gym, had some immediate improvement, hired a personal trainer, and went religiously three times a week for a month. My condition started deteriorating and I couldn't make it up the stairs to the 2nd floor gym. I haven't gone in months, but I WILL IN THE FUTURE.

That's my experience. I hope it helps. Bottom line, do what you are able while trying not to weaken yourself.

Marvin

I agree with Marvin. I am not sure that a gym is the right thing for you now either. Why not build up to it with your own exercises? Start small and work your way up. Walking, small dumbells etc. I started walking for 20 minutes, and then 30, 40, and hour, over an hour and a half and lately just getting in pushups whenever I feel strongest. I just drop and do as many as I can....Just an example

Keep us posted.

TJ

I would spend my money elsewhere. I see how exercise helps but too much hurts. The balance is very interesting. If you can afford it great
but for me what I can do at home or near home is all my body can handle.
Ann

I have belonged to a gym for many years and until 6 months ago due to MG issues, went 2 hours every single day.
My neuro has discouraged me from going back but like you, I have gained weight and am becoming weaker and weaker from meds, treatments and MG, I just can't stand it any longer.
I have started back at the gym and doing 10 min of each cardio and weights every other day.
It is very, very difficult and there are moments when I feel I will just colaps or my throat is closing off and have to stop. I am shocked at how unconditioned I have become.
If you go, be very careful and take it much slower than you might want to. I carry a jug of ice water,to help cool me down fast if I feel over heated. Between your body heating up and the repetative muscle fatique, it's risky buisness but for me something I have to do. I wish you luck and sucess if you go ahead with it.

Jeannie

I agree with the previous posters. Before I had any inkling that this could be MG I bought a gym membership (about 2 yrs ago) figuring it would help. I used to use it more often and work myself out really hard at least 3x's per wk. I figured the more I pushed myself the stronger I would get and this muscle fatigue would go away. I even did some of the classes. uhm... Boy was I wrong!! Lets just say my use of the gym has decreased quite significantly because my symptoms have gotten worse. Now I'm lucky if I can get to the gym once a month. Now I use it more of as an excuse to get out of the house. If I do go its always a very light workout. Basically I spend most of my time on the elliptical machine on the lowest setting possible. I avoid the classes, stationary bike, and the stair climber (never did that anyway). If I do the free weights or weight machines its very light. I can imagine that it must be amusing to other people at the gym watching at 6ft2 guy lifting My neuro has prescribed some PT, which I started last week. I'm still on the fence with it. We've focused on stretching and very mild strength training.
I guess I would say Its good to stay active, but its so easy with this disease to overdue it and then you are down and out for a while. I would also consider asking your doctor to see what they recommend.
-Josh

I was at the gym this morning and was thinking about this exact topic. My gym membersip is free because my husband is a personal trainer so I may a little biased about it. But I like working at the gym because if something did happen while working out there are a ton of people around to help you. But on the negative side, I feel like because I see everyone working so hard it makes me puch myself maybe a little too hard. I also like the fact that it gets me out of the house and around people.