I have started to play many sports since 2006, when I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I have also had to stop playing a number of sports. This has caused me great pain as one sport that I truly loved to play prior to my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis I no longer play. This sport is volleyball, which I love so dearly. I have had to stop playing volleyball since my body can no longer withstand the beating it has to endure to play this sport.

I played volleyball for 15 years prior to my 2006 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, so I have enough knowledge about the sport that I can share with others. I had an exercise routine that made my body strong enough to withstand the beating my legs would take while playing volleyball, and this is the reason I give to you my top 5 workout routines for volleyball.

Exercise number one

The first exercise I used to do when I was playing volleyball was the stair stepper. This built up my calves, and hamstrings, which allowed me to have the pop in my step to spike the ball harder. I used to be able to out spike everybody in my family.

Exercise number two

My second exercise was used to strengthen my core muscles, as well as my legs, shoulders, and arms. This exercise is swimming. I used to swim 6 laps at the pool everyday in order to strengthen these muscles. I still enjoy swimming and even participate in swimming even though I can no longer play volleyball. Swimming helps me with sports that I still can participate in, as well as new sports that I recently started to play like ultimate.

Exercise number three

I still lift weights, but I found that lifting weights would strengthen my arms to allow me to hit the ball harder. My weight lifting was also responsible for my ability to spike the ball as well. Even though I do not play volleyball, I do play other sports like baseball, and weight lifting has carried me further in my game of baseball.

Exercise number four

I used to run approximately 3 miles a day before my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Running allowed me to be prepared for having to run all over the court, while playing a game of 2 on 2. My multiple sclerosis has taken my ability to run, away from me as well, which is part of the reason I can no longer play volleyball.

Exercise number five

The leg press is the last exercise I did when I played volleyball. The leg press gave exceptionally strong legs, which I needed for more explosive response times to chasing down the ball. The leg press also contributed to my ability to jump higher when spiking the ball.

There are a number of exercises that you can do, while you’re active in volleyball, just remember that the core, legs, and arms all need to be focused on. I found it was often best to rotate my workouts as well. This gave the areas I worked out the day before a break.

I played volleyball for 15 years, before having to end my love with the game, because I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Article source: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/volleyball-multiple-sclerosis-spike-060600195--spt.html