The experts now agree, when it comes to exercise, a polio survivor doesn't have to do a lot, but one is highly encouraged to do something! Once you have gathered your exercise team, decide together what type of exercise is best for you and whether you want to join a group or exercise independently--or both! The amount of physical activity you do will also need to be addressed as you develop this action plan.

Maynard and Headley (1999) emphasize that the main focus of a new exercise program should be on stretching and general aerobic or cardiovascular conditioning exercises to improve endurance. Strengthening exercise, also called resistance training, needs to be approached much more cautiously, with a focus on very gradually building up functionally important muscles to a modest degree.

Ann Swartz, Ph.D. (personal communication, February 28, 2002), exercise physiologist at the University of Michigan Health System (www.med.umich.edu), describes each of the three types of exercise.