The first annual Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month took place in July 2024! With over 130 registrants from over 12 countries and 32 different US states, we are so thrilled to see the DM community’s excitement to get moving together. Throughout the month, MDF hosted four webinars designed for all activity and comfort levels, that followed weekly themes. These events engaged over 90 community members in educational and inspirational sessions about the importance of exercise, ways to exercise safely at home, how to connect with nature and ourselves while moving.
MDF offers a special thank you to all of our amazing panelists and presenters, the MDF Movement Committee, and our sponsor, Avidity Biosciences, for helping make this inaugural program happen! Attendee feedback shared gratitude to our movement experts, for creating fun and safe ways to connect and exercise at home, and providing different ways of modifying exercise to meet the changing needs and abilities of people living with DM. One participant shared “I loved the exercises we did together at the end of the session, and hearing the answers from [Dr. Lott] about exercise and DM”.
Missed out on attending our sessions live? Don’t worry, join over 300 community members who have watched our MDIM Awareness Month Programming on MDF’s Digital Academy!
Click here to learn more about the Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion program! >>>
*New* Exercising with Myotonic Dystrophy Infographic
Studies show that moderate exercise is safe and may help optimize function and maintain strength for individuals with myotonic dystrophy (DM)!
This one page summary sheet outlines ideas for finding motivation, monitoring your exercise, and adding movement to your daily life! Click here to download the Exercising with DM Infographic!
Please consult your doctor before attempting these activities!
Check Out Our Weekly Themed Events
This transformative series of webinars and classes are designed to educate and inspire individuals living with Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) and their communities. Discover practical insights, engage with experts, and embrace the power of movement to enhance your well-being.
Week 1: Come as You Are! - Stump the Doctor & Community Panel
Have questions about exercise and myotonic dystrophy? Wondering about strength training or how often you should exercise? Join our panel of experts featuring Donovan Lott, Pt, PhD, CSCS, University of Florida, alongside three MDF community members, Ryan Vogels, MDF Support Group Facilitator living with DM2, Margie Singleton, living with DM1, and Luke Bolt, living with DM1. Get ready to ask your burning questions and engage in insightful discussions about exercise and mobility with our knowledgeable panel.
Click here to watch the recording of our Stump the Doctor & Community Panel! >>>
Week 2: Little Things Count - Exercises for Everyday Life
Join Kristina Kelly, DPT, University of Missouri-Columbia, for a webinar focusing on incorporating small exercises into your daily routine. Learn about the importance of a balanced movement practice and discover simple movements that can enhance your overall well-being. (This session serves as an amazing companion to the MDF Exercise Guide for People Living with Myotonic Dystrophy.)
Click here to watch the recording of Exercises for Everyday Life! >>>
Week 3: The Natural World - The Benefits of Nature & Breathwork
Explore the connection between nature, wellness, and breathwork with Katy Eichinger, PhD, DPT, University of Rochester, and Payge Purdue, certified yoga and Qigong instructor. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and breathwork practices to enhance your daily movement routines.
Click here to watch the recording of The Benefits of Nature & Breathwork! >>>
Week 4: Let's Keep it Going! - Virtual Zumba Class
Join Gina Many, PhD, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Tina Duong, PhD, Stanford University, for an exhilarating Zumba class designed to celebrate the achievements of Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to Zumba, this class is for you!
Click here to learn more about Dr. Many and Dr. Duong! >>>
The In Motion Buddy Network
Make new friends during Myotonic In Motion Awareness Month! Our In Motion Buddy System offers a chance to connect and collaborate with others in the DM community about your experiences and ideas on exercise and movement. Through a series of planned activities and conversation starters, you and your buddy will have multiple opportunities to interact throughout the month.
For each task you complete with your buddy, you will be entered to win a prize in our MDIM Awareness Month Drawing!
Buddies can be in-person or virtual and will be matched by their responses to the sign up form. While we hope you will connect with your buddy at least once a week, you are free to pick and choose (or modify!) any of our Buddy exercises and activities.
If you have questions about the In Motion Buddy Network, please email MDF at info@myotonic.org.
Limited Edition 2024 Awareness Month T-Shirt!
Only available to order through the end of July 2024! Stay tuned for next year's limited edition Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month T-shirt! Movement makes connections, and we’re excited to continue bringing the DM community together through weekly themes, action items, and resources.
Additional Information
Questions? If you have questions about the 2024 Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month or need assistance, contact MDF at 415-800-7777 or by email at info@myotonic.org.
Participation Disclaimer
Before participating in any MDIM Awareness Month programming, it is important to consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare professional to ensure that exercise is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. The information provided in this exercise program is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
By participating in this exercise program, you acknowledge that there are inherent risks involved in any physical activity, and you voluntarily assume full responsibility for any and all risks. You agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation and any contractors from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising out of your participation in the program.
If at any time during the exercise program you feel discomfort, pain, dizziness, or any other unusual symptoms, you should stop immediately and consult with a medical professional.