Dave Bexfield founded ActiveMSers.org after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease where your body’s own immune system attacks its central nervous system. Over time, MS leads to increased disability and most studies have turned up lackluster recommendations for treatment. However, new research suggests that high-cardio exercise can improve neuroplasticity and help protect neuro-cognition, slowing down some of MS’s worst symptoms.

Dave has developed a physically active lifestyle and been educating his readers on the benefits of increased activity for people living with MS. He sat down with Inverse to explain the science behind how fitness dampens MS’s most damaging effects, such as brain atrophy and fatigue.