Move
I wish that I loved to exercise. It is one area in my life that always took a back seat to almost everything else, largely because I never made it a priority. Yes, I joined the gym numerous times, but ended up feeling guilty about wasting the money. I would just chalk it up as a major weakness in my personality. Eventually exercise equaled failure and avoiding it was easier than feeling badly about it. Then came Parkinson’s.
It only took a short time to recognize that having Parkinson’s would force me to re-evaluate the role of exercise in my lifestyle. It is ironic that a disorder which keeps your body in constant motion all day actually necessitates the inclusion of exercise in your daily routine. Why? Well, for one thing, the movements from Parkinson’s are uncontrollable ones. As you watch your hands or legs or head move, you try to change it by telling your brain, “Stop it!” There is no response, just more shaking. It is a strange feeling, almost claustrophobic, when your body does not listen to your brain. You feel out-of-control. This conflict of uncontrollable movements verses controllable exercise is something that every person with Parkinson’s faces. I knew I needed to do something.. I asked my neurologist to refer me to physical therapy and I found something that works for me. The Bodies in Balance Live Well Program is designed by a physical therapist specifically for each individual with her unique condition. It has been an excellent solution for me. If you are interested, search for Bodies in Balance Programs in your area.
Additionally, here are some other ideas that may help you with exercise:
Step One: Acknowledge that any form of exercising, including walking, is better than none,
Step Two: Recognize the research on Parkinson’s clearly shows that specific types of exercise (Biking, boxing, Tai-chi) results in lessening the symptoms.
Step Three: Do something, anything to let your body and mind know you are still in control.
Step Four: Find some form of exercise that you enjoy. For example, I recently joined a class on line dancing at the local senior center. I love the music and enjoy the social connection.
Hope this post inspires you to MOVE!