Many of the folks we meet through our work at Active Adults emphasize the “active” element in their search for homes, and love having a pool, golf course, pickleball and tennis courts and hiking and biking trails right outside their door. Yet those who are dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease might assume their active days are over.
To that we say – No Way! Because exercise is one of the best ways to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and a drug-free way to feel a lot better. In addition to improving balance and mobility it can even slow the progression of the disease in the following ways:
- Making your brain healthier by increasing the flow of blood to your brain and stimulating the production of new nerve cells;
- Reducing pain by naturally activating pain inhibitor pathways in your brain; and,
- Stopping the death of brain cells.
Depending on the severity of Parkinson’s you can consider the following activities:
- Walking and cycling – especially on a treadmill or stationary bike that protects stability;
- Balance exercises, including standing on one leg, wall leans, side stepping, chair maneuvers and a lot more – check out this video for examples https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mpJq_7MCDs&t=596s; and,
- LSVT Big exercises that you can also do at home if you have a sturdy chair with no arms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgtGOgVIhqc.
You can also have a great time – and get great results – by going to a gym.
Many fitness centers large and small offer exercise classes developed for people dealing with Parkinson’s. In Sussex County, where we live and work. Rise Fitness and Adventure https://www.sussexcountyparkinsons.com/ has one of the most significant programs, all led by highly trained, compassionate and fun-loving instructors.
It’s supported and promoted by the Parkinson’s Education and Support Group of Sussex County (PESGSC), a nonprofit organization of people living with Parkinson’s, caregivers, loved ones, healthcare providers, certified trainers and volunteers.
There are several different ways to participate at Rise, including:
- PWR!Moves, a functional exercise program that focuses on improving balance, strength and the ability to move better throughout your day. It features seated exercises that are fun and non-strenuous and typically effective in counteracting declines in motor skills, mobility and overall functions.
- Mobility classes that emphasize purposeful breathing in conjunction with movement, and typically begin in a standing positioning before transitioning to floor mat movements to elongate your body, alleviate tension and promote joint flexibility.
- TRX Balance and Stability classes using resistance bands, suspended TRX straps and small weights to build strength, balance, coordination and joint mobility.
- Circuit training with certified experts who lead you through exercise stations similar to what you’ll find on playgrounds and obstacle courses and incorporating weights and resistance bands.
- Rock Steady Boxing, a high-energy exercise program for more advanced athletes that reduces muscle stiffness and bolsters injury resistance for folks dealing with Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Tai Chi classes, that use slow and purposeful movements based on ancient Chinese meditation and gentle exercise principles. These classes can improve balance and stability and reduce falls while improving gait speed and leg strength. While these classes are offered through Rise, they take place at the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth and are also offered online.
And here’s some more good news – there are several other gyms in Delaware that also offer Parkinson’s classes – please check the Web sites to confirm dates and times:
- Aquacare Physical Therapy, with LSVT BIG classes, in Millville and Lewes https://aquacarephysicaltherapy.com/specialty/parkinsons-lsvt-therapy-program/
- Neuro Fitness Therapy, with individualized treatment programs in Wilmington https://neurofitnesstherapy.com/parkinsons-disease/
- The Hockessin Athletic Club, which offers a Dance 4 Parkinson’s Disease program on Tuesdays and Thursdays – get details from trainer Denise Boyle https://www.hachealthclub.com/denise-boyle
- Big LOUD and Proud at 300 Biddle Avenue in Newark on the 4th Friday of the month at 12 p.m. NOTE: please contact Stacy Gandia for more details at 302 733 1018
You can learn more about these programs and others at the PMD Web site https://www.pmdalliance.org/resources/exercise-groups/delaware/.
You can also call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) to find exercise classes in your area.