Tips to Stay Fit During Coronavirus Isolation

If you’re in the same boat as my dad, chances are that your gym is on lockdown. Dad was disappointed to hear that Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is pausing operations during the global coronavirus pandemic. But he also recognized that it’s the safest move.

This global quarantine is really shaking up our routines, which can feel frustrating. But one of the beautiful consequences of the pandemic is that huge steps are being taken to adapt. In light of current events, fitness instructors are starting to offer free classes for those looking to stay fit at home. It seems as though fitness classes are becoming even more accessible than they were before.

If you’re lucky enough to have an internet connection and a space in your home to work out, there’s no reason to let your fitness go. You can follow along with a number of fitness videos or write down the routine and do it on your own. Some videos are geared specifically toward Parkinson’s patients, while others are general routines that can help you work up a sweat.

Fitness classes for Parkinson’s

Finding fitness classes that target Parkinson’s symptoms can be really helpful. Focusing on strength and mobility can help to keep symptoms at bay. Luckily, a number of organizations recognize this.

Rock Steady Boxing

I recently spoke with Sara Roque, Rock Steady Boxing’s affiliate services director. She noted that affiliate coaches might have access to a series of RSB’s virtual courses. If you usually take RSB classes, it’s possible that your coaches have access to virtual videos that are similar to the classes you’re used to. It might be worth asking them about it.

If you’re unable to gain access to RSB videos, a number of organizations offer virtual boxing courses. Many don’t require equipment. Check out these boxing videos from PopSugar Fitness and Fitness Blender if you want to stay fit until the gyms open again. Many of these workouts are designed to target cardiovascular health, which is an important way to stay strong while in isolation.

The Brian Grant Foundation

The Brian Grant Foundation offers a series of online videos geared specifically toward people with Parkinson’s. If you like what you see, you can donate to show support, but it’s not required. The videos address everything from warmups to aerobic agility and vary in length, making it possible to find a routine that targets Parkinson’s specific challenges without leaving your home.

Power for Parkinson’s

Power for Parkinson’s is another organization that makes exercising from home relatively easy. This organization offers videos that range in length from 30 to 60 minutes. Videos target strength, balance, and vocal strengthening, among other things. Most don’t require equipment.

General fitness classes

If you’re looking for fitness classes that don’t necessarily target Parkinson’s, tons of personal trainers and yoga teachers are adapting to fill the virtual fitness space. YouTube is a wonderful resource for free fitness courses for just about anyone. Chances are you’ll find a fitness class that targets the type of workout you’re looking for.

A couple of them that I know include:

Amy Wansing Yoga

Amy Wansing Yoga will be creating virtual yoga classes on YouTube for use during this pandemic. The Colorado-based yoga instructor specializes in strength and has a background in yoga for climbers. But she also provides meditation sessions and positive mantras.

Kari Sullivan Fitness

Kari Sullivan is a Colorado-based personal trainer. She will be providing at-home workouts during the pandemic. Follow her on Instagram (@karisullivanfitness) to find new workouts during the week. She has a background in CrossFit and specializes in strength training. But her workouts offer a variety of exercises and options for people of any age and ability.

Creating new routines takes a lot of time and effort. But it’s possible. Saying committed to our health and well-being will allow us to overcome barriers associated with frustration and change. And technology is creating new ways to connect with people who can hold us accountable to those routines.

Staying active while in quarantine is entirely possible. Maybe we can even get our loved ones to join us!

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.