Getting Exercise Any Which Way You Can

I have frequented a gym for the past two years, participating in Rock Steady Boxing classes. I love the fellowship and camaraderie with other people who understand the Parkinson’s journey I am on. 

Detour

However, I have had to step back from my class for a while and take a detour. The boxing part of the class has jarred open my pain box, causing me to sidestep class until my body feels better. 

What to do? I can’t just stop and let the muscles and strength I have acquired turn to mush. That would be a step backward. Yet it feels as if I have had to step backward — from punching bags, at least. However, I do find some exercises tolerable if done gently or in smaller increments than in class. I keep up with exercises such as jumping rope, lunges, pushups, situps, and more. I also walk frequently and regularly.

I exercise when I am able and not in pain. For example, when my grandson is over and I am playing with him on the carpet, I tell him it is time for some pushups. That is his cue to see who can do them the fastest. And he proudly always does. 

You do what you can, when you can

Being more structured in your routine is most likely the best choice, including having a set time and place to exercise. But sometimes you might feel as if you can’t be more structured. That is when we must remind ourselves to do what we can, when we can. When we are able to do an exercise routine again, we can rejoin the groups that keep us accountable.

For the past year, I have been following a program called Delay the Disease, which offers several beneficial exercises. The workouts have a lower impact on the body than boxing. Those in the program post a new exercise almost daily on their Facebook page for Parkinson’s patients. The posts are aimed at a specific thing to work on, such as balance, getting up from the floor, lifting, etc. 

Core muscles

I try to aim for strengthening my core muscles, which are the muscles that enable me to roll over and get out of bed more easily. They also enable me to get up from a couch or chair more easily, as well as dropping to the floor and getting back up again when playing Legos with my grandkids. 

Anyone associated with Parkinson’s will tell you how important exercise is. So, do it — any which way you can.

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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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.