A new exercise class helps keep my Parkinson’s symptoms in check
The winter blues and worsening symptoms had me down for a bit
This winter has been hard here in Ontario, Canada. It’s been cold, dark, and snowy. Plus, my Parkinson’s symptoms worsened, with freezing and dyskinesia happening more frequently, my balance being at an all-time low, and fatigue ruling my days.
In the past, I’d been able to keep most of my symptoms in check partly by exercising. Recently, though, I don’t think my exercise regimen was doing much to help with my Parkinson’s disease. So I needed to shake things up a bit and add a couple new classes. I needed to challenge myself.
I’d been attending a boxing program for people with Parkinson’s disease three times a week and had felt strong, fit, and capable until this winter. I’d also been running twice a week and going to spin class once a week. However, when January arrived, I couldn’t muster up the energy to do any of those things. Last week, though, we finally saw some sun, which inspired me to take action.
Our local YMCA has a couple of classes I was interested in, including one with a catchy name that is specifically for seniors: Active Agers. “It’s for seniors, it’ll be easy!” I naively thought. I confidently strode into the class, where I was expecting a bunch of gray-haired grannies. Most of them did have gray hair, but I quickly learned that they were fit beyond my expectations.
The class started with a warmup during which the lovely instructor shouted, “Hands in the air! Now everyone, to the right! Two, three, four! To the left! Two, three, four! Now forward! Now back! To the right! To the left!” And on and on the class went for an hour while we danced, planked, lifted weights, and worked on balance. All of it was a high-speed, well-coordinated, musical extravaganza ending with a child’s pose.
Did I struggle? Oh, yeah.
Did I feel self-conscious? Check.
Was I humbled? OMG, yes, yes, and yes, I was.
Will I go back? Absolutely!
News flash! Just because someone has gray hair or Parkinson’s disease, it doesn’t mean anything! This group was so welcoming, nonjudgmental, and encouraging. I felt ridiculous for thinking that, based on age, the class would be a breeze. It was a huge challenge for me, but also a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to go back.
This experience has reinforced for me the importance of inclusivity in fitness and making everyone feel valued and included, regardless of age or health condition. The Active Agers class wasn’t just a physical challenge, it was also a source of joy and excitement that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I’m glad I had the courage to switch things up.
How about you? Have you switched things up recently? Let me know in the comments below!
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.
About the Author
Deborah Baney
You gave me a challenge also,mim planning when weather breaks will be heading to the ymca! I use to walk up a hill 3times a day to care for my horses, I had only one left and had to put her to sleep. So my routine changed, and heart broken. It was great therapy emotionally and physically now I had to find a new avenue to excercise. I also walk a lot on our property, live in the woods.take care
Christine Scheer
Hi Deborah,
I am very sorry to hear about your horse. That must've been very difficult for you. The YMCA is such a great, inclusive place. I hope you find a class that works for you.
All my best,
Christine
Danita Kelly
I was diagnosed in 2016 two years following my retirement as a flight attendant, December 2014 after 42 years. I loved my job and my life and to have a diagnosis that would change everything was very difficult to deal with.However, we have no choices in what disease might come into our lives.i found out from my neurologist about the Rock Steady Boxing.i can’t tell you how great it felt to do something I’d never done. My Parkinson’s was mild. I was still able to do anything I wanted. I admit exercise was never on my list of activities. Along the way I had been diagnosed with osteoporosis, which now is osteopenia.I exercise every day. I have PT 2x a week. During Covid I was unable to have PT, but I found a great exercise program out of Austin , TX , called POWER FOR PARKINSONs. Wonderful instructors and lots of classes most days@11 AM CST. Videos are 24/7.
I love, love, love it. There are classes everyday and they have grown and now they have classes on tape .They are on YouTube. I’d encourage those with Parkinson’s to try Boxing and try P for P. You’ll have a wonderful support group with either. YouTube has lots of exercise classes and videos for Parkinson’s. Check it out.
Christine Scheer
Hi Danita,
Thanks for the great information!
Keep up your amazing work!
All my best,
Christine
Gerald McCarty
I concur as I have for the last year been diligently attending exercises classes for seniors and I also was surprised at how energetic my fellow seniors were in class. After a year, now I am one of the old timers that make it look easier than it really is. Keep up the good work.
Christine Scheer
Hi Gerald, I know, right? I am looking forward to the day that I can maybe catch up to them!
All my best,
Christine
Ruth
I enjoyed reading your article on exercises. At times I also struggle to get to my classes due to my fatigue but once there I feel invigorated. Thank you for sharing.
Anna Marie Page
Hi there, I also box 3 days a week and noticed while I've been sick this week how my body is missing boxing...I have joined a PD warrior exercise program and finished it. I'd love to try dancing....I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for shaking things up....
Ron Valdes
I would love to. I just paid in the boxing exercise class. I’ll have a problem. I cannot stand up straight any suggestions.
Christine Scheer
Hi Ron, You'll get stronger as you box. I've noticed with my fellow boxers, they stand up much straighter now than they used to.
Best wishes, Christine
Giuseppina Carrieri
Bravissima e molto incoraggiante. Io non faccio tutte le attività che svolgi tu, ma cammino ogni giorno e quando mi sono fermata per il freddo polare una settimana fa, sono regredita velocemente, quindi confermo l'importanza che fare movimento per contrastare la rigidità e le discinesie nel Parkinson è fondamentale!
Kim papa
Hello, my name is Kim papa and I have Parkinson’s. I would like to take that exercise class. If you know of a class I could take here in Baton Rouge la let me know. Thank you
Kim
Christine Scheer
Hi Kim,
What you'll need to do is call your local YMCA and ask if they have any classes suitable for seniors.
Good luck!
Christine
Kim
I was/am experiencing the same things you were/are. Ii have been working out on my own for a while, but am struggling to stay engaged. I don’t need to be convinced of the benefits. But it never hurts to be reminded. Even more helpful is hearing about specific programs with their contact info. Thank you for the info. I will look into it.
Christine Scheer
Hi Kim,
Yes, I have found over the years that I do better in a class than on my own. It's helpful to have somebody telling you what to do. There are lots of courses on-line as well.
All my best,
Christine
Julian Dellar
Thank you for your post, it was an encouragement.
Last week I left a class, similar to the one you described, because I was struggling and having a bad day.
On reflection, it's probably what I need.
Thank you.
Jim Gonzalez
Hi Christine,
Great article and I think as you that exercise and mental wellness are two essential components to beating the symptoms of PD. I was diagnosed in 2014 at 49. I have done much better with my PD since adopting regular exercise and mindfulness to my daily life.
I was thrilled to find classes locally and on the web that cater specifically for people with Parkinson’s (pwp). The founder of this program called beat pd today is also a pwp. Her name is Michelle Hespeler and she’s been working with Yale neurologists on a project that supports the notion that specific forms of exercise can suppress or slow the progression of PD.
We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas on this program, please visit www.beat today.com.
Martin Young
I’m a retired Family Doctor diagnosed with Parkinson’s after a serious car accident 8 yrs ago. I’m 80+ yrs old.
I use all varieties of exercise from cycling indoor walking with poles weights . The most beneficial activity is twice a week with aquatic therapy . Fortunately in a small town of Gelert. Ont there is such therapy available by an extremely well trained therapist Audrey Collins.
II have seen her for five years now and she has kept none able to play golf 3. Times per week in summer plus my other activities.
Other therapies are for speech and swapping.
Golf simulator is now available in our area. So plan to use as well.
When I was practicing I encouraged Parkinson’s patients to do do activities along with meds. Now I’m taking my own advice
Karen Weldon
Thanks for the inspiration and awareness df what we can do despite our chronic condition.