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.
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