[Luke Barrett]

I totally agree with these previous posts- the 3 major components that need to be emphasized in a workout routine should be..

1) Strength – Getting stronger helps improve posture, balance, prevents many injuries (increases tissue tolerance levels, improves joint stability, helps absorb higher forces, increases bone density, etc), and strength training also actively trains the central nervous system by improving neuromuscular efficiency which is imperative when fighting a neuromuscular disorder like PD.

2) Cardiovascular/respiratory or endurance – This improves heart health and respiratory function, as well as increases the amount of physical output you can do before you fatigue.  This training also burns many calories which can help with burning fat or weight maintenance/loss.

3) Mobility (‘usable flexibility’) – This is improving your active (or usable) range of motion around each joint.  This will help you move more efficiently and help avoid injuries.

I run boxing classes in NYC (now virtual classes) for PD and boxing has been great at covering most of these modes of training.  We also do other exercises in classes for what boxing may lack (such as strength or posture).

I started making some youtube videos for the PD community once covid hit for people struggling to find workout options while avoiding public places.  Anyone is welcome to follow these videos for free.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u32zVvkqcSY&t=98s

I also started teaching live Parkinson’s exercise/boxing classes virtually for the same reasons.  Anyone is always welcome to join us…

Stay active, strong,  and healthy.

[Luke Barrett]

I run the Rock Steady Boxing program in Manhattan and our boxers were seeing great results and loving it prior to covid.  The boxing drills improve weight shifts, balance, mobility, agility, coordination, speed, and tons of endurance.  We also do many other exercises in our class too.

However, once Covid hit, we had to move our classes to virtually online, and I also created some youtube videos for them to also do at home.  Many of our members have enjoyed the flexibility of the online classes, but others have not made the move to going virtual.  These are the members that I am worried about, especially as some of them have already reached out to me informing me that they have regressed with lack of exercise.  Do you have any advice for how I can help the people that have not gravitated towards the virtual tech options while gyms remain closed?