Getting started

11/19/2009

How to start your exercise program

You first need to get a complete picture of how your body is performing to include your strength in all muscle groups, your flexibility and exercise tolerance. Strength and flexibility are keys to preventing injury and cardiovascular endurance is crucial for fighting fatigue. How you should begin, how much you should do and what you should focus on depend on many factors including:

Your prior history and experience with exercise
Your current exercise routine
Your Parkinson's symptoms
Your physical and cardiovascular health
Strength of your musculoskeletal system
Pain symptoms
Your level of motivation, support and exercise opportunities at home and in your community
Your interests

Given the many variables that contribute to a successful and safe exercise routine it is best to get some help. A physical therapist or exercise trainer can assess your fitness level and prescribe an exercise plan that is safe and doable as well as a routine that increases in intensity appropriately. Starting too fast too soon can lead to injury, soreness or fatigue that may quickly end your exercise plans.

See 'Fighting Parkinson's- one step at a time.'
Author: Sierra Farris, PAC. Physician assistant and DBS program manger at the Booth Gardner Parkinson's Care Center, Kirkland, WA.

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