Move with a Group- Take advantage of what your community has to offer you

01/20/2010

Move with a Group- Take advantage of what your community has to offer you

You know the power of exercise for general health, in improving Parkinson’s motor symptoms, emotional health and now even neuroprotection! But how do you stay motivated? How do you keep up an exercise routine after you are discharged from physical therapy? You may want to hire a physical trainer to motivate you and help keep you on track. This is a great way to move your exercise program from the therapy gym to your personal gym. But not everyone can afford an exercise trainer. There are affordable and accessible programs to help you stay fit. Read the article Find resources in your community for helpful tips on how to get the most out of your community and programs it may offer. Look in your community center, senior center, community college, church, hospitals and YMCA for exercise programs that fit your personality. Find the exercise program that is right for you with the following tips:

Keep it interesting, creative and fun!

Exercise does not have to be boring. It can be - especially if your routine consists of walking on the treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike, followed by lifting the same old weights. You are more likely to continue an exercise program if you enjoy it, it is creative and fun. We learned the added value of exercise that is complex requiring problem solving and creative in the Use It or Lose It Series, January 2010. The article Neuroplasticity- More than just movement reviews some of these concepts. The following exercise programs may add fun and creativity.

Dance- whether ballroom or karaoke dancing is fun, creative, can be done as a couple and for a short period of time- makes you forget you have Parkinson’s!
Consider Music therapy to get themost out of you movemetn and fun.
Obstacle courses- mix it up with a series of balance, strengthening, stretching and endurance routines.
Any exercise using music. Music is powerful, energizing, motivating and uplifting.
Team sports

Use your head!

Many exercise programs available in your community integrate the mind and body to improve motor function, emotional wellbeing and general wellbeing. The power of stress reduction is reviewed in the article Neuroplasticity- More than Just Movement. Yoga uses mindfulness exercises, breathwork and awareness of body control, postures and sensations to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. Tai chi incorporates the ancient Chinese art of movement and the power of unblocking our body’s energy flow. The Feldenkrais and Alexander techniques are examples to two programs that incorporate the mind, sensory motor integration and a relearning of our patterned movements and habits to improve.

Be part of a group!

Research evaluating the effects of exercise shows group exercise helps sense of wellbeing including mood and self esteem. There is tremendous value in being part of a group. The support and encouragement that we get from our peers is tremendously rewarding, uplifts the spirit and keeps us going. Most communities have many group classes to chose from whether aerobics, spinning, stretching, dancing, Yoga and other mindfulness exercise programs. If you belong to a support group, consider using the first 10 minutes of each group to works on stretch, balance and strengthening exercises that can even be done in a chair!

Involve your family!

Let’s face it- exercise is good for all of us. You do not have to have Parkinson’s to benefit. Exercise can help you deal with frustrations and blow off steam if you are a caregiver. Many computer games such as the Nintendo Wii fit are suitable and fun for all ages of the family. Make one night a week game night and you will find this brings the family together for a common purpose.

Get outdoors!

Exercise is more interesting, more invigorating and refreshing when done outdoors. The beauty of nature adds a sense of peace and relaxation to our exercise.

Learn more in the Fighting Parkinson’s one step at a time Series:

Resolution 2010. Starting and exercise program and sticking with it.

Exercise Safely- Avoid Injuries

Staying Motivated to Exercise

Author: Monique Giroux, MD Medical Director NWPF and Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center, Kirkland, WA.

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