10 exercise tips for people with Parkinson's

Friday April 10, 2015

My name is Karl Robb and I am delighted to be guest blogging for NWPF for Parkinson’s Awareness Month! I hope that you enjoy it!

One point that I like to emphasize in my lectures is that Parkinson’s disease is an unconventional illness that probably requires an unconventional solution. Keep in mind that you most likely didn’t get this illness overnight, so getting better may take time as well. 

If you enjoy exercise, I congratulate you on achieving this point. I am very happy for you. If you have Parkinson’s and enjoy exercising, I am jealous. As a former avid skier and tennis player, the will remains but the execution has dwindled. Exercise works best for those who are disciplined enough to make exercise a daily ritual. Keeping motivated and inspired is sure to help physical and mental fitness on many levels. Here are 10 suggestions to consider for starting or maintaining a fitness plan in your life: Keep in mind that this is strictly my opinion and I am not a medical expert.

10. Set reasonable and attainable goals that you can work up to and achieve. Set new goals once you have met the previous mark.

9. If you don’t like exercise, you may not stick with it—but exercise can be fun. Find one or more exercises that you will try to do on a routine basis.

8. Vacuuming, playing video games, dancing, walking, playing ping pong and jumping rope are not always labeled as exercise but they can all be great ways to have fun, will keep your interest, and get your blood pumping all in one.

7. Depending upon your needs, there is help available through books, videos, and classes. David Zid’s Delay The Disease book and video as well as John Argue’s The Art of Moving (book and video) may be just what you are looking for as a home routine.

6. Exercise works best when the mind, body, and spirit are all working in unison. Be sure to keep an open mind to yoga, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi.

5. Don’t put your health at risk to get exercise. Talk to your doctor about your exercise regimen. Be careful to not sustain an injury, as that will be a setback to your progress.

4. Sleep, diet, and stress reduction are every bit as important to exercise to your health. Finding ways to relax through music, massage, reiki, yoga, and meditation can be very helpful.

3. Knowing your body and your limits will dictate where you start and how fast to move forward.

2. Remember to exercise the whole body and not just the physical part. Working the mind everyday with puzzles, brain games, brain teasers, and crosswords might just be a helpful addition to your workout.

1. Don’t forget to breathe, laugh, and smile. Learn relaxation techniques and reduce the role of stress in your life with small changes.

Karl Robb has had Parkinson’s for over 30 years and is the author of the Amazon bestselling book, A Soft Voice in a Noisy World: A Guide to Dealing and Healing with Parkinson’s Disease. Karl’s blog is at www.ASoftVoice.com and his Twitter is @asoftvoicepd.

Karl Robb
NWPF Guest Blogger