It is important for everyone to find some type of exercise regimen they enjoy doing and will stay with it because it does provide many health benefits. An exercise plan that is tolerable for those with Parkinson’s can actually help manage their symptoms. A good exercise plan really should include flexibility (stretching) exercises, aerobic activity, resistance training and strengthening exercises.

The types of exercise a person can handle solely depends on the symptoms and challenges that person may experience. For a sedentary individual, simply getting up and moving around can be extremely beneficial. The more active a person is can allow them build up to regular vibrant activities by building up slowly and consistently. Various approaches work well to help maintain and improve mobility, flexibility, balance and ease non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms such as depression or constipation.

Honestly, Parkinson’s can be quite scary as progression of this disease can lead up to many physical challenges.

• Loss in joint flexibility, which can affect balance
• Decreased muscle strength or deconditioning, which can affect walking and ability to stand up from a sitting position
• Decline in cardiovascular conditioning, which affect endurance

Just a few helpful tips for those with Parkinson’s disease to get started with an exercise program:

• Be safe! Safety is always the most important thing. Consult with your neurologist regarding concerns and to get their recommendations on exercises.
• Work together with your doctor and support system to set certain target exercises. Structural exercises may include aerobic exercises, such a brisk walking and resistance training using weights and or bands.
• Purchase a pedometer, which is a step counter. Make a goal of the number of steps you want to take each day. Increase your steps weekly depending on your symptoms. Keeping steps written down on a calendar or a notebook will allow you to see your progression and give you something to be proud of!
• Exercise indoors and outdoors. It is perfectly fine to change-up your routine to whatever your interests are and what keeps you motivated.
• Choosing an exercise that is enjoyable is VERY IMPORTANT as it will hold your interest much longer! If you enjoy doing yard work in the spring, summer and fall, that is a wonderful source of activity. Or if you really enjoy riding a bike, you can do this at the local park, in your neighborhood or even have a stationary bike in the comfort of your own home.

Y’all already know that Parkinson’s Disease is something I care very deeply about because my step father has to battle this disease. I want to be able to do as much as I can to help him be able to live a comfortable life for as long as possible. Now, I already know he is not going to be very excited about my information regarding exercising because it is not something he really wants to do, but he does enjoy yard work very much. I know he does yard work because he wants their yard to always look beautiful and probably has no idea how much this will actually help him. If gardening and yard work is the only source of exercise he gets, I think it should always be encouraged!

I appreciate you visiting my site this morning! Your support and willingness to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease means so much to me. April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and I wanted to raise as much awareness as I possible could! Y’all know that my post are normally in purple because that is my favorite color, but blue is the color for Parkinson’s, so that is why you see a change in color!  I really hope that someday there will be a cure for all those suffering with this disease. I hope you have a fantastic day! As always I am sending y’all lots of love and comfort!

Always, Alyssa