Hey gang. If you could choose ONE item from the gym out of Eliptical Trainer/ Stationary Bike and Rowing Machine, which would you choose and why? I’ve got some $$ to spend basically.
King of the gym?: Hey gang. If you could... - Cure Parkinson's
King of the gym?
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jeeves19
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Elliptical Trainer because when working out, you have to support your whole weight giving you a more strenuous workout per time spent.
Thanks as always Marc
facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10... I have a decent treadmill, not top-of-the line quality but not super cheap either. Also a combo chin-up bar that can do pull-ups and hip lifts and sit-ups. They're set up in a heated shed with TV,
Punching Boxing (Speed Bag) with Stand for Adults - Height Adjustable.. Reduces to high extend the tremor and rigidity, improves speed and balance, body stand and mood. You start feeling your body, your muscles and ..you name it😉
Hi Jeeves. My suggestion is for you to try different types of equipment for at least a couple of weeks for each type before deciding. Perhaps you can try them out a nearby gym. Your own personal experience will be the best guide. Good luck with your choice and get well soon with your DBS.
Because I have a right need with a torn ligament and minimal cartilage I do a spin class 3 times/week. And then try to walk 2-3 days/week. And, try to do some work with weights as well when I have the energy.
Personally - as a carer, not someone with PD - I would go with a decent rower. The rowing stroke is reasonably technically complex and there's much to be said for the pleasure in perfecting and refining your stroke...with decent machines providing feedback as you go.
Boredom is a problem for all these modalities...anything that adds interest is not to be dismissed.
That said, I join MB Anderson in thinking being stood up while exercising would be hugely beneficial, and to that end perhaps you would add a ski erg to your list of possibles?
I think I would still buy a stationary bike - which is what I did when I was diagnosed, as I still find the research into cycling and Parkinson's intriguing (the suggestion that it is potentially something specific about pedalling over a particular rom which helps). Having said that I was very interested to talk to somebody the other day about their treadmill (I've never even been on one in fact) and how they set it to certain programs and it actually forces them to walk run at a particular speed. I think it is more likely to guarantee a worthwhile workout without being solely reliant on grit and determination to turn pedals fast enough to get the right heart rate.
Thanks very much for that 😊👍
I’ve had all of them at one time or another and I vote for the bike. A treadmill and great, but if you have any balance issues (and who among us does not… eventually?) it is dangerous. An elliptical is ok, but unless it is a really expensive one it might seem less substantial than it should be. And we have a nice rowing machine that we used for several years, but I would still go with a stationary bike. You should try them all out like cgreg suggested.
I agree, I have all the above and I prefer the bike over everything
I got a rower for Christmas for my kids and love it. I asked my neurologist which was better rower or a stationary bike and he said definitely the rower!
I've got a exercise bike, but in 2017 I fell off it, I had a seizure, shattered my chest, never really found out how many ribs I actually broke, five at least, left it alone in my living room for years, have got a broken skull, irreparable brain damage, [more seizures🙄] but gingerly starting using my bike again, what do you know, getting near my target weight for getting off my diabetes 2 treatment? There is hope yet for an old codger like me🤔🤭
Free weights
The reason Gyms have so many different kind is they work on different muscles. Relying on only one or two types of equipment can over build and under build at the same time . There is no best machine , they all accomplish something.
Buy a membership in a GYM with a full range and 24 hrs open and you will meet some interesting people as a bonus.
GymBag
Not up my local Gymbag. 😂. They seem quite shallow and narcissistic sadly!
elliptical trainer is ,y No. 1 choice. The reason is that it enables the whole body exercise especially arms and legs. It also is the best for HIIT
Assuming you are physically up to it, I would vote for the elliptical. I have not used a rowing machine because of back pain from PD, but I have used a stationary bicycle and elliptical extensively. In my opinion, you can get a much more complete workout on the elliptical. Some inexpensive home elliptical machines are lightweight and can be unstable. If you are really going to push yourself, get one that is substantial enough to be safe. Stride length and motion also vary from elliptical to elliptical, so trying what you will buy is important.
stationary bike, because it uses very little dopamine to get up a very good sweat.
If your gym has access to Peloton, the scenic rides (minus the instructor) are marvellous!
jeeves19• in reply to
I’ll bet!
It is worth it to try 1 class. Explain your situation to the chief instructor and have them pick out the right class for you. Take some extra carbadopa/levadopa timed to kick in mid-class and bring an extra dose, just in case. You should walk out of class a lot easier than you walked in. Try it.
An aeroski or Fitter for that side to side movement, especially with alternating arm movement option, and a free standing, knock-downable (i.e. giving) boxing bag, like the Century Versys. When you start freezing, it's that alternating arm reaching (like in boxing) or side to side shifting that initiates movement again.
Exercise bike
I was looking to the future and thinking that at some point I may not be able to lift my legs up very high. So what piece of equipment would accommodate that situation the best would be a recumbent bicycle. I love mine! It is easy to get into and out of. I still use an elliptical or treadmill at the gym, walk 3 miles and do Rock steady boxing but the bike is always available in my home. I agree with the others that the elliptical and treadmill get to different muscles but what happens when you may not be able to lift your leg high enough. Just thinking of the most financially responsible option. Good luck and congrats on the DBS hope all is well. 🙃
Do squats. Get a good power rack.
My recumbent stationary bike is in the center of what passes for my home theater. Comfy enough to sit on when I'm not actually pedalling. Couldn't swing that with an elliptical. A sturdy elliptical is great, esp. if it lets you really work the arms. But not much variation other than reversing spin. With a treadmill you can walk sideways, backwards, carry weights... but with a big risk. I'm a little afraid of treadmills. I practice my silly-walks outdoors on terra-firma when no one's looking.
Thank you Mandoblast
rower I use all these at the gym but like the range of motion exercise part of the rower. I can not do it for as long because my trapezius gets a little tight, but I would like to be able to do it 10 minutes maybe 3 times a day. I like the stretch in my low back, especially since Parkinson has tight flexor muscles.
I started doing it because it was the favorite of a fitness trainer of Peter attia, and she demonstrated good technique.
universal answer is the one you’ll do and enjoy. Also important is the one that provides stability and can give a challenging workout but you need to like it, whether it’s a treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, or something else
I would say go for the rowing machine since it works so many good muscles in the back and arms and legs at the same time !
The other things can be achieved through walking.
Peter
Thanks Peter 😀
Elliptical for me 3 miles 4-5 x week with weights, short and intense. Followed by hot sauna and cool shower. Even did 15-20 hrs per week at walmart as a cart pusher for 8 months, but moved and do gym now. That was a real workout with pay and social entertainment/interaction.
You might also consider virtual reality boxing. I have Oculus Quest 2. Boxing helps improve hand-eye coordination, agility, speed, endurance, and strength.
Elliptical, upper body and lower body compound movements, low impact, weight bearing, four points of contact gives more stability than two.
Hi Jeeves. I am assuming that NHS has given you a budget to work with. Why not max it out with the option that fits into the pound ££ range? All other considerations being equal that is.
Do any of these expensive pices of eqipmwnr produce GDNF?
The Mayo Clinic Survey on Exercide for PD says 'VERY LITTLE'!
So Why not tell everybody to do the fast walkjing, which was proven to produce the MOST GDNF, which, as you well know REVERSES PD!!!!
So you probably sell gym equipment. I hope you feel happy about leading people in the wrong direction?
Can you not do fast walking in a tread mill ?
Yes you can, but it is not the same. YOU WILL NOT BE DOING THE BRAIN WORK OR THE SAME AMOUNT OF MUSCLE WORK!
It os YOUR HEALTH you are trying to hgelp!
Don't GIVE IN!
John
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