I want to get a new exercise routine going and was thinking about an elliptical or treadmill,any thoughts?

[Annie81963]

[Hidden]

Go for the elliptical. You don't technically have to move your feet even though your whole body is moving.. treadmill might trip.

[soup]

Why not consult a physiotherapist for their advice? They can spot needs that you might not pick up yourself.

[etterus]

Stationary bikes are probably the best. High RPM 80-90 has great benefits.

[Pete-1]

Is an eliptical what we would call a "cross-trainer"?

[Goof55y]

I'm looking at getting an exercise bike combo/ cross trainer. so you get upper & lower exercise without having to stand.

[ozepook47]

If you want to try something really different, try boxing! Google RockSteady Boxing and look at some of the videos. The results are amazing and you have the benefit of social interaction and support rather than doing your machine workout by yourself at home. It sounds ridiculous, but it really works!..You can release all those frustrations at the same time! Only people with PD between 20 and 95 years of age should do it! However, get your doctor to give you the OK before attempting it.

[Hidden]

I like to

wear weights on ankles and wrists and tread water in the pool. Less chance of injuries I think.

[NanCyclist]

Research by Dr. Jay Alberts of the Cleveland Clinic has shown that PD patients can reduce their symptoms by an average of 35% by cycling three hours per week at 80-90 rpm. pedalingforparkinsons.org is the website. Best wishes.

[hillsborougnjhpd]

you need to consult with your doctor but generallly speaking they believe stationery bike is the best exercise for PD, yga, tia chi and boxing ( try WII ) are also good.

There is a special Physical Therapy program called LSVT BIG which is targeted at PD issues

what ever you do

DO SOMETHING NOW

YOU MUST KEEP MOVING

[bawford in reply to hillsborougnjhpd]

Yes, I agree on the LSVT. It is wonderful!! Key is to DO IT EVERYDAY. I confess I stopped for a few months and my voice (LSVT LOUD) and my mobility shows pd had progressed horribly. LSVT BIG was restarted a week after the voice and I have noticed a difference already, Like you said, it will work what ever we do, we just MUST DO IT, EVERYDAY!

[Annie81963]

Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions.

Happy New Year!!

[froggatt55]

Unless you have the discipline - which I lsck - I would go to the gymn guided by s Neuro physiotherapist

[FifteenyearsPD]

a treadmill will force you to walk evenly esp if you are affected on one side-- you do not have to go fast and always have your hands on bar with access to safety cord and be sure and check with md re your condition, That said - I was diagnosed almost 17 years ago and still do treadmill every day- slower than I used to do and for shorter time but I am convinced that it slowed the progression of PD down for me and has kept me trim and fit. I also do strength training and some Yoga but I really don't like the last one.

[skyways in reply to FifteenyearsPD]

Hi There, Can I ask you how many miles a day you do? I will be starting the treadmill soon and I need a plan of action. Grateful for any advice on exercise that you can give ,thanks.

skyways.

[FifteenyearsPD]

I used to do 25 minutes at 3.5 mph but recently I have had some muscle weakness from parathyroid issue (I will find out in a few days it that is it) now as i a building my strength back i try to do 20 minutes at 3.0 mph. the hardest part for me is getting past the 7 1/2 min marker. If I can get there I sometimes can make 20 minutes.

Exercising on treadmill and other strenuous activities

have gotten harder and harder as my disease progresses but I made up my mind years ago that I would keep working out even if it was only for 10 or 15 minutes a day. My husband got me a BOSU (both sides up) for Christmas and i have done surprisingly well on that so I guess with enough determination I can keep on plugging way.

MY adivice - don't let PD win......

[skyways in reply to FifteenyearsPD]

Hi There ,thanks for replying and so sorry for taking so long to reply,I am still working out how to use this site,25 minutes,will knacker ne just now ,Have spent 2 nights slowing it down to 2 mph,its a start,PS,whats a BOSU.cheers.

[FifteenyearsPD in reply to skyways]

BOSU is short for "Both Sides Up". A physical therapist friend suggested it to help build or rebuild Core muscles. It is a "half of exercise ball" with a base. You start out with rubber ball side up and hopefully move on to the ball side down. It is unbelievably difficult to get up on ball without losing balance. I put mine where there is nothing for me to fall on. JUst standing on it and bending slightly to sides can be felt in core. I am up to 15 straight minutes - on, step or fall off (lose balance and step off) back on; twists and squats, off and back on and I am worn out but I do think it is helping

[skyways in reply to FifteenyearsPD]

Hi There,Thanks for the info ,I think I need to get on to physio to get a regime going,but Isometimes get a bit disheartened ans lack the willpower to get started,and really have not spoken to anyone else who has PD. Sorry for taking so long to reply.

[Samee in reply to skyways]

Year ago when my doc sent me to a neroligist who said it was PD. I went on line Google it and asked what next, a nurse working for David Zidd shared her sympathy and advised me to get with my local chapter APDA. for support and to start a 'vigorous 2 hr a day workout program .

In my location there is a large support system that I am still getting more involved with. Finding classes through APDA free classes and support groups has been a good motivation.

[FifteenyearsPD]

Hang in there and let me know if I can do anything or say anything that will help you get started.. it WILL be worth the effort

[maybeme]

I exercise every morning in my home -- helps me get thru the day, improves my tremor and stiffness and balance.

I used to take all sorts of exercise classes from Pilates to spinning to step aerobics and also used weight machines. Ended up teaching step aerobics and "total body conditioning" which was basically free weights and a variety of body weight exercises like push-ups, crunches, and others on a mat then stretching (some moves borrowed from Pilates and yoga).

Now with PD couldn't do step aerobics anymore --too uncoordinated to do the dance-like moves and afraid of falling off the step. But the weight machines are ok and free weights (not too heavy) and mat work like Pilates and some yoga moves are good.

For aerobics nothing beats a Spinning bike. It's stable so you don't worry about uncoordination or falling. You can stand up and pedal to increase your heart rate and get more variety in using leg muscles than a regular exercise bike where you can't stand up. Or while pedaling stand up, then sit down , then stand up, sit down --great aerobic and leg strength exercise. I bought one for home --small footprint, fits in a corner of my bedroom so I can get on it whenever. Even 10 minutes makes a difference.

[marthasway]

In October, I could barely walk, even with a cane. I started going to my local YMCA, and I now walk unaided most of the time, unless I am out and about in a crowd where I may be jostled and cannot plan my movements.

After an evaluation with a personal trainer, we have a fitness plan and goals, and having the support of other people makes all the difference for me. My apparatus of choice is the recumbent bike, and I am up to 3 miles per day. The treadmill is too hard on my arthritic back, and I am not yet coordinated enough for the elliptical; we all had a good laugh when I tried a few weeks ago!

I am also quite overweight after a precipitous weight gain last year, and that weight is starting to come off, making everything easier. So, I am a testament to the positive effects of excercise with PD. My balance, my self-esteem, and my overall wellness have improved immensely since I started.

A caveat: I discussed this fully with both my primary care doctor and my neurologist/movement specialist before beginning anything more than walking around the supermarket, which used to be my main form of exercise. I am blessed to have such a fine medical team!

[pdmcc]

I ride an exercise bike daily, it seems to help. There, however, are other exercises which help, a stretch band for your arms and shoulders, etc. My kids bought me a punching bag. When I get really frustrated with my Parkinson's, I go into the garage and beat the punching bag for fifteen minutes. Believe it or not, it really helps me and is also a good exercise for the arms and chest.