Any exercises to improve core balance? - Cure Parkinson's

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Any exercises to improve core balance?

hilarypeta profile image
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hilarypeta
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31 Replies
Beachdog profile image
Beachdog

I have been taking yoga classes which helps with balance and flexibility (hopefully).

jillannf6 profile image
jillannf6

hi hialry

io do TAI CHI which is goodfor balance and improving the core

it si alsofor arthritis/ diabetes / osteo poroosis and is great

lol JIll

:-)

ram927 profile image
ram927

I do yoga 2X a week and Pilate 2 X a week good for core and balance

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

Thanks ive been doing yoga and qi gong and other exercises but wanted specific ones. I tripped and fell..landed on metal grid and now need 2 caps to front teeth, since then im nervous walking incase someone bumps into me..i feel i would fall ..Mouths healed now but looked as if id been in pub brawl!

NanCyclist profile image
NanCyclist

Strengthening the core will help with balance as well.

Debfrmco profile image
Debfrmco

Hi ...I am in balance therapy here in the states. They have several core exercises and several on the Wii. There is a Wii program called Wii Fitness. It has an exercise board that remotely connects to the Wii. It has yoga, balance games, core strengthening, and many others. It also takes your weight, height, age, etc, and keeps track of your fitness as you progress. It makes it all a little more fun. Lol....the good news is that if you haven't already purchased a Wii your in luck because the cost has dropped . It was round $300.00 for the set up. But there is a new version just released, called wiiU...you can get the Wii for around $125.00 now. And you can get the balance board and fitness program for around $25 - $30 used, as I did, at GameStop. If you know someone that has one...borrow it and see...you will be hooked, and will look forward to getting fit. Haha Good luck....Deb

kkamegranny profile image
kkamegranny in reply toDebfrmco

My kids bought it for me for Christmas but I've been afraid to try it because of poor balance. I guess it's time to try! Didn't realize there were balance games on it. Thanks for the info

Debfrmco profile image
Debfrmco in reply tokkamegranny

Your very welcome..I love mine..my daughter and I work out on it together,,which is nice. I was having falls quite often...but I can feel and see improvement in my balance, and energy,..and my therapist comments about the big difference already. I hope you enjoy it....some of the training seem s hard , but I was at the point of totally giving up ...with zero exercise ...and now I can at least walk across the room and even go shopping again without huffing and puffing ...lol. The really nice thing is that you can do this at your own pace., ,..enjoy..

kkamegranny profile image
kkamegranny in reply toDebfrmco

WOW.......I feel like you are talking about me. Going to pull it out and get started today! Also bought a dance WII game as that and the bowling one were recommended at my local support group. Already doing the bowling and <3 it!

PatV profile image
PatV

I'm taking PD exercise program here in New York City. I'm taking NIA, dance, walking and Alexander Technique. They all include balance exercises. Also includes yoga, water aerobics and tai chi, but I can't take them all! Used to include pilates, which I sorely miss!

dbean profile image
dbean

I take boxing and exercise classes three times per week. The classes are set up with a very heavy boxing routine, we work on core and balance and strength training. The program is in Indianapolis called Rock Steady Boxing. org. Check our our web sight well work the time and effort. Friendships that come from working together are fantastic

srarndt profile image
srarndt

Two good ideas, one stupid joke alert!

Stick with your Chi Gong, it is effective for most, but not a quick fix!

Meanwhile to avoid that "fresh from the pub brawl " flavor, I would suggest trying hikingsticks esp the adjustable length lightweight aluminum ones with the interchangeable tips.

(Or get some really nasty Biker tatoos to complete the look!) =)

Best wishes,

Steve

Bisbee, AZ

soup profile image
soup

The NICE Guidelines say that you are entitled to a referral to a physio for assessment and exercises to address difficulties. It might be a wait but if you can see a neuro-physiotherapist it will be worth it. Your PD nurse and GP should be able to refer you on. Having had a fall would surely be an additional reason for them to bump you along on the list.

Sue

FifteenyearsPD profile image
FifteenyearsPD

Check out the BOSU but don't use without close supervision it can be very helpful but be careful and use appropriately

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

Thanks for all your ideas. Dont know what BOSU is?. The punching exercise is helpful in qi gong. Im on the list for physio but keep cancelling appts as im away! Im looking normal now so no sympathy..but waiting for uk for 2 caps on front teeth! Paris at end of month, uk for a bit..then who knows! Cheers everyone..

inkyorion profile image
inkyorion

Check out the following( not in any particular order of pref) but have found all helpful on the balance 'front' and strengthening one's core.

Pilates for Parkinson's Disease available from Bettina Blank( pilatesforparkinsons.com)

Yoga for Movement Disorders DVD by Renee Le Verrier. Also book by same author available from (parkinsons.ie) shop and www,amazon.co.uk

Easy Tai Chi-Qigong by Don Fiore and Victoria Fiore (DVD)TaiChiHealthProducts.com

Tai Chi for Beginners DVD by Dr Paul Lam (leap.co.uk)

Move it (Exercise and Movement Guide DVD and book) at (parkinsonsmoveit.com)

Keeping Moving(Exercise and Parkinson's) at parkinsons.org.uk(free)

Delay the Disease DVD(Exercise and Parkinsons Disease) by David Zid at

(delaythedisease.com)

Home Exercises and Movement Advice for People with Parkinson's Disease produced by VU University Medical Center and can be found at (parkinsondvd.com)

Wii Fit Plus is excellent for Yoga, balance and core strengthening and XBox 360 looks even better but not much available thats suitable for PD at moment. Will keep you posted if I find anything.

I have used these (not all at the same time but over the past three years since my official diagnosis). I have had symptoms for over 8 yrs but like most was in denial till I ground to a halt...lol. Still use them for daily practise and also do group Yoga class and Tai-Chi class weekly. These are mainstream classes but have found tutors (and students) bending over backwards to include and support me.

I really believe that exercise is a very important aspect for people with Parkinsons who want to manage their symptoms. I hope the above refs are helpful.

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

Thanks so much..a lot of work. Im 6 years in, no medication. Im going down the natural route..agree with you about exercise. Theres a head teacher on utube who says shes fully recovered with qi gong ..howard shryke also says the same thing. Never got on with any kind of drugs and their side effects. Read gut reaction by gudrun jonsson..also need good digestion, i always had a nervous tummy!

inkyorion profile image
inkyorion

I agree about avoiding medication for as long as possible. I was also 6 years in before I reluctantly started meds at the age of 65 yrs and then only a minimal dosage of 8mg RequipXL. After a further 2 and 1/2 yrs, even with daily exercising, I felt my quality of life slipping away and have recently started with Sinemet Plus 25mg/100 x 3 daily. The improvements are amazing and I feel almost as if the PD has gone away. I know, of course, it hasn't but clearly, reading about all the potential side effects, I am one of the lucky ones. Ive had no side effects at all. That certainly wasn't the case when I started RequipXL....it took almost 6 months to settle down. Thanks for ref to gut reaction by gudrun jonsson. Like exercise, our diet is another important management tool.

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta in reply toinkyorion

Have you tried john colemans mentoring or howard shrykes recipe for successful recovery?

in reply toinkyorion

Intersting story Inky. I was misdiagnosed when I first sought medical help for a slight tremor in left hand. Doctor said 'benign essential tremor' and sent me packing. A year later and a better GP said Parkinson's. I've been with her ever since. Slightly unfortunate way of finding a good GP. I've been angry ever since. Now, reading your message I am asking was it maybe better to 'hold' out, as it were, for that extra year and medication etc.

inkyorion profile image
inkyorion

No but thanks, I will follow up on any suggestions made and get back to you.

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

I do some of the things but am very bad at sticking to a good diet. I do qi gong exercises everyday, morning and night, voice exercises..take coenzyme q10 and vit c and omega3,. Im not good at giving up meat and fish and sugar..milk and wheat...some of the worst things forpd.

jillannf6 profile image
jillannf6

HI HILARY

U R DOING V WELL IF U R STILL GOIGN TO PARIS!

EXERCISE IS CRUCIAL IN ORU LIVES I HHAVE ALWAYS FELT THA T AND I DO TAI CHI AND EXERCISS A THOME FOR GENERAL BALANAC EPROBLEMS

LOL jiLL

:-)

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta in reply tojillannf6

thanks and you. My partner takes me in his car! everywhere;;managed eurostar with help either end!

Kadie57 profile image
Kadie57

Have a referral to PT or check first to see if the have people trained in the BIG n Loud program for Parkinson, check out UTUBE these movements done daily are amazing. not hard to do either, they seem to help the brain concentate on movement making you stronger with daily movement. It is intense 4 visits to pt a week for 4 weeks. ( My insurance paid for this totally). I have had PD for 11 yrs just had DBS surgery in April 2012, and this helped allot..........Movement is the key we must keep moving to keep our brain cells from a further decrease in our ability to think & move. Kadie

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

Thanks..whats a pt? I know i cant sit still for 20 mins without feeling stiff! Qi gong helps me.. Trying hatha yoga again tomorrow am..never know if ill be able to stand up after floor exercises, life seems to revolve round the pd routines, exercising, dressing, feedings, clearing up, creams , supplements..no time to have a bit of fun. Having said that we. Had carnival

weekend in spain at the weekend and am still recovering!

Eljie profile image
Eljie

Recently started a health recovery class at my local Tai chi center. It's early days yet but I think I'm seeing some improvement. I like it because there's an option of. Doing sitting exercises if I'm having a low-energy day.

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta in reply toEljie

Qi gong is easier to do. I recommend it. Especially good is the liver one from howard shryes..on utube. 7 times pm and sm stops constipation..along with fibre and water!

Trixiedee profile image
Trixiedee

How about hula hooping? When I had a private neuro physio she used a bosu and it was very good. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BOSU

Sorry to hear about your fall, I live in fear of such things happening.

froggatt55 profile image
froggatt55

I woulld strongly support the views of Debfrmco on using the Wii. I use for strengthening excercises, Yoga and Balance .My two favourites (sorry I'm from Scotland) for Balance are going down the river in an air bubble and ski jumping . I think they arethe best in testing your balance and, most importantly they Are FUN

hilarypeta profile image
hilarypeta

lovely idea but im not the sporty type! thanks

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