Good news

[pdmcc]

I signed up at the gym and began working out on the treadmill for my leg weakness and tremors. good news is that after 4 weeks my legs don't shuffle quite as bad and my walking pace has picked up a little. Neuro was really pleased. I must say, when I started I wanted to throw in the towell, but kept with it and glad I did. Any other exercises that will help, was told I'd eventually end up in wheel chair, but I'm determined not to let it happen

[jillannf6]

HI

GREA T THA TYOU R BENEFITTIGN FROM TEH GYM

Ihad to giv e it up as i oudl no logner swim and did not jus twna tot cycle and walk oh hte treadmill ihn a busy gym with th edang erof fallign

so ...

keep i tup whilst you cna

and good luck with it!!

lol JIll

[eh110575]

They repeatedly say the exercise is the best thing you can do for Parkinson's Disease! I believe it!

[PatV]

4 weeks how many days a week did you go? How long each session! Thanks, need to know!

[pdmcc in reply to PatV]

I go 4 days a week, 45 minutes each session. At first, it was very frustrating and difficult, but it seems to be getting easier each week. I've even increased the speed. Start at a pace that you'll keep you balance, slowly increase the speed as your body allows. I'm 54 years old, and decided I'm not going into a wheel chair, and this has helped me, as well as improved my mood because I feel like I'm finally doing something.

[PatV in reply to pdmcc]

I'm 72 and use a walker. I'm in a walking class but it's only once a week. I'm going to ask about stationary bike.

[PatV in reply to PatV]

but I only use walker outdoors.

[landman]

I agree that exercise is a great way to fight PK. As for me. I exercise twice a day 5 days a week. I also had trouble walking & now one of my exercises is one legged squats. I can do 20 on each leg. Stresses me out in a good way. My exercises include using a stretchy rope, light weights, and an inversion machine. Started with 2.5lb in each hand. Now up to 10lb in each hand. I feel stronger and better about my self.

[Susie01]

I just read an article on WebMD regarding PD and exercise. The study used three types of exercise. 1. Slow walking on a treadmill for 50 min. 3X a week, 2. Intense walking on a treadmill for 30 min 3X a week, 3. Weights and stretching 3X a week.

The most successful for gait and bradykenisia was surprisingly number one, I believe it was a four month trial. They did say number three benefited stiffness. Personally, I walk on the treadmill and then stretch afterwards. I was a gymnast and runner and have always tried to maintain my flexibility, threw docs off in trying to diagnose me. Though I am much less flexible now than I use to be.

[purelabor]

started walking to the store down the street. It is about 1/8 mile. I do this every 3 days and I am noticing I don't have as many rest stops as I use to. Exercise seems to help. The wheelchair is a scary thought, I think like you, stay out of them as long as you can.

[FifteenyearsPD]

Exercise is the best medicine for Parkinsons- I was diagnosed 16 and 1/2 years ago have walked on treadmill since 1989 so I was ahead of the curve and I firmly believe that it has slowed the progression of PD.. I am not able to do much more than 15 min at 2.8 o 3 mph now but I still do it virtually every single day. I have added a stationery bike to my routine - 20 min on it a day and then i follow up with the BOSU ball - which I love. I do not feel like I am exercising and it is fun- I hate Yoga!! . Have been doing this since Christmas and feel like I have regained most of the strength I had before I had DBS almost 9 months ago. DBS has been very successful for me but the 3 procedures really took a toll on me.

I can not say enough about the importance of exercise- I must add that I have always been athletic, played sports and worked out. I walked 3 miles a day when nobody walked unless their car had broken down -even walked 3 miles the day before my first child was born. I don't want to sound like I am bragging but to emphasize what a difference exercise can make- I am 70 years old and have the lean body of someone 1/2 my age. When I go to an appt with a new person i.e. physical therapy etc - that person is looking around the waiting room for someone who is 70 and has had PD for 16 + years. Everyone of them is amazed when they call my name and I get up.

[Kat00]

Congratulations on your success pdmcc! It is true that it is tough to start exercising and keep at it whether you have PD or not! Thanks for reminding us of the rewards of working through the days we don't feel like putting in the effort.