Great program going national

[PatV]

bit.ly/1wDjVqr

The program at the JCC has helped me so much. Had PD 12 years. NO medicine is neuroprotective, research has shown, but exercise is!

[Leilani23]

Hi, Pat V,

What types of exercise do you find helpful? I'm newly diagnosed and trying to figure out my way ahead.

[Allyn in reply to Leilani23]

I'm fairly new diagnosed also, but looking back I think I've had symptoms for 5 years. I do swimming twice a week - just plain laps - and I think it has helped me tremendously, and also I have a little motorized exerbike - I got it for about $100 - and I think it helps also.

I also just try to continue to do outdoor activities (yard work) and walking is excellent!

Best wishes

[PatV in reply to Allyn]

I continued all my activity before and after diagnosis. Walking, ballroom dancing, yoga. AFter first torn meniscus Pt . I've needed a cane or walker since then but thank goodness for program at JCC. More than once I've thought I'd never leave the house alone again, but I keep going.

[Leilani23 in reply to PatV]

That's the spirit, Pat! Good for you.

[Leilani23 in reply to Allyn]

Hi, Allyn,

I'm trying to get myself motivated to swim, since I live a couple of miles from the beach and swimming is possible year round here. So far it has been just walking but because of the bad heat, swimming would be more tolerable. Thanks for the advice.

[landman in reply to Leilani23]

I start with:

stretching with stretchy rope

stretching with a pole

real situps (sit in chair, cross your arms, sit up out of the chair without using your hands ( I started with 5 sit ups and now do 40+ with wrist weights

then stretching and using weights on an inversion table

end with strength training with weights.

You do not have to do all at once. Start off slow for a week, then increase small amounts. Search internet for exercises.

Rule one-Do not do any exercise you do not want to do. Choose what ever makes you happy and strong. Start light and short until your brain craves more. Just exercise.

Rule two-forget the saying "no pain no gain"

Good health to you,

[Leilani23 in reply to landman]

Thanks a lot for your detailed response. I'm adding your exercises to my program. Very helpful. I particularly appreciate your comment about choosing things that make me happy and strong and not things I dread doing! Your approach is very motivating.

[landman in reply to Leilani23]

I start with:

stretching with stretchy rope

stretching with a pole

real situps (sit in chair, cross your arms, sit up out of the chair without using your hands ( I started with 5 sit ups and now do 40+ with wrist weights

then stretching and using weights on an inversion table

end with strength training with weights.

You do not have to do all at once. Start off slow for a week, then increase small amounts. Search internet for exercises.

Rule one-Do not do any exercise you do not want to do. Choose what ever makes you happy and strong. Start light and short until your brain craves more. Just exercise.

Rule two-forget the saying "no pain no gain"

Good health to you,

[landman in reply to Leilani23]

I start with:

stretching with stretchy rope

stretching with a pole

real situps (sit in chair, cross your arms, sit up out of the chair without using your hands ( I started with 5 sit ups and now do 40+ with wrist weights

then stretching and using weights on an inversion table

end with strength training with weights.

You do not have to do all at once. Start off slow for a week, then increase small amounts. Search internet for exercises.

Rule one-Do not do any exercise you do not want to do. Choose what ever makes you happy and strong. Start light and short until your brain craves more. Just exercise.

Rule two-forget the saying "no pain no gain"

Good health to you,

[PatV]

I'd like to be motivated to exercise on my own. So I'm so glad I have my classes.

[Madam]

My legs are very weak and at times I shuffle my feet. I stretch my arms and legs several times a day. I am afraid to go out alone, sometimes I am walking perfectly and within seconds I can't walk. Any suggestions.

[PatV in reply to Madam]

Sounds like me when I'm on Stalevo. Sudden on, sudden off. Without meds I can't move either much. 'Neuroprotective' means it just keeps PD from advancing, or advancing slower. Obviously you can't exercise much if you can't move. Do as much as you can, when you can, and hope you find someone to walk with.

[neilp01 in reply to Madam]

I am new here on this forum, so I read more than I do replies to other m?msgs.

[JohnPepper]

Hi Pat. We have talked together often in the past. I'm sure you know my story. Have you read anything or everything on my website, reverseparkinsons.net? If you have but don't believe anything I say, then that is your choice. If you know it all but are unable to try it, then I am not able to help you.

Kind regards

John