That sounds quite ominous, doesn’t it?

While it might not be the best news you’ve received this year, we’ve got some exercises that can make a significant difference! Enhancing your condition involves a specific set of exercise genres, and over the past decade, I’ve witnessed remarkable improvements working with People with Parkinson’s (PWP) by applying them.

Let me break down the seven specific genres of PD exercises that I focus on:

1. Gait: Addressing the distinctive shuffling walk seen in some PWPs, I concentrate on exercises to lengthen strides and build the confidence needed for comfortable walking.
2. Posture: Parkinson’s tends to cause a forward-leaning posture, contributing to the shuffling gait. I employ postural righting exercises to enhance posture and to slow down this progression.
3. Flexibility: Stiffness affects muscles and joints in Parkinson’s, so I integrate plenty of stretching exercises into each workout.
4. Balance: Falls are a common concern, so we work on strengthening balance to prevent them.
5. Strength: Focusing on the ability to pick oneself up after a fall enhances independence, providing confidence for unaided outings.
6. Forced Exercise (KPA) & Coordination: The slowness in movement is linked to the brain’s struggle to establish necessary connections. Forced exercise, or what I playfully call KPA (Kick Parkies A…), aims to confuse the brain differently, promoting new connections and improving motor skills.
7. Voice/Face: Though not a spectator sport, working on voice and facial expressions is crucial. Regular practice of exaggerated facial expressions helps overcome the “deadpan” face associated with Parkinson’s. Voice exercises, such as reciting the alphabet during workouts, contribute to slowing down the tendency to speak quietly and rapidly.

Parkinson’s is a designer disease—no two individuals experience the same symptoms, and some may not even have a tremor. Personalised, one-on-one training is most effective as it allows for a tailored program to address your specific concerns.

Feel free to bring a support person with you if you’re concerned about falls. You’re in good hands