exercise

OOOOOOOOOOOh Dan,

I LOVE this topic. I think it is crucial to people with Parkinson's - exercise of ANY kind.

I have been involved with a non-contact, boxing-based, fitness program since it began in 2006. (I was diagnosed in 2001.) The program is all about making you do more than you think you can - 'forced' exercise. And that I have done ... more than I ever thought I could.

We jump rope, do jumping jacks, push ups, sit ups, burpees, speed bag (the little hanging 'bong bong' bag .. and an outstanding stress-reducer), heavy bag (3-4' long, larger hanging bag) and more. We do exercises to improve balance and to 'open up' - to minimize the 'shuffling', small steps, loss of balance, etc. 

In fact, I am involved in a study that compares this rigorous exercise program to typical physical therapy. There is some indication that rigorous exercise MAY slow the progression of the disease (see the tandem bicycle study at the Cleveland Clinic, for example). I am a believer. At the least it provides a way for me to fight back - literally and figuratively.

I don't know whether I can mention the name of the program which is located in Indianapolis, IN. If so, it is Rock Steady Boxing. The site is www.rocksteadyboxing.org  You can also search for us on www.YouTube YouTube f I would be glad to answer any questions about the program or my experience with exercise. The comeraderie of the participants is worth it's weight in gold as are the trainers.

lizzy4451

Jump rope!!! That's the kind of exercise I am talking about. Need to get one.  Never thought of that. Next time out I am going to buy one of those kids toys that is a paddle with a rubber ball attached by a rubber tether (if they still are made). Also considering a rubber horseshoe set for  kids. I need inside stuff for the long Michigan winter, less two months in Florida.

Lizzy, you mentioned your PD affects your left, or weak, side. I wonder what the percentage is, weak to strong. I am right handed and PD right side. I find that I use my left hand more and more.

Shortly after I started playing table tennis by myself I hit the ball to my left side. Instead of hitting back hand I switched he paddle to my left and returned the ball. It was automatic. I did not think about it. I have never held the paddle in my left hand. I was so surprised I just stopped. I am now as good, or better, left as right.

You sound very active and in good physical shape. If you will, how old are you?

Dan

Llew,

Whew! Thanks ... saved me from revealing my age. I'll just say I am in my 50's.

Things I have heard that help ... riding a bicycle (even a good friend with balance issues rides without trouble), tai chi, dance, swimming, and, of course, non-contact boxing ... among other things.

What is a burbee ... let me see if I can describe it. First of all, I think they were/are popular in the military. You start standing up - sorta squat down - put hands on floor - sort of 'hop' (not good description) and extend legs straight back (now are parallel to the floor ... as if lying on floor, except arms and toes holding you off floor) - then sorta 'hop' and bring feet back under body - then stand up.  OK, I found a youtube video that shows a burpee. We do not do the jump when standing that is shown on the video.   (click on the link that follows)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Dq_NCzj8M 

Jump rope definitely gets the heart rate going! We jump for 2-3 minutes with a 30-45 second rest in between - usually 2-3 repetitions. If you struggle with jumping the rope, you can hold the rope in one hand and swing it in a circle to the side (sorta like a lasso ... however that's spelled) - then swing it to the opposite side in a circle. Can add the 'jump' while swinging rope to the side (some people aren't confident enough to actually jump the rope). Switch hands and do it again.

OK, there's your exercise challenge for the day - go grab that jump rope and have at it!

Dan, you sound like quite the table tennis player! It's great you found a form of exercise that is fun and that you can do alone and indoors.

lizzy4451

Now I know what a burpee is. I even looked it up on Google, and there's plenty there about this exercise. You can even add a push-up, so the sequence goes squat, thrust, push-up, squat, jump. Some call it the perfect exercise. Perhaps only for the very dedicated!

Dan,

I was diagnosed in 2001 and have taken Requip (now Requip XL) since then. I also took Azilec for a few months

Llew,

Glad you figured out what a burpee is. I should clarify that different people accomplish a burpee on divderent levels. The point is that they push youtodomore than you think you can.

Llew, talking about meds ... you were recently diagnosed, right? Like within last year? And you are taking Sinemet? I would STRONGLY encourage you to research Sinemet. Sinemet unquestionably works the best. However, I would encourage you to research the number of years it is effective and the side effeccts - dyskinesia, in particular.  There are alternatives to Sinemet for 'newbies'. Your decision on meds is a personal one depending on your circumstances, etc. Only you know what's right for you. Just make sure it is an educated decision.

lizzy4451

Thanks for your comments on Sinemet. I've been taking it for about 9 months, and I'm also concerned about its long-term use and side effects. I know that there are alternatives, but they also seem to have side effects. I've been to three neuros and they just have a very basic knowledge of PD, in fact I seem to know more than they do. And there are no PD or movement disorder specialists where I live. So my problem is that there is no-one who can give me professional advice and prescribe something else. You say that only I know what's right for me - agreed, but only once I've tried it. What would you suggest I should try? I'd welcome any suggestion from you or anyone else, because it may make a big difference in my life.