My walking stick

My walking stick – Louis Armstrong

Diagnosed : May 25, 2012 Video : Jun 30, 2023

Exercise, exercise, exercise!

That word is constantly being pushed upon us Parkies.

However to most Parkies attending and committing to an exercise program is not as easy as one would hope.

There are so many benefits to exercise.

However there are so many roadblocks and hurdles, imagined and real, that get in the way of making exercise a daily habit!

However we must understand,

WHY we exercise.

We are not exercising to become better athletes or to get more fit. Although that is a benefit.

We exercise for medicinal purposes.

Just as we take our medicine on time and in the right doses, to get the most benefits from them.

So to, must we exercise the best way for us. So that we can best benefit from that exercise.

So here are some tips I use.

1: Music, Music, Music

Get a play list of your favourite songs.

Pick songs that make you want to dance/move.

Pick songs that make you want to sing.

Pick songs that have strong positive lyrics. Lyrics are probably more important than the beat. As reciting or singing positive lyrics is imbedding positive images in your brain.

Pick songs that have positive meaning to you. Songs that when heard by you, make you smile.

2: Compete, Compete, Compete

Try and avoid the easy options!

Living with Parkinson’s on a daily basis, isn’t easy. I feel your pain!

The most mundane things we do in life are the things that challenge us now.

From brushing our teeth, getting dressed, to lace and tie our shoes.

Get a device that monitors your movements.

Use your imagination, try and create a means of turning our daily activities into a challenge or contest.

You against yourself!

3: Socialize, socialize, socialize

Be Parkie Proud

Get out there and bring awareness of Parkinson’s to the world.

Getting out and interacting with others exercises our cognitive abilities and challenges our vocal abilities.

4: make the most of your in home activities

Walk on you heels when going to the bathroom

Reach and tap the top of the door jamb when going from one room to another.

When getting in and out of chairs, don’t do it just once.

Repeat it a couple of times.

EVERY THING YOU DO IN A DAY, can be turned into an exercise!

10 minutes here

10 minutes there

Be creative

Exercise

Your mind

Your eyes

Your voice

Your physical body

Remember motion is lotion

Even if you plan to attend an exercise program outside of your home environment

That attendance, was only made possible by choices you had to make before hand,

When do I have to be there

What do I wear for it

How do I get there

Oh yeah

Where’s my walking stick?

Have fun and be a warrior