Hi, I was just diagnosed with Parkinson's last week and my doctor told me that exercise was really important. My daughter got me an exercise stationary bicycle. It seems to be helping. You might try that or walking even.

Hi I do 1 Hr and 20 min exercise a day, Aerobic. Twenty min in the morning, calisthenics, 10 min with extra large rubber band , for strength . After lunch I go on stationary bike or go swimming for 30 min and in the evening I do 20 min Tai chi or yoga. I exercise more now, then when I was younger. sometimes I have to push my self but I do it. Zlatica

Zlatica, do you do the same specific exercises every day? Did a PT set up a program for you? Do you use a DVD? How did you come by your plan? I'm not confined to seated exercises, but can't keep up with the fast pace of exercise classes at clubs. Maybe I need a prescription for a PT to develop a routine that's specific to the needs of Parkinson's. Right now I feel like my "routine", such as it is, is pretty haphazard.

It would probably be best to get a program designed by a PT that specializes in PD. If you search exercise in this DS discussion group you will find a wide discussion on exercises and what we do. I ti good to have a well rounded exercise program that includes. Since PD is all about rigid muscles - it is a fight to keep the muscles flexible. I found weight machines very helpful - it was suggested that the less weight the better - it is the reps that count. What also counts is the range of motion in the arms and legs. I walk 2 miles every day to/from train station, do zumba and pilates - yoga and pilates are great because of the breathing and the stretching of the muscles that control the lungs. Tai chi is like the best - breathing, balance, range of motion, etc. Although I find Tai chi too slow for me at this stage.

So - Balance, muscle stretching, breathing, strengthing, range of motion.
Biking

Don't discount chair exercise - I have done a couple of those classes and the stretching is amazing!!!!

Hi , yes I use dVD for Thai chi and yoga , I watch TV when I bike, Calisthenics , I do with just music on and swimming , I just do with the nature sounds. I do not do the aerobic exercises same every day, I switch it around. Depends haw I feel. We also join a club, I am very found of swimming so in winter time their lap pool and get a trainer ,so I exercise rt. By all means go to PT they have something new now , it is called Big therapy. That is what you should ask for. Thai chi and yoga I do always at night it helpes me to relax. Zlatica

Mine most of the time is a exercise bike(recumbent style for comfort) Push-ups and crunches and work with dumbbells, punch a speed bag for coordination My main is Tai Chi. I mix it up to avoid getting bored with a certain one. Best of luck, Just keep moving.. Brian

The best program is one that you will do!! And what works for your body. I am thoroughly convinced that the 18 years I taught exercise classes have allowed me to be so physically active while battling PD. I am up and down stairs a dozen or more times a day and no problem. Course I can't roll over or write my name (lol).

Walking with a friend helps as it holds you accountable or paying a gym fee might push you so you don't waste your money. I promise you, whatever you choose, you will feel better afterwards.

5-6-days per week I spend about 15 minutes working out - sit-ups, push ups, deep knee bends, curls, and overhead presses. I then spend 40 minutes walking if weather permits, otherwise, an exercise bike.

Schells is absolutely right... it varies with everyone.. i think you just have to find what's right for you (and try lots of different things) then figure out a schedule... I belong to a health club and go 4 - 5 times a week twice a week i see a trainer (whom i love) but i change up the rest... sometimes i do a zumba class (and i can't keep up with all the young people but i keep going and get through the whole class) i try to take 2 water exercise classes a week those are good for stretching and i also do some cardio stuff ... my trainer showed me a bunch of balance exercises and i do those at home on my own... there are also exercise books for people with PD and balance issues i don't have them handy now but if you want the names let me know... Yes walks are excellent and Schells is right if you do them with someone you don't notice how far you're walking... i take my dogs and we start off at a good pace and end up slowly making our way back cause we're all pooped but... i'm always happy i did it... and i found with PD i could try to schedule reg exercise but sometimes if i'm having an off time it's not possible to do that so i just adjust and make sure as soon as i can i am doing "something" so good luck to you.. i'm sure you'll find things that work for you!!! paula

How in the world do you people find time to do all this in one day? You made me tired just reading it----(I know I will now get blasted for saying this.)

Some or most of this due to other physical issues I would not be able to do and affording the expense of joining a club is impossible.

I do have a stationary bike I love to do but then it causes problems with the lower degenerative disc disease and scoliosis I have.

Please don't ridicule me about it because I so agree moving is important but I have also had surgeries on both feet so even walking is very hard which is why I fell and broke my shoulder.

Schells----you are up and down stairs dozens of times a day and you have PD. Wow-----I think I am way worse off then I thought.

I am glad all of you can do all it is great. I think mine is way more advanced then I have realized for sure----I keep moving but it is sure not to the extent of all of you---you are blessed for sure.

I get out pretty much every day for a good walk that involves a good sized hill. I really have to concentrate on swinging my arms though. I also go for bicycle rides. Cycling feels great, it like flying!

Heavy weight training 4-5 times a week after work, with about 15 minutes of cardio at the end. Once home, I take the dogs for about a mile walk. Stay active!

C

Wow, I'm really impressed. I don't think I was as active as some of you are even BEFORE I got Parkinson's!

Well, you've all got some great plans going. I've never been good about following up at a gym, so I think I'll get an Rx for Physical Therapy for starters. Once you get there you're sort of committed to following through. I've heard about the trend to exercise with big movements, and will mention that. I already do Tai Chi to a DVD at home (some days), and our local Senior Center offers free classes in Tai Chi & Line Dancing. Combining social interaction with exercise might be helpful.

One thing that's clear is that those of you who responded seem to have strong time management skills. In fact, the people who are most active on the board also seem to have the busiest schedules! So my first task is to manage my time better & stick to a schedule - I think that must be key to everything else.

Thanks for sharing.
Bari

I use a routine developed by David Zid called "Delay. the Disease". He is a professional fitness instructor. He developed the program specifically for PWP. It is easy to follow with lots of pictures. It is progressive, so you can grow into it. I got my copy thru Amazon.com but frankly don't remember what it cost. His website is delaythedisease.com. I highly recommend it.

You know, Paladin, I have Zid's DVD, but not the book. I'll have to dig it out & preview it again - don't know why it got buried. Thanks -