Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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DreamcatcherNJ 08/05/2012

Several posts this week have mentioned the importance of exercise (and sleep) for maintaining cognitive function, slowing the progress of Parkinson's, & an overall sense of well being. I'm realizing how deficient my own exercise program is. I'd love to hear from others about your personal fitness routines. (Unfortunately I don't have a pool). I get sidetracked so easily, & I'm sensing that I need to schedule my days better.

deleted_user 08/07/2012

HI dream ,i am busy all rite , but even if i was not i have to schedule my exercise at the time when I feel good . Otherwise iI cannot do it. bluesapphire i understand your other health issues . But lets look t it. can u exercise while u sitting in a chair ? My friend does that . You can do yoga, tai chi . lift weights or dance sitting in a chair. You can do water aerobics in a wheel chair. IN fact this sunday New York Times ,was an article , where Dr say , you should exercise 30 min a day but is better to brake it up in3 10 min sessions I do not remember why. But i think that is doable . What u think. Zlatica PS I have tai chi tape I got free on mirapex site. It has the chair version .

DreamcatcherNJ 08/07/2012

This may sound crazy, but I've found that when I'm bothered by dyskenesias (I think that's what you mean by "off time"), it actually helps to get on my exercise bike & channel the unwanted movements. After about 15 minutes I usually feel better.

PSullivan 08/07/2012

i try to push myself to exercise somehow every day but when i have a "true off day" i can't... and that's ok i just make up for it the next day!!

deleted_user 08/08/2012

Thanks Paladin----I am going to order that DVD you sugessted "Delay the Disease". I played some of it on youtube and it is really a good way to exercise for PD.

My husband goes to the YMCA and works out but I just don't care for that kind of atmosphere. But I will try this program and I am excited because I will be doing something to help myself. Great !

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