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– Adult day programs Often tailored to people with memory or thinking ( cognitive ) changes or other significant symptoms who can benefit from supervised exercise and social engagement .
– Silver Sneakers Available to people with certain Medicare plans ; offers in-person and online classes , workshops and more
– Local parks
– Religious facilities
+ Practice makes perfect . For new or more difficult exercises , have an expert observe and give feedback until you ’ re comfortable on your own . Begin with a few exercises you feel confident you can master . Gradually take on more and more challenging activities as you gain knowledge , strength and trust in yourself .
+ Partner up . Ask another person , such as a friend , spouse or carer , to join physical or occupational therapy appointments and then watch you do “ homework ” exercises on your own or , better yet , do them with you .
What if Life or Parkinson ’ s Gets in the Way ?
– Public libraries
– Fitness stores or studios
– Veterans Affairs ( VA ) hospitals
– Online programs , smartphone apps , videos or DVDs , or on-demand streaming programs
For Parkinson ’ s-specific classes , see page 64 . And ask your doctor , physical or occupational therapist and other community members for recommendations .
Unfamiliarity : “ I am not sure I can exercise correctly .”
Exercise can be intimidating . Whether it ’ s trying a new exercise or class , using equipment , or navigating the gym , it may be a little scary . Will I look silly ? What if I can ’ t do it ? What if I hurt myself ? Remember , everybody was once new to exercise . And there are people and tools to help you get started and stay safe .
Strategies
+ Ask the experts . Work with an exercise professional if you ’ re exercising for the first time ever , the first time with Parkinson ’ s or the first time with a new symptom . Just a few sessions can get you moving in the right direction . ( See page 64 .)
“ I think of exercise as more important than taking my medicine . I exercise seven to 10 hours a week . After about 18 years with PD , I got deep brain stimulation ( DBS ), which allowed me to physically go back to year three or four of my PD , when symptoms were more minor , and exercise became easier . On the downside , I may have exercised too much . I need a hip replacement . I also have a bad shoulder and knee . I call it the triangle of pain . So I try to do things like biking , where I don ’ t have to transfer my weight too much . And I wonder , how do I get benefits of exercise without doing damage ?”
Jim McNasby