41
Jimmy Choi , diagnosed in 2003 with early-onset PD , makes exercise a regular part of a full and inspiring life with Parkinson ’ s .
+ Take a different tack . New approaches to the same activities might ease symptoms . Some runners with dystonia , for example , run backward ( with a partner !) or change gait , switching from mid-foot to heel strike to avoid putting pressure on the toes . Try a couple of shorter exercise sessions instead of one longer , continuous session , to prevent or lessen dystonia .
+ Build a time buffer . For a 30-minute workout , plan an hour . If symptoms interrupt , you can take time to slow down , or stretch , massage or walk off the cramp .
“ When we concentrate hard enough , we can lessen the effects of dyskinesia . But that takes so much concentration we usually can ’ t do much else . So I concentrate on a simple exercise — like isometric holds . This is when you contract a muscle for a longer period of time instead of doing short , fast reps . I ’ ll hold a squat for a few seconds rather than doing a quicker set of 10 . Or I ’ ll do a hollow hold ( like holding a sit-up at the top ) instead of multiple sit-ups . Agility training is good , too , because you have to concentrate on speed and direction at the same time .”
What if Life or Parkinson ’ s Gets in the Way ?
Jimmy Choi