American Parkinson Disease Association, Washington Chapter

By Alisa Malloch, American Parkinson Disease Association Information & Referral Center Coordinator

As many of you know, I have worked in the area of exercise promotion most of my adult life. From the early days of Aerobics in an Australian fitness-testing clinic, to teaching water and land exercise to a variety of ages at the YMCA in a small Nebraskan town, exercise and its many benefits, have been an important message that I have tried to tell anyone willing to listen.

When I came to the Information and Referral Center it therefore seemed a natural thing to continue to promote exercise. Of course, regular exercise is good for everyone. That we have known forever. But the benefits in Parkinson's are even greater than for most. In order that you keep moving down the road, you have to keep moving now.

Most of you have heard me ask, "What are you doing for exercise?" Sometimes, I hear amazing things about training for long bike rides or even running marathons. More often than not, folks have good intentions, but just can't seem to "get going" and they feel they are alone in this aversion.

This came to light recently as my mother, Grace, who has had Parkinson's for over 19 years, was telling me why she was unable to make it to her exercise class that morning. When I smiled at her response, and said that I had heard that from SO many folks in the PD community, and how they were just not putting exercise high on their list of priorities, she was SO relieved. "You mean I am not alone in my resistance?" I assured her that not only did she have lots of company in the Parkinson's community, but in the world at large. "People do not like to do something just because they should". There has to be more motivation than that. If I were to say, "let's go to the golf course", would you have the time? "Of course", she said, "just let me get my clubs!!" "So...what does that tell you?" I said. "That I can always beat you at golf" she teased. "That might be true", I countered, "but doesn't it also show that you have LOTS of time to do what you want to do?" "Yes", she replied, "but how can I WANT to exercise if I can't always golf?" You just need to find something that helps to make you want to get going. For example, you know the retired gentlemen who live in our neighborhood? They meet several times a week to bike ride for miles, stop for breakfast and try to solve the world's problems when they get together. They love to eat and they love to talk." "I get it" she said, "I just have to find some reason to motivate me...maybe a flashy new exercise outfit, or a friend who wants to have lunch after exercise class, or........."You've got it!" I exclaimed.

And here are some more tips to finding and staying with an exercise program that suits you.

1. Be realistic in what you choose to do - if you have always hated the water, perhaps Water Aerobics won't be a good option no matter HOW cute the new bathing suit is.
2. Find a good time of the day for you to exerciseÖwhen your medicine is working bestÖand stick to it like you would an appointment with your favorite massage therapist.
3. Ask for a referral to a Physical Therapist. He or she can give you a program of exercise that would be appropriate for you to follow. Or hire a trainer!
4. Set short term goals and stick to them - try doing a program a couple of times a week for a month then set a new realistic goal.
5. Keep a log...you might be surprised at how well you are doing.
6. Pay ahead if possible - nothing motivates you to attend a class regularly than "No Refunds."
7. Find an exercise buddy who is highly motivated and lots of fun.
8. Reward yourself - tell yourself how proud you are for taking such good care of you!
9. Tell others what you are doingÖit's harder to stop something if you have to explain the reason to everyone - they might just get motivated, too.

Don't be discouraged if you fall out of exercise today, you can fall right back in tomorrow.