Parkinsons + Exercise
It's good for you!
Before starting any exercise, check with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you to start working out.
As most of us know, exercise is one of the most important things we can do for our quality of life with Parkinson’s. Many studies have shown that exercise is the only thing proven to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Starting an exercise program as soon as possible after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be crucial to slowing the decline in quality of life. For Parkinson’s, it is best to do some type of activity every day to maintain our mobility and function.
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There are a variety of choices when it comes to exercise, but what is most important is to choose something you enjoy and will stick with. We also need to incorporate cardio, strength, balance, stretching, and flexibility into our workouts. Some of the exercises that include these components are boxing, BIG for Life, hiking, biking, running, walking, Tai Chi, yoga, dance, and weight training. High-intensity workouts have also been shown to be extremely helpful with symptom control. Here are a couple of articles related to high-intensity workouts.
Links
Michael J. Fox article on high intensity workouts
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Brian Grant article on high intensity workouts
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Fortunately, for the Flathead Valley Parkinson’s community, we have three excellent exercise programs specifically for people with PD. Click on these links to learn more about our Rock Steady Boxing, Strength & Balance, and Tai Chi programs.
Strength & Balance
The Strength and Balance Exercise class in Kalispell has been an important part of the PD community for several years. Initially, the class was held at the Summit Medical Fitness Center but is currently being held on Zoom and will begin meeting in person two days each month beginning April 6th, 2023. Strength and Balance incorporates all of the exercises that are necessary for persons with PD including cardio, strength, balance, coordination, cognitive, and more. The exercises are functional and focus on maintaining or increasing the participant’s ability to perform day-to-day activities.
“Motivation is the problem for me. When I try to take classes on my own or work on exercise machines, something always comes up. The Strength and Balance classes have kept me moving. The friends are there to share our ups and downs. Zoom has been been awesome, thanks to Mary Anne, Marjory and fellow BIG Zoomers.” -Ellen
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“I was diagnosed a year ago with PD. I have learned that exercise is absolutely VITAL to people with PD! It has been for me. I have started moving, I feel better, walk a little faster, emotionally I feel stronger. A person with or without PD could benefit from participating in these Strength and Balance Zoom classes!” -Lela
Join a class:
Mary Anne Gill is the energetic, positive and committed instructor for this hour long class. No experience is necessary to join this class. For more details or to join this class, send a message.​
Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.
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Rock Steady Boxing is one of the best activities you can do to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Fortunately, for the Kalispell Parkinson’s community, we have an excellent program led by Lynnell Gravelle, a Physical Therapist with Advanced Rehabilitation Services. Lynnell has extensive experience in treating people with Parkinson’s. As a Rock Steady Boxing coach, she started the Glacier Rock Steady Boxing program in Kalispell three years ago and has had an energetic, committed group of boxers ever since.
Join a class
If you’re interested in getting involved with Rock Steady Boxing, please contact Lynnell Gravelle at lynnell@arspt.com or 406-752-7250.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a series of gentle physical exercises and stretches. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion. Tai chi is sometimes described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through gentle movements — connecting the mind and body.
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There are several studies that recognize a huge benefit for people with Parkinson’s performing Tai Chi. Tai Chi is especially good for balance but also helps with strength, coordination, cognition, anxiety and many other motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Tai Chi can be done standing or sitting and is very gentle and easy on joints and muscles.
Join a class
Deb Davis, the instructor for this class has years of experience and makes this class achievable for all abilities.
Contact us to join a class
Speech Therapy
Research shows that 89 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience speech and voice disorders, including soft, monotone, breathy and hoarse voice and uncertain articulation. As a result, people with PD report they are less likely to participate in conversation, or have confidence in social settings than healthy individuals in their age group.
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Speech disorders can progressively diminish quality of life for a person with PD. The earlier a person receives a baseline speech evaluation and speech therapy, the more likely he or she will be able to maintain communication skills as the disease progresses. Communication is a key element in quality of life and positive self-concept and confidence for people with PD.
The Flathead Valley is fortunate to have speech therapy programs specifically for people with Parkinson’s.What: LOUD Crowd® free, weekly group sessions where SPEAK OUT! exercises are performed and participants practice speaking with intent. The LOUD Crowd® provides accountability, camaraderie, education and support.
Loud Crowd:
​Anyone with Parkinson’s who is interested in supporting voice clarity. If you have not yet completed SPEAK OUT! Training, please get in touch with Ashley Franz (ashleygfranz@gmail.com) for instructions prior to attending.
When: Weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2pm.
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Where: The Springs (Montana Room), 1001 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, MT 59937
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There are also locally trained LSVT LOUD therapists at the Logan Health Center in Kalispell and can be contacted through their Outpatient Physical Therapy program at 406-751-4520.