When I asked David Zid what the key ingredients in an exercise program to fight Parkinson's Disease are, I was a little surprised and taken back when he answered -
Strength training -
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710
and
Intensity (which I later figured out meant Interval training) -
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/interval-training/SM00110
Really??? These two types of training techniques are basically what MOST trainers say are key ingredients to ANY exercise program. I was expecting something new and innovative made especially for people with PD!
However, the more I thought about it and the more David explained these two techniques to us - the more it made perfect sense. I think everyone agrees that it is very important for people with Parkinson's to move, move, move, and then move some more. Wouldn't it follow that we also need to work on making ourselves as strong and healthy as possible while we keep ourselves moving? In most ways we are no different from our non-Parkinson's friends. A strong, healthy body functions better, it moves better, and it fights disease and sickness better - doesn't it? So if we really want to fight this disease the best we can, shouldn't we work at making and keeping our bodies as strong and healthy as they can be? Isn't that the real goal of an exercise program? It should be IMHO! Read the two above links on these techniques and see all the health benefits they have to offer!
Here are some things I learned from David Zid:
Are these techniques something that can be incorporated into Parkinson's patients exercise routines? Barring any special health issues - David Zid thinks the answer for many of us is - yes it can be and yes it SHOULD be. We just need to start (with the permission of our doctors of course) at what ever level we are at and WORK, WORK, WORK, regularly and consistently to improve our ability to move and control our bodies, to become stronger, and to be healthier - lift by lift, step by step - pushing just a little harder and a little harder each and every day (or at least 6 days a week).
Do you need David Zid to exercise? He would be the first to tell you that you do not! Although I will tell you his energy and enthusiasm are contagious, his knowledge is invaluable, and his experience with people with PD was extremely beneficial and comforting to me. His book and DVDs are a great resource to get started on an exercise path, however you don't need to travel to Ohio to develop an effective exercise program with him. (It was a great experience though!!!) David Zid and Jackie Russell are spending a great deal of time and effort in trying to get the info out to all of us and to the medical community about just how important and valuable exercise is in combating the debilitating effects of this disease. They really believe this and have witnessed how it works so well! But anyone can learn the principles of exercise with DVDs, books, internet, gyms, or with other personal trainers. Go to YouTube and watch a bunch of videos on exercises for Parkinson's Disease. They are all good! (Maybe not all, but the ones I watched were good). Google and read about strength and interval training techniques and work them into your regular workout sessions. Just do it - EXERCISE!!
Will we still have bad days if we exercise? Pretty much guaranteed! It's the nature of this PD beast. David says - "On those bad days, try to do what you can. And on your good days, do a little more and push yourself a little harder.!!" Exercise does not cure Parkinson's Disease and it is a progressive disease. But David Zid believes exercise can help slow down the progression and sometimes even reverse or delay some of the symptoms. He believes it is so beneficial as part of the treatment process that it is hard to understand why anyone wouldn't do it. I am buying into this belief. It just makes sense to me.
David also says - "We don't have a choice about aging - so why not age well!.
It's the same way with PD! Some do not have a choice in having PD -
so why not live with it well!"
That is what I intend to do - live with it well!
(More to come on exercising - along with some tips and helps for us special PD people!)
For more info on David Zid see - http://delaythedisease.com/
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