Flathead Valley Parkinson's Support Group

HOW TO EXERCISE IN ORDER TO GET RESULTS FROM PARKINSON’S EXERCISE PROGRAMS

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Numerous research studies highlight the critical importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s. Regular high-intensity exercise can improve mobility and coordination, boost your mood, reduce stiffness, and minimize soreness and fatigue. And each year, more studies prove that exercise may slow the progression of Parkinson’s itself. Multiple studies explore the possibility that exercise helps protect nerve cells at risk of damage, degeneration, or cell death. In other words, the most vulnerable cells are strengthened before they experience damage – thanks to exercise.   

In this video interview with Parkinson’s wellness coach Kristine Meldrum, we explore the latest on high-intensity exercise and neuroplasticity, how group classes can help you live well with Parkinson’s, how to begin an exercise routine if it’s new to you, and how to get the most out of your exercise regimen.

You can watch the video below.

As with every therapy you try to treat your Parkinson’s symptoms, be sure to consult with your physician and others on your care team before beginning an exercise routine. Not every exercise works the same for everyone. Do your due diligence and make sure all of your experimentation is under the direct and frequent supervision of your doctors.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• A Timeline of Jay Alberts’ Parkinson’s Research
• Cycling for Parkinson’s: The Long Climb Back from COVID-19
• How Sarcopenia Affects Quality of Life with Parkinson’s
• Rock Steady Boxing
• Delay the Disease™
• Citations for presentation

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

In this collection of resources, we share information about the many ways exercise is medicine for Parkinson’s, plus what to do if you’re not sure what type of exercise is best for you, you don’t feel like exercising, you need to find a Parkinson’s physical therapist in your area, exercise hurts, you need a plan that’s doable and sustainable, and much more. 

ABOUT KRIS MELDRUM

Parkinson’s Wellness Coach Kris Meldrum has more than 15 years in the fitness industry and worked a decade in the Medical Fitness Industry before starting Genesis Health Club’s Neuro Wellness Program in 2020. She has published several Parkinson’s/neurological articles that she vets through Jay Alberts, PhD, Vice-Chair of Innovation in the Neurological Institute and Neuroscientist in The Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. Kris is an ACE Senior Fitness Specialist; an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor; an ACE Approved Parkinson’s Cycle Coach; a Certified Madd Dog SPINNING Advanced Instructor; Madd Dog SpinPOWER Instructor; a Certified Rock Steady Boxing Parkinson’s Head Coach & Trainer; a Certified Parkinson’s Delay the Disease Instructor, and has completed the APDA Parkinson’s Training for Fitness Professionals. Kris also speaks at Parkinson’s Conferences about “The Science and Methodologies of Parkinson’s Exercise—How to Exercise to Improve Symptoms.”