I attended a Zumba class on Saturday. I took my exercise poles with me.. to ensure I didn’t loose my balance. My attempts to follow the routines verified, my coordination is poor… I can’t skip or even do a little hop, but at least I enjoyed the social interaction.
I perceive I need to set aside more segments of time for daily exercise, one to focus on strength, one to focus on hands, one to focus on coordination, one to focus on posture, etc… if I am going to beat the odds.
[But taking a clue from yesterday’s post.. on procastination & baby steps.. I’ll take my time as I build onto my protocol]
Having a program that is physically challenging means that your muscles get tired, you get out of breath. It’s not comfortable. It’s hard but it doesn’t hurt. There’s a difference! Tell me if this is you…
You’re working out and you stop to think: “This is so hard! Can’t it be over yet???”
Sarah, of Invigorated says, “You’re entitled to a few complaints here and there!” But know this: “If it’s not challenging you, it’s not changing you!”
Element # 2: PHYSICALLY Challenging
“This can be a powerful affirmation if embraced and taken to heart… and is a KEY element to an effective Parkinson’s exercise program.”
“And it requires challenge. After all, why would it need to change if you can already comfortably accomplish the task at hand?”
“Your brain is wired to survive. This means it adapts when you’re trying to do something that you aren’t great at doing. It makes you stronger, faster, more observant of your surroundings. It helps you thrive.”
“This is why a physically challenging program is so important. Most of the time you can tell you’re working hard if your heart rate is up, at you’re slightly out of breath, and you can’t sustain that activity indefinitely.”
*Please Note: Be sure to check with your healthcare team before boosting the intensity of your exercise program.
Standing up to Parkinson's 