A good exercise plan can really
help your body to cope better
with Parkinson's disease. If you
spend too much time inactive,
your condition is unlikely to
improve and may get worse. Regular
exercise can help maintain flexibility,
good posture, keep muscles strong
and joints supple and improve
circulation to the heart and lungs.
It can also help you to deal with
day-to-day stress, and give you
a sense of achievement and control
over your condition.
Taking up exercise could be
as easy as finding a simple activity
that you enjoy, such as walking,
gardening, housekeeping or swimming,
and making it part of your daily
routine. (Try to make sure you
are accompanied when swimming
in case of possible freezing or
cramping).
Try to retain as many of your
leisure activities as possible.
If they become more difficult,
rather than immediately giving
them up, consider whether there
are simple modifications that
might help. Some people find exercise
classes beneficial, and exercising
in a group can also provide an
ideal opportunity to socialize.
Complementary therapies, such
as the Alexander technique, Yoga,
or Tai Chi, can help with Parkinson's
both physically and mentally.
Sometimes these complementary
therapies are now provided as
part of a rehabilitation process
for Parkinson's.
