With the opening of our new gym last week, I have had a huge influx of new fighters. As I conduct the fighter’s initial evaluations for correct class placement, I am amazed at how many people are not aware of the complexity of Parkinson’s disease. I’ve always thought of myself as an educator first, and a forever student at the same time. My mentors are the researchers and my teachers are the people who actually navigate Parkinson’s in their own lives, both the “patient” and their family support team.
In the beginning, people me tell me they are doing fine with their PD and their symptoms are minimal and hardly noticeable. However, when they come in the door it’s obvious their symptoms are not minimal. They could actually be considered dangerous to themselves.
How is this possible? And what do I mean by dangerous? These individuals aren’t in denial; it’s how they actually feel. Parkinson’s is a sneaky (insert whatever expletive you feel most fits here). It can fool the individual into thinking they are doing fine. Because it is slow progressing it can feel normal.
Those of us who work with people with Parkinson’s (especially holding mitts in boxing) notice right away. Spatial awareness or perception of peri-personal space is affected. The person will keep moving closer and closer to the target, whether it be a heavy bag, mitts, or during warm-up my fighters start closing in on me. If I ask them to move back, they are shocked that they have moved in at all, and often report not noticing they are almost kissing the heavy bag. They also say, “You’re so far away!!” when I’m within a normal range.
When you have PD, you must have a certain amount of trust with what people are telling you. Luckily, my fighters are open to suggestions. They believe me when I tell them that this needs to be addressed, and to be mindful when walking and driving. It’s real! This is what we teach every day; we help people become mindful of these changes. The causes of this spatial perception deficit are complicated… the Parkinson’s brain perception, visual changes, etc. There are even differences in whether you have bradykinesia, dyskinesia, tremors; the symptoms are as different as people themselves.
Here’s the main take-away for today; if you are working out alone at your local gym or in a class not specific to PD, who will be able to tell you when these changes occur? Who can teach you strategies for being mindful? When your family or coach is asking you to speak up, slow down, talk longer steps, please listen to them. They see things you may not feel or understand.
I want to thank our dear fighters for working so hard in class to learn strategies and accepting the lessons we teach to help keep you safe. If you are a reader and not in a PD specific exercise program, please seek a great one out. Classes like our Rebel Fit Club program will make your life safer and will help your family help you. And a side benefit, you may make a friend or two!
Have a beautiful day,
💜 Coach Kimberly