Have Parkinson’s and Can’t Get Your Heart Rate Up? Use This Intensity Scale Instead

If you have Parkinson’s, you’ve probably heard that exercise intensity is important. Research shows that exercising at 80 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate can slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. But what if your heart rate doesn’t seem to increase the way it’s supposed to? What if you have health problems or take medication that makes it impossible?

You’re not alone.

Many people with Parkinson’s experience changes in their autonomic nervous system, and some medications can also affect heart rate. As a result, your heart rate may not accurately reflect how hard you’re actually working during exercise.

That’s where the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) comes in.

The RPE scale measures how hard an exercise feels to you rather than relying on a heart rate monitor. On a scale from 1 to 10, you simply rate your effort.

For most people with Parkinson’s, the goal during aerobic exercise is to work at an RPE of 5 to 7. At this level, you’re breathing harder and your heart is working, but you can still speak in short sentences. This level of intensity has been shown to create positive changes in the brain and neuroplasticity, which helps with Parkinson’s symptoms like mobility and gait but may also slow down the progression of the disease itself.

Watch this video to learn How To Use the RPE Scale To Monitor Your Workout Intensity:

Listening to your body is just as important as watching a heart rate monitor. If you’re working hard, breathing more deeply, and feeling challenged, you may be getting an excellent workout, even if your heart rate isn’t as high as expected.

When heart rate isn’t a reliable guide, trust your effort. The RPE scale is a simple, effective tool that can help you exercise with confidence and get the most from every workout.

Are you looking for Parkinson’s-specific exercises that will help you feel and move better? We offer a variety of specialty online courses to address your Parkinson’s symptoms:

• Rebel Fit Club Posture School
• “From Cramping Feet to Happy Feet!” Course
• PD Exercises to Improve Hand Dexterity & Mobility

Do you need to improve your balance? Join our Balance Builders Academy™! It’s a five-week course that you can do in person or virtually. Classes are held once a week, and you’ll also get recorded videos that you can do at home. For more information, email Kimberly.

💜 Coach Kimberly