Category: Parkinsons

Let’s Get Planking

Posted on by Landtiser

The plank is a popular exercise in Pilates, yoga, and other fitness classes and is great for people with Parkinson’s disease. Holding this position strengthens your core and gives your whole body a workout. They also build endurance for the arms and legs, especially the shoulder, back, and abdominal muscles helping you to maintain an erect posture.

Watch the video below for the different types of plank modifications that will work for all stages of Parkinson’s disease. Continue reading “Let’s Get Planking”

Why Crunches Are Bad for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by Landtiser

We’re told all the time how important a strong core is. Especially for people with Parkinson’s a strong core can mean more stability, less pain, and better posture.

Contrary to popular belief, however, you’re not going to get the benefits of a strong core through doing crunches.

When we look at which muscles make up the “core” of our body, it’s easy to understand why using gym machines or doing crunches can actually inhibit our functional core, creating poor posture and pain.

I explain in depth why crunches are so bad for people with Parkinson’s, and actually cause more harm than good in the video below: Continue reading “Why Crunches Are Bad for People with Parkinson’s Disease”

Never Give Up, Ping Walked With A Cane, Not Now

Posted on by Landtiser

Ping has Parkinson’s Disease and attends my Rock Steady Boxing Portland, Oregon class. He came to my PD 3-5 level class for people with balance or cognitive limitations. Most fighters use wheelchairs and walkers. People in this class need extra assistance and usually bring a corner man (family member) with them. When Ping started, he was intimidated (his words) and weak. He had balance issues and walked with a cane unsteadily. When Ping would hit the bag or mitts, he hardly tapped them and his voice was soft. Each day my volunteers would tell me Ping is hitting harder and harder. He smiles and laughs more. He doesn’t use his cane anymore. His workout includes, speed bag, battle ropes, ladder precision walking, Rowing, squats and voice work. He is a delight to have in class. Continue reading “Never Give Up, Ping Walked With A Cane, Not Now”

Longevity: Getting Up Off The Ground Without Use Of Hands

Posted on by Landtiser

Can we predict longevity? Here is a great inspiration to start the new year, Steve B, a fighter in Rock Steady Boxing Portland. He has learned to get up and down off the ground without use of hands. This is no easy feat. It takes balance, strength and flexibility. Steve worked to be able to do this and yes, Steve has Parkinson’s Disease. You can hear him in the clip say one side is easier than the other. Obviously for someone with PD it’s going to be more difficult on his PD affected side, but I have taught many people without PD to do this over the years, and everyone has a more difficult side. Continue reading “Longevity: Getting Up Off The Ground Without Use Of Hands”

Seared Shrimp and Asparagus Salad

Posted on by Landtiser

I discovered this seared shrimp and asparagus salad on the Allrecipes website when looking for a green salad which was a little different. It originally called for scallops which you can still use.  I varied it by using grape seed oil because I like the flavor better. I also substituted cocktail shrimp in place of scallops because I wanted something easier to cook and more economical. What I wound up with was very tasty and now a holiday favorite.
It’s healthy, fast and easy to make and great any time of year. Allrecipe suggests serving it before an elegant dinner, we like it with our holiday meal because of the bright green color to add to red cranberries on your plate..enjoy! Continue reading “Seared Shrimp and Asparagus Salad”