Side bending or listing to the side is a common symptom with Parkinson’s. The muscles pull the body to one side, making it hard to walk, sit, drive, breathe, and exercise. This can cause back aches and balance issues. In my boxing classes and Posture School series, we learn how to counteract the compressed side bend by tilting up and over in the opposite direction. You need to give your ribs room to open up. Breathing deeply and intentionally driving that breath to the compressed side will help. It’s important to practice these movements multiple times a day to fight Parkinson’s twisting your connective tissue and bones.
Check out this video to learn how to do the Hammerhead Shark Stretch to treat side bending with Parkinson’s:
Instructions to do this stretch:
- Place both hands on your forehead, one on top of the other, with your palms facing outward. Pull your elbows back. You’ll look like a hammerhead shark.
- Take a deep breath in and on the exhale, bend up and over to one side, pointing your elbow to the ceiling.
- Inhale and exhale a couple of times in this position, driving your breath to the side ribs.
- Return to the upright position and repeat on the other side.
- Do this throughout the day when you feel yourself leaning to one side.
💜 Coach Kimberly
Now in Session: Rebel Fit Club’s Posture School!
Coach Kimberly instructs this five-week exercise series to address one of the most problematic symptoms of Parkinson’s: stooped posture, which causes falls, pain, and crowds your breathing and digestion. You will learn lifelong exercises that you can do every day to prevent or treat poor posture. This course is offered both virtually and in person. We also offer an in-person, seated version of this class for our fighters who can’t exercise on the floor. If you want to feel stronger, sit and stand straighter, and move better, contact Kimberly today to get on the list for our next session!
Ready to take back your fight?
Contact me to get started in Kimberly Berg’s Rebel Fit Club Parkinson’s Boxing classes today. We have online workouts, too!
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