“How do I slow down my PD progression?” I get asked this question a lot, and I answer it with another question: “Are you doing what you need to slow down the progression?” In other words, are you showing up?
“Showing up” means optimizing the resources available to you. The teachers are all around you. Do you seek them out, and if so, do you practice and do your “homework” to get the most out of your sessions?
“A healthy person has 1,000 wishes, but a person in poor health has but one.”
Indian Proverb or Confucius
The man in the photo below is Bill. He’s in his 90s and is the caregiver for his wife. He has Parkinson’s, and yet to stay strong for his wife, he works out with us several times a week. He rarely misses a class. He knows she depends on him, so he shows up and gives 100% every time without complaint. He understands this is what it takes to stay ahead of his PD.
Don’t let yourself fall victim to the terrible “toos”: I’m too busy, I’m too tired, it’s too hot. I get it—life and Parkinson’s can be really overwhelming. You must stay in the game, and don’t give up!
If you are bothered by the same things over and over, like pain or stiffness, ask yourself, “Am I doing everything I can to change this?” Taking action immediately changes the way our brain feels about a problem.
The quickest way to take action is to break down your goal into small steps where you will continuously see your progress. Small wins create big wins!
Here is a list to choose from. Keep adding the things you need to work on until you have a great routine in place.
Are you:
- Working out to the best of your ability 3-5 times/week? This means giving your personal 100% effort, which might change from day to day. Time your medications so that you can optimize your workouts.
- Stretching daily? You can do this as part of a class, with a follow-along video at home, or with a routine given by a professional.
- Working your voice and swallowing?
- Maintaining friendships and getting outdoors?
- Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water so you poop daily?
- Staying upbeat? Get help if your mood starts to drop. You must stay resilient.
Heal yourself by seeking teachers and showing up for yourself. Take it slow and get stronger. As you get stronger, you will feel better! As a side benefit, your family and friends will be so proud of that superhero they know you to be. Show up for you—show up for them! I know you can do it, and we can help.
Do you need a little extra help? We are here for you! Contact us for classes or courses:
💜 Coach Kimberly
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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