Exercise... the new wonder drug.
It seems it's the cure for everything from PD to constipation.
When I was diagnosed 6 -7 years ago, in all the literature I found it was suggested that the Parkie should exercise. A walk one or twice a week would do. The pamphlet Parkinson Canada handed out showed a series of sitting or horizontal exercises. But most of the exercises were designed for "old People", and I am most absolutely not one of those.
I continued to dig. Mine the interwebs as my mom would say.
There are studies out there that prove exercise is one of the best things you can do to "slow the progression". And I am living proof. Going into my 7th year and I am still passing. Meaning most times you can't tell I have PD, unless I tell you. My gait and stride, while a little stiff, are not bad for a 61 year old.
Funny, I had never even stepped foot into a gym prior to being diagnosed.
I have always been active, participating in softball until I was 38. My last year I was there only because they could not find a 9th player. Hey maybe I could blame early PD onset as the reason I went 0 for the season at the plate. 😋 I golfed, and still continue to do so.
So I joined a gym.
I hired a personal trainer to work with me, to help me develop a route of exercises that would concentrate on the ares most effected by PD.
So they did. And I was going everyday. Same exercises day after day, week after week, never ending. And the ADD kicked in after a year. So I changed it up.
I added a stationary bike to my routine. It felt good. I felt good after.
All the time I was going to the gym, there was this strange room off to the side filled with bikes.
No idea what Spin Class was. It just looked strange. Calling me..... So eventually I ended up in Spin Class. I felt real good after a class. In fact I felt good for 2 days after the class.
So now I have a routine.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday is Spin Class at 5:45 AM.
Tuesday, Thursday is weights, stretches, Tia Chi.
So why can't I get motivated enough to go?
And PD is doing everything in it's power to keep me out of the gym.
Excuses I have made to myself on why I don't have to go to the gym today:
- I have an early appointment at work and I have to go in early to prep for it.
- I was up late last night and the extra sleep would feel good
- I was up early (2 am), and I am too tired the go.
- Last time at spin class my knee ached afterward, so I should stay off it
But I got so damned depressed,
So I set my sites on Tuesday
and I got myself undressed.
I ain't ready for the Cycle
But I do believe there are times
a Bike can be a friend of mine"
The truth is I get to the gym at 5:30, and I am home at 7 am,
and can be at the office by 8 am. Most mornings it's 8:30.
How is it you know that with a little effort you can do something that will benefit you today,
and tomorrow, something that doesn't take a lot of time, yet you still find excuses not to do it?
I keep telling myself I will start on Monday. And I do. That's fine, but what about the rest of the week?
And those that love you and support you, look at you and say, "So why aren't you at the gym? You know how good you feel when you do."
I just shrug my shoulders.
There are the same people there every morning... the school teacher, the retired guys, the ladies working on the weight issues. They all come everyday.
Why can't I?
Okay it's Friday.
Monday is the day, the start of the new routine!
After all it is only 90 days until golf season.
No more Excuses!!
Oh yeah, Monday I have to take Cheryl's car to the garage for a MVI......😒
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