An Important Message about Exercise from PASD’s Medical Advisory Director

Dear Parkinson’s Community:

As movement disorders clinicians we repeatedly emphasize the concept of “exercise as medicine” in the context of Parkinson’s disease. Indeed, considering all the clinical research evaluating medicines and other treatments over the years, the only intervention that has been shown to slow the clinical worsening of PD over time is regular exercise. In addition, countless persons with Parkinson’s disease will tell you that their symptoms, both motor and non-motor, are better relieved when they stick to their exercise regimen. The short term and long term benefits of exercise are well-established in the scientific literature.

We recommend a routine of aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes, at least 3-4 times per week. It does seem that activities that raise one’s heart and breathing rate are more powerful in this respect than solely walking at a leisurely pace, so if your health permits we recommend you explore these activities. At this point no specific exercise modality (boxing class, dance, Tai Chi, weight training, jogging, swimming, bicycling, high-intensity interval training, etc) has been proven to be superior to others – so we recommend that you choose activities that you enjoy and are thus likely to keep doing every week.

Below we have compiled a list (by no means comprehensive) of resources for PD-focused exercise classes in the community. Many offer both in-person and online options.

Brenton Wright, MD
Medical Advisory Director, PASD
Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosciences
University of California San Diego

Exercise and Rehabilitation Opportunities

Aimee Shanti LaRue

Categories: Exercise Opportunities
Location: County-Wide, San Diego – City

One on one Therapeutic Yoga for Parkinson’s 12 Week Series
Yoga therapy is one of the complementary therapies for Parkinson’s that has research proving its efficacy. It has been shown to reduce tremor, improve balance and gait, increase flexibility, improve posture, loosen painful muscles, and reduce stress.
coach@aimeeshantilarue.com.  858-769-9838.
Link to website: https://www.aimeeshantilarue.com/pages/yoga-for-parkinsons

 

 

Aimee Shanti LaRue

One on one Therapeutic Yoga for Parkinson’s 12 Week Series...

Cerebral Motion

Phone: 858-248-6828
Email: mickey@cerebralmotion.com
Categories: Exercise Opportunities
Location: County-Wide

CEREBRAL MOTION: Using exercise to retrain the body, improve quality of life, slow progression, and regain independence.

Mickey brings with him clinical and research experience from his time spent with the UCSD Movement Disorder Center, specializing in cognition. Mickey graduated from SDSU with a Master of Science in Kinesiology, where his area of study has focused on the gait and balance of individuals with Parkinson Disease.

Mickey incorporates mindfulness and cognitive engagement in addition to being certified in Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!), Rock Steady Boxing, and Brian Grant Foundation Exercise for Parkinson Training.

Mickey offers one-on-one wellness sessions and group classes located in Rancho Bernardo. As well as in-home concierge services throughout San Diego county.

Cerebral Motion

CEREBRAL MOTION: Using exercise to retrain the body, improve quality...

SDSU Adaptive Fitness

Categories: Exercise Opportunities
Location: County-Wide

SDSU Adaptive Fitness

https://ens.sdsu.edu/fitnessclinic/

Virtual Parkinson’s PWR Class

Categories: Exercise Opportunities
Location: Virtual

Whole-body Wellness
Our center supports whole person wellness, which extends beyond the clinic walls. Here are some offerings to help improve quality of life for your body and mind.

Virtual Parkinson’s Group Class with PWR-certified Physical Therapist from UC San Diego

Join us for an hour of group exercise from the comfort of your own home. Get ready to work on balance, posture, flexibility, strength, amplitude of movement and aerobic capacity. All levels welcome!

First and Third Tuesdays of each month
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom — all prior class recordings on YouTube

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Registration is required via Eventbrite, confirmation email will contain Zoom details:

 

Virtual Parkinson’s PWR Class

Whole-body Wellness Our center supports whole person wellness, which extends...