Balance

Balance difficulty is one of the more common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Poor balance can increase the liklihood of a fall.

Fortunately there are a lot of activities to help with this, and they can be pretty fun. This is a short video of a few things I have done that help with balance.

My workouts feature balance work to a great extent to which I credit my slow progression. My experience has show me that variety of balance exercises is essential for neuroplasticity and confidence.

I love working out with giant inflatable exercise balls in many ways. They’re highly unpredictable and hard to injure yourself with (unless you’re riding them which I am known to do!) Some early moves I love are sit-ups holding a ball in one hand (and once you’ve mastered that go to a full stand and then sit back down, recline to your back and start over!) or just sitting in a chair and doing a press with a ball in one hand. Get your arm fully vertical and then lower it back down.

These moves require patience and practice, but they teach our muscles how to react with animal instinct, which improves the communication between mind and muscle, which should help us with balance long term! I’ve posted some of my balance work on this page. Or check me out on insta @holyshakes_shawn

The Parkinson’s Fight Club member Keith Peecook

Tai Chi has worked for me for 18 years now. It is not only great for balance, it helps with flexibility and mindfulness as well. You can do it anywhere, any time of year, indoor or out, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. You can learn from books and videos (tons of stuff on YouTube), but it works best if you can find a local class. Good Luck!

Parkinson’s Fight Club member Doug Pickard

I work with PWP, and I love to have them do lots of weight shifting exercises as they are really helpful for improving balance. Shifting weight side to side and forward and backwards are everyday movements everyone should do. Thru reach your brain to respond quickly if you trip on something and need to quickly get your leg out to stop you from falling. Also – one leg stands are excellent

Parkinson’s Fight Club member Doug Pickard

Stand-up paddle and kayaking, I find that it’s a nice way to work on the balance without making it a medical exercise

The Bosu ball has been helpful for me. I practice doing squats, standing on one leg and then changing to the other. Standing on it and turning my head side to side.

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