I am feeling a little stagnant. Almost a little complacent. Feeling uninspired. I am proposing that we kick the New Year with a Parkie challenge! Try to control your enthusiasm people. Now, I have come up with a 4-week schedule that starts the first week in January that will be full of ideas and suggestions that will help us kick depression, anxiety, and apathy in the butt. Are you willing to show up to my Parkinson’s challenge?
Week of January 3rd– Get your fitness on
I know that some of you have New Year’s resolutions, many of those goals are fitness-oriented. I figured jumping right into the mix and kicking it off properly. We know that exercise is the only scientifically proven thing that slows the progression of Parkinson’s Week one, I challenge you to exercise at least 30 minutes for 3 days this week. You ask, what type of exercise do I need to do? This will all depend on your personal modifications. If you can go to the gym and knock out some weighted activities, then go beast mode. But if just walking is difficult for you, then do some seated exercises… either way, you’re doing good work.
Here are some ideas to get you motivated…
-Cardio: Walking, running, hiking, swimming, treadmill, walking the dog, elliptical, biking, dancing, or pickleball.
-Rock Steady Boxing, Ballroom Dancing, Tai Chi, Balance exercises, Yoga, or Pilates.
-Weight training exercises, resistant bands, Bosu ball, or bodyweight activities.
*Can’t do these types of exercises?
Sorry, no excuses are accepted here because there are modifications to include all levels of fitness. I am not aware of all classes offered to Parkies in every city of my readers… I know, I can’t be amazing at everything…but a good place to find out what is in your area is just doing a Google search. Also, don’t forget there are online classes out there too.
I have called you all out to participate in the 2022 Parkinson’s challenge, but it doesn’t work if we don’t hold each other accountable. I would love to hear about your journey during the next month. You can leave comments on my blog or even post pictures on my Facebook page and Instagram. You better believe I am already thinking of what activities I am going to do. I hope you will join too! Your first-week challenge is to exercise for 30 minutes, for 3 days. Strap on your sneakers and let’s kick this new year off with a bang.
Be sure to subscribe to my blog to get your weekly updates and to comment on your progress. Here’s a sneak peek of the upcoming challenge schedule.
- Week of January 10th-Practice Self Care
- Week of January 17th-Cognitive Games
- Week of January 24th-Meditation and Breathing
I’m doing the Dopey Challenge at Walt Disney World. It’s a 5K, 10k, half marathon, and a full marathon on consecutive days. That’s my long winded way of saying challenge accepted. 😜
Hi John,
Thanks for doing my dopey challenge, but you don’t need to be showing off. Ha!
Moved to a ‘safe house’ ie no stairs. Only took one fall to convince me my coordination can no longer be trusted. I’m anxious to get started… thanks for the nudge!
Welcome to the challenge, Steve! Happy New year in your new home!
I am in! I just finished my workout actually. Started PT last week. Great challenge
Hi Laura,
That is great progress! Keep it up!
Hello Perky Parkies –
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I am scheduled for DBS surgery in March.
I was wondering if there are any details or trick you can pass on to me – in order to make this an easy surgery / recovery
Appreciate you time.’
Hi Jane,
Here is a link to all my experiences with DBS. Hope it helps! Keep us posted on your progress! https://www.perkyparkie.com/?s=dbs
Super idea to re-invigorate that movement/conditioning regimen! Too much routine can lead to meah. Learn a new language by counting weights or reps in a foreign language!
Count me in. My super-power is coming up with excuses not to exercise. This could be the kick in the bum I need!
Hello John,
Time to find your Kryptonite for that super power of yours!
Fell down some stairs and fractured a bone in my foot. I was supposed to get my boot off last week however after an x-ray compared to the original now I have to go back to a specialist for my foot.
I’m doing exercises and trying to stay off my foot.
Hello Sandy,
That sounds incredibly frustrating! Keep at exercises that protect that foot.
Ok, let’s do this! I’m in. Thanks so much.
Motivated in Germany 🙂
Hello Patricia,
Woot woot! You’re going to do great. Can’t wait to see pictures from Germany!
Jaye and I are in. Planning to work on training our dog which takes LOTS of activity as she is very very strong (muscle and will!). It will be good to get out and walk around Lake Rancho Santa Margarita. Plus we do RSB with Lauren and many other friends.
Hi Boker and Jaye,
I am excited to hear that you’re in! Happy New Year!
Allison, Happy New Year’s. I’m jumping on the challenge like a cross-eyed duck trying to catch a June Bug in a windstorm. You may recall I am in a great program which includes RSB, competitive volleyball, urban polling, walking, resistance training, some yoga and Tai Chi, but will step up the game and rededicate to the challenge. Thank you as always for showcasing once again your excellent leadership and dedication in helping people who greatly benefit from your selfless beneficence. We all appreciate you (and Crash) for all you do in using your skills and talents to help others. While you stay busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs you never fail to put people first. God bless.
Hi Wayne,
I will follow your oneliners… This challenge will be harder than holding a greased-up pig. Happy New Year!
I am in! Will cross-country ski, but it is currently -20 outside. I will wait for the sun to warm things up just a bit !
Hi Bonnie,
Cross-country skiing?! Now you need to post a picture of that!
I want to share a workout series that has been great for me! It includes stretching, cardio, strength training, balance, and coordination. There are many, many videos in the series and they have a broad range in difficulty level, including seated exercises. Here are two examples:
https://youtu.be/aBQdFJ–ELU
https://youtu.be/PpK240bCgqQ
Laura
Hello Laura,
Thank you for sharing resources that you found helpful.
I’m so ashamed that I have allowed bad weather, aching bones, and just plain malaise keep me from doing my daily walk. I really needed this inspiration if to get me moving again. Today is a beautiful sunny day in California, and I will go out for a walk. Yes, I am in too! I want to be held accountable!
Hello Gail,
No excuses for not getting out into that sunny day and taking in the fresh air. When you have a good day… take advantage of it!
I’m in! Nothing has been more important in my management of PD than regular exercise. I will commit to at least 30 minutes every day. Last year my wife and I had a fundraiser for the Michael J Fox foundation where we had a team of 45 people who each planned to bike, walk, run, row, and/or swim 2021 miles (for the year 2021). Almost everyone met his/her goal and we raised over $10,000 for the foundation. The best part is it motivated everyone to keep moving.
Hi John,
I love your commitment! Way to set goals for yourself.
Great idea! I’m in! Thanks!
Hi Peggy,
Thank you for taking on my challenge!
Let’s do this! I accept!
Hi Brenda,
Woot Woot! Let do it!
I am glad to have you lead my life to where i want to be.
I am very excited to get started.
thank you so much
Hi Kathy,
I am happy to hear that you are excited about starting!
I’m in, let’s get started. Will definitely get some exercises done today. Going to love having someone to be accountable to. Happy New Year!
Hello Roberta,
Get some exercise done today and you’re moving in the right direction!
So needed this kick in the pants! I accept!
Hi Susie,
Happy you accepted my kick in the pants!
Looking forward to a better 2022. I was diagnosed this year after a DAT scan. I’m young onset as well and am involved with RSB. I love it! And LSVT. I need this! Thank you for inspiring us!
Michelle
Great to meet you Michelle! Welcome to the club. You’re in good company!
Ready to go! Thanks Alison for the kick in the pants. I think this is a great idea.
Hi Lori,
Kick in the pants works for me! Ha!
I’m in as long as my emphysema allows me to exercise. I do Rock Steady Boxing and a program called Parkinson Strong two days a week already. This should be FUN
Hi Tommy,
You’re already are a rock steady boxer? You’ve got this!
I’m in!
Awesome, Roy!
I will join you! Thanks for the inspiration! I have been working out most days already and find this exercise so refreshing!
Laura
Hello Laura,
Glad you could join the challenge! Happy New Year!
You’re on! I already exercise 6-7 times
A week but could use the balance of cognitive games and meditation. Thanks for all that you do. I was diagnosed in March and it’s been quite a year. Ready to kick 2021 in the rear and get on with 2022. Happy New Year!
Hello Alisa,
You’re already ahead of the game! Keep up the good work! Happy New Year!
I’m in!! Just signed up for a gym membership at a gym today… bring it on!
To everyone a happy and healthier new year in 2022!
Hi Jackie,
Awesome! You’ve already taken the first step! Happy New Year!
Good! I’m not the only one feeling this way!
Thank you for this post!
Hi Lisa,
I’m happy to hear you’ve joined the challenge! Can’t wait to see all the good work you’re going to do!
So need this – thank you