Question #1: Are there classes for people at different levels?

 

Yes, so please make sure you do the self-assessment questionnaire before attempting your first class if you are new to Boxing 4 Health.

The reason why Parkinson's fitness classes should have different levels of classes is because Parkinson's is a disease that has five distinct stages and not everyone experiences the same symptoms and or mobility concerns.

 

Our classes are split up between “Fighter” classes which are more high intensity and or higher impact and “Champion Classes that are lower intensity and/or lower impact.

It’s important to note that doing exercises at your level is the key to getting all the benefits that come along with a great exercise program. You need to be challenged to the peak of your abilities!

 

Question #2: What’s wrong with working out alone vs with other Fighters?

 

The social aspect and community that develops when you’re working with others that have Parkinson’s is a huge benefit to living your absolute best life alongside Parkinson’s. You not only get challenged by having others push you it helps provide accountability and friendships along way.

• Social isolation has proven to speed up the progression of Parkinson’s

 

 Question #3: How many times a week should I be exercising?

 

We typically recommend a minimum of 3 times a week of higher intensity exercise lasting 20-30min in length. Feel free to check out our website at www.boxing4health.com to read various research articles on exercise and intensity. The more is merrier here and 6 days a week is the ideal to reap as many of the benefits as possible. If you have a more sedentary lifestyle than a good goal would be to work up to 3 days a week and then add on from there.

 

Question #4: My balance is big concern, can I still safely exercise?

 

The best solution to poor balance is exercise and doing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles associated to poor balance. Working on improving your walking pattern as well as falling safely and having the strategies in place to get up are key.

*If you are uncomfortable getting down to the floor safely it is strongly recommended to reach out to a health care professional. A physiotherapist is a great choice, someone that works with Parkinson’s clientele to show you how to safely get down to the ground.

 

Question #5: I have a bad shoulder, or chronic back pain should I be working out?

 

I don’t know if I can honestly say I have ever met someone with Parkinson’s that shouldn’t or can’t exercise in some shape or form. I never recommend exercising through pain as that will only make things worse. However sometimes we tend to focus so much on our pain and if we can push ourselves to start with gentle exercise there is a good chance this pain can lessen over time or become less of a main focus point.

You will experience some muscle aches and pains when starting a new exercise program and this is completely NORMAL and expected. You are likely waking up parts of your body that have been sleeping for a while.

Exercise within your own limits and LISTEN to your body. If your shoulder hurts to raise it above your shoulder height then don’t. STOP right before the pain and exercise till that point.

If your balance is feeling off one day then exercise with safety measures in place like a chair right beside you. Feel free to sit on the chair and exercise from the chair.

Remember: If it hurts, STOP. If it's hard, KEEP GOING.