Parkinson’s impacts people in different ways. But the symptoms do tend to get worse over time.

Symptoms include:

Tremors – shaking movements that are most noticeable when a person is at rest
Bradykinesia – this slows down coordination of movement between your hands and arms, and makes walking and standing more difficult
Rigidity – stiffness in the arms and legs
Instability – losing your balance

The adage of “use it or lose it” may apply. More and more evidence suggests that with a diagnosis, your exercise routines should change and increase right along with it. Exercise can help improve movement and muscle control. It can also improve cardiovascular and respiratory function.

But if you’ve had an exercise routine before, keep in mind that things will change. Exercise is essential, but it should include moving in the right way. Include:

Resistance training – this helps increase motor function
Aerobic training – this increases physical fitness, strength and functional performance
Flexibility training – this helps reduce and prevent contractures

While traditional forms of exercise like weight lifting are a great part of a routine, mix it up and look for new training programs too.

Rock Steady Boxing, for example, uses exercise adapted from boxing drills to improve agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t exercise the way you have before. Start slow. Don’t overexert your muscles or it could take days for recovery.

Also, never exercise alone. An exercise specialist can assess and help with a regimented routine that benefits where you’re at today. They can also work with you throughout the stages, to ensure all your needs are met.

What exercise routines have you found beneficial to help improve your lifestyle?