To mark World Parkinson’s Day and underscore the importance of exercise for patients, the British fitness instructor known as “Mr. Motivator” is partnering with Parkinson’s UK.
On April 13, the exercise guru will devote his weekly and half-hour, online Motivation Club class to Parkinson’s disease (PD), the organization announced. These free classes, called “fizzicals,” are presented Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the U.K. and are designed for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels. Go here to register.
The collaboration’s goal is to broaden understanding of Parkinson’s and to highlight how physical activity can help patients live well with their symptoms. World Parkinson Day, set aside annually to heighten awareness of the progressive neurodegenerative disorder, takes place on April 11.
“I’m very happy to be supporting Parkinson’s UK, World Parkinson’s Day, and the Parkinson’s community through my Wednesday fizzical, and to help raise awareness of the condition and inspire the community to get moving,” Mr. Motivator said in a press release.
“Physical activity is good for everyone, but you’ve got to make it safe, effective, fun, varied, and social! That’s why my class is always different and fully inclusive for everyone, no matter your age, fitness, or ability, and why people keep coming back for more,” the Jamaican-born instructor added. “Everybody say yeah!”
Regular exercise is thought to help patients maintain and improve their mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as their ability to perform daily activities, all of which contributes to lowering stress and anxiety. Scientists have reported that patients who exercise at least 2.5 hours weekly experience a slower decline in life quality.
“We all know how important it is to be active,” said Tim Morton, physical activity program manager at Parkinson’s UK. “It’s great for your physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s especially important for people with Parkinson’s. The more physically active people with Parkinson’s are, the easier it is to live well and manage the complexities of the condition.”
Classes offered by Mr. Motivator “are an easy way of trying something new, or adding a great workout to what you already do,” Morton added. “There’ll be something for everyone in the class, and Mr. Motivator will be helping to raise activity intensity levels, which will really help everyone to feel fitter in mind and body. We are delighted that Mr. Motivator will be highlighting the condition and the benefits of being active.”
Because each person’s experience with Parkinson’s differs, Parkinson’s UK offers a resource to help individuals determine the best form of exercise for them.
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