I was reading an article the other day, and it really hit home—especially as we all likely know someone affected by Parkinson’s. With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I felt it was the right time to share.
Meet Sheri. She’s 73, and like many of us, she’s always been active. But when her balance, posture, and movement began to change, she knew something was off. When her doctor finally diagnosed her with Parkinson’s, she felt a strange sense of relief—at least now she knew.
Sheri immediately started an exercise program designed to help ease her symptoms. Almost right away, she noticed her balance and posture improving, her pain lessening, and a boost in her overall well-being. Most importantly, she stayed committed to staying active.
“Movement is the most important thing,” she says.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, often causing tremors, limb rigidity, and difficulty with walking and balance. It impacts more than 10 million people worldwide, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. alone, primarily after age 50.
There’s no known cure—but there is hope through movement.
The Parkinson’s Foundation emphasizes that consistent exercise can lessen symptoms, and in some cases, even slow the progression of the disease. It’s not just physical—exercise can also:
- Improve flexibility, strength, and balance
- Support lung and cardiovascular health
- Boost confidence and mood
- Keep you socially connected
One surprising activity that’s become popular among Parkinson’s patients? Boxing.
Non-contact, boxing-inspired workouts (like Rock Steady Boxing) are helping people improve agility, coordination, and balance—all areas Parkinson’s tends to diminish.
Other recommended activities include:
- Walking
- Biking
- Golf
- Dancing (for the physical and mental coordination)
- Swimming
- Tai chi and yoga
At ACF, we’ve always said that movement is medicine, especially as we age. Whether it’s for general health or specific conditions like Parkinson’s, strength training and functional movement matter. They give us energy, control, and independence.
Sheri put it best:
“This is something I can control. I felt so out of control with Parkinson’s. But walking and moving makes such a difference. It helps me feel good—physically and mentally.”
If you’re navigating health changes or just want to feel stronger and more confident in your body, we’re here to help. Let’s keep moving—because movement truly is one of the best tools we have.