At-Home Activities
APDA Resources
Sing Loud is a chorus for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners that is being offered in collaboration with the American Parkinson Disease Association, Guild Hall and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease.
Led by Valerie diLorenzo, award-winning Vocalist and Teaching Artist, this fun, virtual program will unite us in song and music. No previous musical experience is required and all lyrics will be provided!
Let’s Keep Moving with APDA: Our partners at the APDA National Rehabilitation Resource Center for Parkinson’s Disease at Boston University are hosting live fitness-focused sessions. These are short (approximately 20 minutes) sessions that offer education/instruction and the opportunity for the public to ask questions. These will be available via Zoom, and also livestreamed to APDA’s Facebook page.
Upcoming sessions focus on Balance & PD.
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- Wednesday, July 22, 1 p.m. ET: Let’s Keep Moving With APDA: The impact of PD on balance, with Tim Nordahl, PT, DPT
- Wednesday, Aug 12, 1 p.m. ET: Let’s Keep Moving With APDA: Assessing balance with a Physical Therapist, with Teresa Baker, PT, DPT
- Wednesday, Sept 16, 1 p.m. ET: Let’s Keep Moving With APDA: Evidence-based treatment to improve balance, with Tami DeAngelis, PT, DPT
- Past sessions available:
- Be Active at Home: Exercise tips for people with PD
- How to Stay Motivated for Physical Activity with Social Distancing
- Setting up for Success at Home: Creating an Exercise-Friendly Area
- Stepping into Spring: Keep your Step Count up with a Walking Program
- What Does the Science Say About Walking & Parkinson Disease?
- Demystifying the Magic Numbers: The Science Behind 10,000 Steps & 150 Minutes
- Exercise Intensity: How Hard to Work & Why it Matters
Yoga for PD: Standing Steady and Strong
- FREE 7-week series: June 18 – July 30
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
- Using a chair and the wall for support we will explore how breath patterns, elongation of the spine and using the core for sounding and movement contribute to a steady inner landscape. Challenge balance, strength and your center with conscious use of supports and your own inner awareness. Instructed by Iris Mickey, Certified Yoga Therapist with Yoga Accessible for All.
Watch the Webinar “Getting Motivated to Move” here.
Participate in APDA Greater St. Louis Chapter’s exercise classes. They have a variety of both recorded and live classes catered to varying abilities that can be accessed here.
Video and Live Classes Options
Dance for PD
Dance for PD has a variety of live classes nearly every day through a Zoom video link. Videos of archived classes can be played directly from the website.
Rock Steady Boxing
They offer short classes posted regularly on YouTube.
Boomerang Therapy Works
They offer both Facebook Live classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and have an archive of previous classes available to view anytime.
Silver Sneakers
Although not Parkinson’s-specific, Silver Sneakers is a specialty program designed for those 65+. They will be doing some Facebook Live classes and have an archive of previous classes available to view anytime.
Participation in improvised movement classes can lead to improved everyday functioning in several areas, such as social participation, movement quality, and self-confidence.
Group dance classes for persons living with PD and their care partners.
Voice warm-ups and exercises.
Mental Exercises
Activities from the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Program involves enjoyable activities that promote thinking, concentration and memory geared for individuals with cognitive impairments. Research has shown that CST has improved cognition and quality of life. Click here to view the activities.
The generosity and creativity of both local and regional Parkinson’s exercise specialists have truly been an inspiration. We will continue adding to this list, and encourage you to check back frequently when you want to change things up!
Tips For Safe At-Home Exercise
If you have not been exercising regularly, please consult your healthcare provider before doing anything new.
• Choose a space where you’ll have enough room to move around
• If using a chair or other furniture for assistance, make sure it’s sturdy and isn’t going to slide around
• If exercising by yourself, make sure you have access to a phone just in case
• Make a plan: schedule fitness into your day and week
• Consult your physician if you have any health concerns or are just getting started
Our number one tip for at-home exercise is to TAKE A WALK if it is a safe option. There simply is no replacement for the outdoors, the fresh air, the movement, and it is free!
Note: We know many live exercise sessions are offered through Zoom. Click Here, if you would like to know a little more about how to use Zoom.