Not long after my husband, Arman, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson\u2019s<\/a>, he enrolled in a clinical trial where researchers were studying the possible benefits of cycling<\/a> for patients with Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a>. They found that both forced and voluntary exercise programs enhanced the participants\u2019 coordination and grasping abilities.<\/p>\n Recommended Reading<\/p>\n Fueled by a lifelong passion<\/p>\n Arman didn\u2019t need to be sold on the power of exercise; he\u2019d been passionately dedicated to it since he was a teenager. Weightlifting and bodybuilding were as integral to his daily routine as brushing his teeth. He always made time for the gym, even during the busiest periods of his life, such as medical school or his internal medicine residency. It didn\u2019t matter if he was on call at the hospital every other night; he never missed a workout. Arman is not the type to make excuses or forgo his routine.<\/p>\n The fact that his hobby and passion might help control this disease is incredible. Finding time and motivation to exercise can be challenging for many of us regular non-superheroes. For me, it\u2019s always felt like a chore, and not something I was eager to do.<\/p>\n Have you ever seen a man in his mid-50s do 20 pullups? Oh, wait. Did I mention that said man was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson\u2019s<\/a> more than 15 years ago? Yep, that\u2019s my husband. The kicker is that due to his intense rigidity<\/a>, he is unable to raise his left arm to reach the pullup bar, so he requires assistance to do so. But once his hands are in place, off he goes. He is beyond determined and will not let this disease beat him.<\/p>\n Lately, fatigue<\/a>, slowness<\/a>, and stiffness have been getting the best of him. And some days, it can be difficult for him mentally and physically to get downstairs to his workout room. I remind him that taking a day off and giving himself some grace is OK; he\u2019s not superhuman. But when he pushes hard against the beast named Parkinson\u2019s and completes a challenging workout, he feels so much better. For Arman, exercise helps with both his motor symptoms<\/a> and the mental load that this disease dumps on patients.<\/p>\n Many of you, like me, may struggle to find the motivation to exercise.\u00a0After checking with your neurologist or movement disorder specialist, I encourage and challenge you to give it a go, even if it\u2019s from the comfort of your recliner or bed<\/a>. You might like it, and even better, you might even notice some relief from your symptoms. Happy exercising!<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Yoga-150x0-c-default.png\")
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