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Fitness guru Joe Wicks joins forces with NHS for dedicated Parkinson’s workout video
British-based fitness coach Joe Wicks has joined forces with the NHS to release a dedicated exercise video for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The 20-minute video is available free online. It is hoped it will have a positive impact on those suffering from the progressive neurological condition, whose main symptoms include slow movement, stiffness, and tremors. It can also affect people’s walking, sleeping, and memory.
The online class – put together in conjunction with experts at St Thomas’ Hospital in London – comprises 10 different exercises, including a ‘sit to stand’ challenge, and aims to help people with Parkinson’s exercise at home.
Parkinson’s affects around 145,000 people in the UK and an estimated 8.5 million worldwide.
Disability and death due to Parkinson’s disease are increasing faster than for any other neurological disorder.
Research has shown that taking part in regular physical activity can positively impact patients’ symptoms, most notably gait, balance, grip strength, motor coordination, tremor, flexibility, and even thinking skills. It’s also been shown to help mentally, relieving the signs of depression, and patients have decreased their medication dosages.
Wicks, who is known as The Body Coach and came to national acclaim in the UK for hosting daily online PE lessons for schoolchildren during the Covid-19 lockdowns, said: “I’m so passionate about making exercise accessible for all people, no matter their ability. Taking part in regular exercise has many benefits not just for your physical health, but also your mental health.
“It was great to come down to St Thomas’ Hospital to hear more about how exercise can help people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms and to create this workout video tailored specifically for them.”
St Thomas’ Hospital hosts exercise classes for patients’ with Parkinson’s in six-weekly blocks. While visiting the hospital, Joe took part in one of the classes.
Milly Khan, a highly specialist neuro-physiotherapist at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Physical activity is a really important component of treatment for Parkinson’s, and the condition shouldn’t be a barrier to being physically active.
“It’s important that physical activity sessions contain components of aerobic fitness, strength training, balance and core control, and stretching. You don’t have to challenge these systems all in one go, spread them out throughout the week.
Fitness coach Joe Wicks has teamed up with experts at St Thomas’ Hospital in London to create a dedicated workout video for people with Parkinson’s.
“We have tried to incorporate all these components in this video and recommend you complete them at your own pace. Physical activity doesn’t necessarily mean attending exercise classes several times a week, it also includes gardening and dancing.
“It’s important that you challenge your symptoms and you enjoy it.”
Carol Webb, from Eltham in south east London, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and has previously attended exercise classes at St Thomas’ Hospital.