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Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercise is any activity that works the heart, lungs, and muscles and helps the body burn calories. The recommended dose of aerobic exercise for most adults is at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. The Parkinson's Outcomes Project confirms that 2.5 hours of weekly exercise is the target amount for people with Parkinson's to maintain a better quality of life.

Examples of Aerobic Exercise, include:

  • Walking, jogging, running

  • Swimming

  • Dancing

  • Water aerobics

  • Chair aerobics

  • Biking: indoor (stationary) or outdoor

Based on positive clinical findings and trials, people living with PD should perform aerobic exercise in the following dose:

  • Three times per week

  • 30-40 minutes for the main exercise set

  • 5-10 minutes for a warm-up period

  • 5-10 minutes for a cool down period

  • 60-80% of heart rate reserve or 70-85% heart rate max

  • You should be able to answer questions while exercising, but you should not be able to have a conversation

Based on what interests you, plug into the best aerobic exercise either at home or by finding a local gym or class at a fitness facility, YMCA, or senior center near you. As a reminder, always consult your physician prior to starting any new exercise routines.

Disclaimer: You should always consult your physician prior to starting any new exercise routines.

Source:

Parkinson's Foundation. Parkinson's Outcomes Project. 2020.

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