Community Partner: PD Gladiators Fights Back Against Parkinson's Disease Although the everyday idea of those afflicted with Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of stiffness, shuffling movements, and violent tremors, that image is being changed through the efforts of PD Gladiators, a local advocacy group helping people with Parkinson's (PWP) pursue a healthier life through vigorous exercise. It doesn't matter how old the person is or when they were diagnosed the PD, clinical evidence shows that a program including activities such as boxing, dancing or yoga can slow disease progression.While PD research has not yet produced a cure, medication can help PWP manage the crippling symptoms. In addition to a medication regimen, the programs offered by instructors in PD Gladiators metro Atlanta fitness network have changed lives. Not only do participants report feeling more energetic, they also praise the camaraderie that ensues from swapping information about getting through a typical day with PD.PD Gladiators was started by Larry and Ellie Kahn in 2014, a short time after Larry was diagnosed. The name was inspired by the Oscar-winning movie Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe. In the movie, Larry explains, Before a battle, Crowe urges his troops to fight with strength and honor. We view the fight against PD as one that also should be fought with strength and honor.Participants in the PD Gladiators boxing program operated by Livramento Delgado Boxing Foundation (LDBF) go through much of the same non-contact training routines as professional fighters, though some do it while seated in folding chairs because of their condition. Instructors trained to work with PWP are deeply affected by these unlikely warriors. Its understanding the potential of the human body from a different level, says Herb Mesa, LDBFs lead instructor. The feedback I get from the boxers is the fire I use to light the fuse of inspiration.Instructor Geoffrey Uhal, who was a trainer in the Army, was drawn to the program almost three years ago. I like the Socratic idea of if you improve the lives of others around you, you improve your own life.Even physical therapy students who first participate to earn classroom credit keep coming back. Its a learning exercise in dealing with PWP, says Kayla Reeder. I discovered that I like doing it. It speaks to what I should be doing in life.PD Gladiators is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, funded by grants and the generosity of individual donors. In addition to LDBFs boxing program, PD Gladiators offers PD-specific general fitness, cycling, dance, tai chi, and yoga classes in partnership with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and a coalition of exercise professionals.How do you live your best life with the condition you find yourself in? My goal is not to find out what they cannot do, but rather what they are capable of doing, says Wendy Haggerty, line dancing class instructor.Tim Nantz, a PD Gladiators boxer, says, You feel more alive when you do it. Its encouraging to be able to see people who can still move and enjoy life. PD Gladiators Combating Parkinson's Disease With Vigorous Exercise PDGladiators.org770-450-0792This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
to your business!