Please watch & share. Everyone needs to see this!

It is said that movement is medicine, as this video shows. All the people taking part have Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s causes shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination. Exercise can reduce these symptoms. I wanted to prove that the conventional, chair-based exercise programme used in so many Parkinson’s classes is outdated and does little for reducing symptoms. I wanted to show that if you expect more of yourself and your body, you can achieve things that you thought were not possible. Each participant in this video had never tried a deadlift before and more importantly, didn’t think they could. I chose the deadlift as it is a great exercise to show someone how to break a movement down into smaller components, something that I advise you to try if you find yourself struggling with any movement or activity. It also works posture, grip, joint extension, strength, balance, coordination and power, all things needed when fighting Parkinson’s.

They all thought that the bar alone was too heavy to lift, but I encouraged them, built their confidence and gave them belief. At the end of the session, Philippa lifted 45 kg and Russ, Warren and Martin pulled 60kg. All left Maverick gym standing tall with a smile on their face. It was one of those sessions that as a trainer, you never forget.

If you believe, great things happen. Society and other people’s opinions will only hold you back. You must expect and demand more from your body and yourself. You have the power to make change. Believe in yourself.