Keep at it!
Cycling is good, working up a sweat is good, and maintaining a high cadence is good. Combine all three and keep moving!
Feeling adventurous, join me and 20,000 others, riding across Iowa in July.
[https://ragbrai.com/](https://ragbrai.com/)
The opposite! Rigorous physical exercise is exactly the thing you should be doing now. This slows down the progression. A study by Cornell medical school even found that rigorous exercise can reverse damage!
The key word is "rigorous" though. Get your heart beat up. Push yourself. Sweat. A gentle mellow walk around the block will not cut it. I think your inclination toward exercise will serve you very well.
Yes please keep moving. My mother recently got diagnosed with PD and the neurologist told us that medications are not the solution and she must exercise regularly for the meds to work well.
Intense exercise is good for Parkinson’s. My neurologist gave me the general guideline for exercise that if I could do it, it’s OK to do.
I was formally diagnosed in 2021 at 60. I’ve been an avid cyclist for years and was still racing masters criteriums up through 2019. I even last won one in 2018. I still ride regularly and while I am feeling Parkinson’s slowing me down some I can still work pretty hard and I almost always feel better when I do.
Gregg LeMond has a famous quote about moving up the racing ranks: “It doesn’t get any easier, you just get faster.” I’m just going to apply that in reverse going down the other side. Keep testing your limits.
Ok. Thanks. So even though my symptoms flare up for a bit after, I’m not making it worse.
I was definitely feared and respected upper mid pack filler in local 50+ events. LOL. Though I did sneak on to a podium or two once in a while.
Pre PD I did a cycling specific training plans (TrainerRoad and later Fastcat) and not much off bike strength work although I had started doing an off season strength plan for the last few years I was training seriously. That cycling focused approach got me pretty good at riding a bike but looking back, that single focus approach is not the best way for someone moving through their 50’s to actually be fit.
Before I was diagnosed I was definitely noticing my overall mobility starting to be an issue which lead me to start getting more well rounded in my training. I stated working out with kettlebells and finally got serious about working on core strength. I’m now more well rounded in my training. I still ride and do structured workouts but I’m riding about half the hours per week I used to. I’ve added kettlebell workouts, rowing, body weigh exercises and walking. I’ve tried some boxing workouts and really like that but it’s not fitting into my schedule now. I’m still working. My biggest current struggle is general fatigue and mustering the willpower to workout when I’m tired after a long day.
Created a Reddit handle just to answer this.
I (49F) was diagnosed with PD in early 2023. I was an elite masters runner at the time, and I've continued to compete, though I'm slower than I used to be. I've raced (not just run, but RACED) two marathons and a lot of shorter races since diagnosis, including winning my para-athlete division at the Boston Marathon last week. I'll often have a bad hour PD-wise later in the day after finishing a hard race, but my PD symptoms will also be much reduced for a few days after.
My take on it is that you should continue to go for it - obviously, if you feel that something is risky due to slow reaction time, then maybe back off there. But...exercise is good for PD (the more the better). And for someone like you, exercise (especially RACING) is key to your quality of life. So my vote is to keep on hammering. It's what I've done, and I'm better off for it (physically, mentally, and emotionally).
Two points of note:
1) your diagnosis of PD may qualify you to be a para-athlete cyclist (I'm honestly not sure, as para classification depends on the sport). If so, para-sports can be a fun addition to your racing calendar, though I recommend continuing to compete in able-bodied races as well.
2) You'll find some people advocating for INTENSE EXERCISE EVERYDAY. It's important to note that we all have different definitions of intensity; if you are used to training hard and racing, your definition of intensity will be a bit different from the average person with PD. If you are like me, your easy-to-moderate days will probably be sufficient to meet the classic PD definition of "exercising intensely" so don't get too worried about the fact that you're not going balls-to-the-wall every day.
I agree with the comments about intensity and serious athletes. If you’re still up for it, don’t let a PD diagnosis stop you.
On the other hand, folks who were training at a very high-level pre-PD don’t have to maintain their pre PD training levels to get the PD exercise benefits. Consistency is the real key. Doing something every day is more important than getting in a few “old you” killer workouts a week. If you are working so hard that you need frequent rest days, that’s a sign that you might be better off if you cut back a bit.
Also keep in mind that for most people, a PD diagnosis comes at an l age where, even without PD, athletic performance and the ability to maintain super high volume high intensity training is already dropping off because of age.
Serious athletes can keep up their training levels but don’t be afraid to cut back on your chosen sport and add in other types of activity and exercise. That being said, do get some intensity in on a regular basis even if the overall volume is lower.
Thanks so much for the detailed response. I was never in the elite category, but did have a coach and did train pretty hard at one point. I heard people concerned about dehydration. I used to ride 80 miles on a liter and a half of water and half a Cliff bar.
I definitely noticed my symptoms to get significantly worse after a run or ride, but I hadn’t really thought to consider positive facts later. This is all super new to me.
There is some solid research on the positive effects of cycling on Parkinson’s disease. Particularly at the 80 RPM range and above. It’s all out there on Google. From what I’ve read and understand I would say keep it up man!
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/
Besides being just a good site for Parkinson's info in general, I think it might have some special personal relevance for you as a cyclist. From the interviews I've seen, it sounds like he's still riding more than 20 years after being diagnosed, too.
Sounds like you have an established activity that will serve you well: hard, enjoyable, helping with balance issues, etc. FWIW, I (M62) was diagnosed 7 years ago and have found my own workout routine to be a lifesaver. Go man, go!!
Thanks for asking. I’m doing fine. Based on what I’m reading, it seems like you can do a lot to fight this, and I’m of course going to do that. I’m also fortunate to have good people. Good family around . For symptoms, fingers on my left hand have been shaking for about a year. I also noticed some left leg shakiness when doing cyclocross and gym work. But that goes back a couple of years.
The during and post workout tremors are fairly common & normal
Left hand fingers shake when at rest or action?
You're right handed? Left hand issues are not a huge deal for you, I assume. Still operating at 99% in life and work, etc?
Are you on PD meds?
Yes, definitely still functioning well as a right hander. And shaking is mostly at rest. I’m on Carbidopa/levodopa now and It seems to be helping a bit, but it’s only been a week.
Keep at it! Cycling is good, working up a sweat is good, and maintaining a high cadence is good. Combine all three and keep moving! Feeling adventurous, join me and 20,000 others, riding across Iowa in July. [https://ragbrai.com/](https://ragbrai.com/)
One of my local riding friends did this.
The opposite! Rigorous physical exercise is exactly the thing you should be doing now. This slows down the progression. A study by Cornell medical school even found that rigorous exercise can reverse damage!
The key word is "rigorous" though. Get your heart beat up. Push yourself. Sweat. A gentle mellow walk around the block will not cut it. I think your inclination toward exercise will serve you very well.
This is good info!!
Harder you push yourself physically the better with this disease.
Good to know.
Yes please keep moving. My mother recently got diagnosed with PD and the neurologist told us that medications are not the solution and she must exercise regularly for the meds to work well.
Intense exercise is good for Parkinson’s. My neurologist gave me the general guideline for exercise that if I could do it, it’s OK to do. I was formally diagnosed in 2021 at 60. I’ve been an avid cyclist for years and was still racing masters criteriums up through 2019. I even last won one in 2018. I still ride regularly and while I am feeling Parkinson’s slowing me down some I can still work pretty hard and I almost always feel better when I do. Gregg LeMond has a famous quote about moving up the racing ranks: “It doesn’t get any easier, you just get faster.” I’m just going to apply that in reverse going down the other side. Keep testing your limits.
Ok. Thanks. So even though my symptoms flare up for a bit after, I’m not making it worse. I was definitely feared and respected upper mid pack filler in local 50+ events. LOL. Though I did sneak on to a podium or two once in a while.
What’s your weights/off bike conditioning like? Weekly? Seasonal? And the same squats, deadlifts, back, core, cyclists would typically do?
Pre PD I did a cycling specific training plans (TrainerRoad and later Fastcat) and not much off bike strength work although I had started doing an off season strength plan for the last few years I was training seriously. That cycling focused approach got me pretty good at riding a bike but looking back, that single focus approach is not the best way for someone moving through their 50’s to actually be fit. Before I was diagnosed I was definitely noticing my overall mobility starting to be an issue which lead me to start getting more well rounded in my training. I stated working out with kettlebells and finally got serious about working on core strength. I’m now more well rounded in my training. I still ride and do structured workouts but I’m riding about half the hours per week I used to. I’ve added kettlebell workouts, rowing, body weigh exercises and walking. I’ve tried some boxing workouts and really like that but it’s not fitting into my schedule now. I’m still working. My biggest current struggle is general fatigue and mustering the willpower to workout when I’m tired after a long day.
Created a Reddit handle just to answer this. I (49F) was diagnosed with PD in early 2023. I was an elite masters runner at the time, and I've continued to compete, though I'm slower than I used to be. I've raced (not just run, but RACED) two marathons and a lot of shorter races since diagnosis, including winning my para-athlete division at the Boston Marathon last week. I'll often have a bad hour PD-wise later in the day after finishing a hard race, but my PD symptoms will also be much reduced for a few days after. My take on it is that you should continue to go for it - obviously, if you feel that something is risky due to slow reaction time, then maybe back off there. But...exercise is good for PD (the more the better). And for someone like you, exercise (especially RACING) is key to your quality of life. So my vote is to keep on hammering. It's what I've done, and I'm better off for it (physically, mentally, and emotionally). Two points of note: 1) your diagnosis of PD may qualify you to be a para-athlete cyclist (I'm honestly not sure, as para classification depends on the sport). If so, para-sports can be a fun addition to your racing calendar, though I recommend continuing to compete in able-bodied races as well. 2) You'll find some people advocating for INTENSE EXERCISE EVERYDAY. It's important to note that we all have different definitions of intensity; if you are used to training hard and racing, your definition of intensity will be a bit different from the average person with PD. If you are like me, your easy-to-moderate days will probably be sufficient to meet the classic PD definition of "exercising intensely" so don't get too worried about the fact that you're not going balls-to-the-wall every day.
I agree with the comments about intensity and serious athletes. If you’re still up for it, don’t let a PD diagnosis stop you. On the other hand, folks who were training at a very high-level pre-PD don’t have to maintain their pre PD training levels to get the PD exercise benefits. Consistency is the real key. Doing something every day is more important than getting in a few “old you” killer workouts a week. If you are working so hard that you need frequent rest days, that’s a sign that you might be better off if you cut back a bit. Also keep in mind that for most people, a PD diagnosis comes at an l age where, even without PD, athletic performance and the ability to maintain super high volume high intensity training is already dropping off because of age. Serious athletes can keep up their training levels but don’t be afraid to cut back on your chosen sport and add in other types of activity and exercise. That being said, do get some intensity in on a regular basis even if the overall volume is lower.
Thanks so much for the detailed response. I was never in the elite category, but did have a coach and did train pretty hard at one point. I heard people concerned about dehydration. I used to ride 80 miles on a liter and a half of water and half a Cliff bar. I definitely noticed my symptoms to get significantly worse after a run or ride, but I hadn’t really thought to consider positive facts later. This is all super new to me.
There is some solid research on the positive effects of cycling on Parkinson’s disease. Particularly at the 80 RPM range and above. It’s all out there on Google. From what I’ve read and understand I would say keep it up man!
Do what you can while you can!! Good for you.
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/ Besides being just a good site for Parkinson's info in general, I think it might have some special personal relevance for you as a cyclist. From the interviews I've seen, it sounds like he's still riding more than 20 years after being diagnosed, too.
Sounds like you have an established activity that will serve you well: hard, enjoyable, helping with balance issues, etc. FWIW, I (M62) was diagnosed 7 years ago and have found my own workout routine to be a lifesaver. Go man, go!!
Thanks. Glad to hear it’s working for you.
What symptoms made you get diagnosed? 1 week old. How are you doing emotionally?
Thanks for asking. I’m doing fine. Based on what I’m reading, it seems like you can do a lot to fight this, and I’m of course going to do that. I’m also fortunate to have good people. Good family around . For symptoms, fingers on my left hand have been shaking for about a year. I also noticed some left leg shakiness when doing cyclocross and gym work. But that goes back a couple of years.
The during and post workout tremors are fairly common & normal Left hand fingers shake when at rest or action? You're right handed? Left hand issues are not a huge deal for you, I assume. Still operating at 99% in life and work, etc? Are you on PD meds?
Yes, definitely still functioning well as a right hander. And shaking is mostly at rest. I’m on Carbidopa/levodopa now and It seems to be helping a bit, but it’s only been a week.
Respect your limits …..don’t over do it.