I recently attended the Fighting Fit weekend in Cookham. https://fighting-fit.org.uk/home/
The course gets people with Parkinson’s of working age together (and partners if they wish). The aim is to meet people, exchange ideas and strategies, try different forms of exercise and increase motivation and positivity. Best suited for those diagnosed in the last 5 years.
There were 20 participants and as well as meet and chat together we discussed self help, listened to talks on the importance of exercise, PD research, skills and strategies for everyday life, psychological well-being, and a talk from a senior PD nurse. We also did a dancing class, a PD Power high intensity exercise class, a taster of Tai Chi, a singing session, a quiz, a watercolour painting workshop and a yoga session amongst other things.
I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. Some of the talks were real eye openers for me and I loved having a go at some of the more unusual activities. It was also very interesting meeting other Parkies of a similar age and discovering similarities and differences between us. The big takeaway for me was that I am not doing enough intensive exercise so I am changing that now.
The weekend was based in a beautiful and peaceful location and was superbly organised and run - by volunteers…this is a non-profit making initiative supported by Parkinson’s UK.
If you get the chance…do yourself a favour and GO!