Hi everyone,
I’m 52 and was diagnosed recently. My question is about going to the gym. I joined 3 weeks ago and have been going every single day and for 1 hour. Would it matter if I only went for 6 days instead of 7. Do you think a one-day rest would do good? Also, can I have homemade muffins and cakes? This is one thing that I haven’t been able to avoid.
Pls advise.
Thanks in advance.
Hi @fatheroftwo, and welcome to our forum.
Well done for getting into the gym after diagnosis. That’s a big positive step! Exercise is one of the best things we can do, and rest is just as important. We all need recovery time, so having rest days each week is often recommended. You may find you feel stronger and less fatigued after a day off, rather than pushing every day.
Listening to your body is key.
You can definitely enjoy homemade muffins and cakes. Parkinson’s doesn’t mean you have to cut out foods you enjoy. Like anyone else, it’s about balance and moderation.
We’re here if you ever need to chat to our team. You can reach us on freephone 0808 800 0303, and no question is too big or too small.
Sending our warmest wishes
The Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team 
Hi,
Thanks very much for your kind response. Much appreciated. Yeah, I guess 60 min 6 days a week should be fine. Also, the day I won’t be going, I’ll deffo end up walking for like an hour or so, running errands here and there.
Thanks again.
Have a nice day.
Hi fatheroftwo,
Yes, gym is really good, or any exercise for that matter.
However I really believe that going 7 times a week for an hour each time is overdoing it.
You are not allowing your muscles to recover properly, unless of course you are a major body builder.
Two days on then a day off then another two days is more than enough at gym.
For example, Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday rest day then Thursday and Friday.
And you really do not have to only go to gym. You can have a brisk walk or cycle etc for say 30 minutes as well.
I normally go to gym 3-4 times a week and cycles once or twice a week.
I try to limit it to 5 times a week. Four times is also fine. That is more than sufficient.
Remember one of the symptoms of this disgusting disease is that the muscles get weaker so you have to expend a lot more energy to accomplish the same results.
Oh and yes, cake and muffins are definitely ok. Especially if the cake is a baked cheese cake, or of course a carrot cake.
Hi Clive,
Thanks very much. Yeah, it’s a bummer that muscles get weaker as it progresses. Well, I hope there’s a better treatment for it before the decade ends. I’m pretty sure there’ll be something good for all of us by 2030. What do you think?