Parkinson’s Disease is defined as a “neurodegenerative brain disorder.” When affected by Parkinson’s Disease, the brain stops producing dopamine and the person has trouble regulating body movement and emotion. Tremors and difficult walking are commonly associated with the disease that affects one in one hundred people over the age of sixty in the United States. The Michael J. Fox Institute estimates that more than one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s.
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Parkinson’s Disease does not yet have a cure, although it is not in itself fatal. Doctors and specialists attempt to address the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease to manage the disease and increase the quality of life of the patient.
FitClub is joining the fight against Parkinson’s Disease through FitClub’s Silver Dynamic group personal training for special populations. Personal trainer, LaVeral “Max” Maxeiner developed this training to focus on exercises specifically planned for those with challenges due to health issues. Max has been working with Ed Pauley, a member of FitClub that has been battling Parkinson’s Disease for more than a decade. Mr. Pauley was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003, and had been experiencing declines in his balance and mobility for thirteen years. Mr. Pauley felt that he was really heading downhill, but since he started working out with Max in December 2016, he’s seen “exceptional progress.”
When Mr. Pauley began working out, Max evaluated his balance and had to physically support him through their training sessions. Mr. Pauley felt very unsure of his steps at times, but began to feel better and better and is now working out for one hour, three times a week.
Mr. Pauley’s not done yet, though. He has set concrete goals for himself that include being able to walk well enough to go on vacation to Oregon to visit his children, or even Europe! He’s looking forward to being able to enjoy long walks and being able to get rid of his cane.
In a brief chat with Mr. Pauley, it’s easy to see what a uniquely positive attitude he has and it’s easy to imagine that his attitude and commitment are crucial keys to his continued success and improving health. With continued practice and exercise, FitClub has no doubt that Mr. Pauley will soon be enjoying his vacations and will be ready to set even more goals for himself soon!
Mr. Pauley is looking forward to his next appointment with his Parkinson’s specialist, and FitClub is confident his doctor will be as pleased and as proud as FitClub is of Mr. Pauley’s commitment and advancements!
FitClub is extremely proud of the work of both Max and Ed Pauley and will continue to fight back against Parkinson’s Disease.
