Aware that many people with Parkinson’s wanted to be more challenged with their physical activity, Neuro Heroes was created to do just that. Here, co-founder Laura Douglas tells NR Times about why their service is badly needed and warmly welcomed.
While the benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s are well known, that exercise usually comes in the form of yoga or tai chi, something which is certainly active but at the more relaxing end of the scale.
But for Neuro Heroes, their definition of exercise for people with Parkinson’s is different.
“We have a group of people who want to be challenged and pushed, as well as building their fitness,” says Laura Douglas, co-founder of the group.
“We do some quite dynamic stuff, it can be pretty intense and you can work at a high level if you want to, but at the heart of it is about being upbeat, playful and fun.”
Such an attitude marks a refreshing approach for many of Neuro Heroes’ clientele, several of whom have Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
“We have a few men in the group, some are in their 40s and have always been sporty, they’re desperate to play golf or football, as well as getting fitter and more healthy,” says neurophysiotherapist Laura, who runs Neuro Heroes with Anna Kharin.
“We also have some high functioning young women, as well as some really dynamic ladies in their 70s, and they want the challenge our classes bring.
“For them, the resources that are widely found online for Parkinson’s, where everything is seated and aimed at an older, less active audience, just isn’t for them. There is a big gap in existing exercise provision for younger people.
“We’re really pleased to bring something different and do it in an engaging way.”
And engagement is at the heart of Neuro Heroes’ offering.
With their PD Power high intensity aerobics sessions and PD Strength classes, which work on core, upper and lower body strength – all tailored to the needs of people with Parkinson’s and all held live – demand is increasing continually from people across the country.
From their base in South London, participants come from as far afield as Scotland, Ireland and Wales through the sessions being held online, and from running one PD Power group each week when Neuro Heroes launched in November, there are now six. Sessions are capped at a maximum of nine participants.
“There is a lot of evidence to show that exercise can help to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, and people do come to us for that reason, but it’s also a lot about building confidence, building fitness, improving posture, sleep and mood, but overall, enjoying themselves,” says Laura.
“We always focus on making the sessions fun and interesting. This week, we did a mountaineering-themed session, telling a story of climbing a mountain and using ice picks.
“Our sessions are different every week, which also makes it interesting, and we’re pleased that we are now beginning to establish an online community of regular clients alongside new ones.
“There is a real appetite to take part, which is lovely to see.”
And following the success of their initial sessions aimed at people with Parkinson’s, Neuro Heroes is now developing classes for people with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurological conditions, including a neuro pilates session.
“As a physiotherapist, I have worked with people with all aspects of neurological conditions, from stroke to brain tumour and cerebral palsy, so through our general neuro group we can accommodate all of the participants’ needs,” Laura continues.
“We are also introducing evening sessions, in addition to the ones we have on a lunchtime, which will hopefully enable those people who are at work or have other commitments during the day to attend.
“There are many people who tell us they want to exercise, but not everyone can or wants to get out walking, so by doing a session in your own home, which serves your specific needs as someone with Parkinson’s or another condition, that is where we can come in.
“This is an exciting time for us and our whole developing community that we are expanding so quickly, and the very positive feedback shows us the need for what we are doing and how much it is benefitting those who take part.
“One of our participants got in touch to say our sessions had improved her confidence and fitness so much that she had rediscovered her love of running. That was really nice to hear, as that’s what it’s all about, helping people to get fitter and feeling good about themselves.”
