"I feel more prepared to face the future"

I am recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. My partner & I were given the opportunity to attend the Power Up! Programme in Barnstaple for which I am very grateful. It provided an opportunity to meet with other people in the same situation without facing idle curiosity or pity. In turn the group & staff members provided support & encouragement to challenge myself to improve my health, strength, flexibility & awareness of what to expect as the condition progresses. This should also help me discuss symptoms &needs with medical professionals as the situation changes.

My main concern is around motivation to maintain the activities once the programme ends. I appreciate the additional fitness & Pilates sessions on offer but the distance from my home make them less accessible. I try to exercise at home but having a group of like minded colleagues does seem to improve my commitment level.

Suzanne & Bea are committed to ensuring that everyone makes steady progress during the programme & provide encouragement to push a little harder & to try new activities. Remembering specific exercises is difficult but where possible routines have been repeated & we have been provided with links to aide memories. The exercises have shown that we don’t need a lot of expensive equipment or clothing. It would have been useful for my partner to have taken part in the exercises which would have increased the likelihood of remembering how exercise.

As a result of this programme I feel more prepared to face the future & less like a jellyfish being tossed around in an ocean totally out of control. I may not be able to dictate how my Parkinson’s develops but I am more confident that I can have some influence over my progress. Thank you.