Digital workout creator, 1FitLife, has partnered with Parkinson’s UK to create specialist activity videos as part of the charity’s ongoing work to encourage people living with Parkinson’s to become and stay as active as possible.
1FitLife has created six videos so far, with the intention to create a full series of 18. The videos feature specialist physiotherapists, as well as people living with Parkinson’s themselves. The content and post-production were all produced at 1FitLife’s studios in Bournemouth.
The teams at 1FitLife and Parkinson’s UK consulted with experts in progressive neurological conditions including Parkinson’s specialists, Neuro Heroes and Reach Your Peak, as well as NHS physiotherapists to create a series of high-intensity, moderate and low-impact workouts.
David Langridge, Managing Director at 1FitLife, a leading agency for fitness and wellness content creation said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can seem like a life sentence.
It is a progressive condition and so far there is no known cure. We are passionate about creating positive exercise content that communicates with a particular community or condition, to help make their lives better and fuller.
These videos have been intentionally designed to be relaxed and informal. We included people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the filming to make them all the more relatable.”
The videos are suitable for people with mild symptoms and those for whom the disease has progressed, as well as those with complex severe symptoms.
The workouts always include modifications and seated exercise options. The workouts have been created to be positive, upbeat and tangible.
Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager at Parkinson’s UK said: “Evidence shows that being active for two and a half hours a week or more can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and the community are increasingly telling us that physical activity, especially vigorous workouts are helping them temporarily alleviate symptoms.
We are excited to see what future research reveals, but it is clear that physical activity has a positive impact on people living with Parkinson’s.
“During the lockdown, it was important that we created physical activity opportunities for the Parkinson’s community to be active at home.
The feedback we got was so positive that we wanted to develop even more resources for people to use to reduce their barriers to exercise.
“Parkinson’s is a neurological condition and people living with Parkinson’s often experience low moods and anxiety as well as physical symptoms, which can be a huge obstacle for someone accessing new or unfamiliar activities. If you are anxious already, attending a new class at a gym can seem impossible.
“We are also conscious that any cost of living crisis may mean people give up gym and leisure centre memberships, so we were keen to ensure these specialist videos will always remain free.”
Les Tinsley, a participant in the videos said: “I’m an advocate of exercise as one of the best ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
Being active helps to reduce my muscle pain and stiffness, and helps me get a good night’s sleep. I was really happy to help Parkinson’s UK with their physical activity messaging and to participate in this video.
“The activities in the video will show you the best ways to stay active and how often you should be active each week. You don’t need to be an athlete to be active and you don’t need to be perfect, just keep trying.
“I want to encourage everyone with Parkinson’s to have an activity plan, so you get into a daily habit of being active. You could create your own plan or follow an activity provider, such as Reach Your Peak.
“I really enjoyed taking part in the video and, although I’m not the sportiest person, I found the activities from the instructors were really helpful for my symptoms.
I thought the filming process would be daunting, but Parkinson’s UK and 1FitLife made it a fun experience, which is the biggest compliment I can give.”
Morton concludes: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at 1FitLife, and are proud of the workouts created.
1FitLife understood who they were designing the videos for, and completely fulfilled our brief. We are excited to share the workouts with our community and look forward to seeing the positive impact they have.”