The online fitness coach, who rose to fame for his viral workout videos, joined the staff at St Thomas’ to help make exercise easier for people with Parkinson’s.
Joe Wicks, known as ‘The Body Coach‘, has made a new workout video designed for people with Parkinson’s.
The famous fitness trainer worked with a specialised neuro-physiotherapist at St Thomas’ Hospital to release the free online video.
It comprises ten different exercises, including a one-minute ‘sit to stand’ challenge, all of which have been designed to be done at home.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects about 145,000 people in the UK. The main symptoms include slow movement, stiffness and tremor but it can also affect people’s walking, sleep and memory.
Research has shown that taking part in regular physical activity can positively impact patients’ symptoms, both physically and mentally.
Joe said he is passionate about making exercise accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
“Taking part in regular exercise has many benefits not just for your physical health, but also your mental health,” he said.
“It was great to come down to St Thomas’ Hospital to hear more about how exercise can help people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms and to create this workout video tailored specifically for them.”
He was assisted by Milly Khan, a highly specialist neuro-physiotherapist at Guy’s and St Thomas.’
“Physical activity is a really important component of treatment for Parkinson’s,” she explained, “and the condition shouldn’t be a barrier to being physically active.
“It’s important that physical activity sessions contain components of aerobic fitness, strength training, balance and core control, and stretching.
She added that it’s important for those with the condition to challenge their symptoms, and “do exercise you enjoy.”
St Thomas’ Hospital hosts exercise classes for patients with Parkinson’s in six-weekly blocks. While visiting the hospital, Joe took part in one of the classes.
Carol Webb, from Eltham, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2019 and has previously attended exercise classes at St Thomas’ Hospital.
Carol, 52, said since her diagnosis, she has found regular exercise helpful. “Taking part in regular exercise like yoga really helps to keep my joints flexible,” she said.
“If I sit still for too long, my joints can feel stiff so it’s good to keep moving. I found the exercise classes with Milly really helpful and, although tiring, it has given me the confidence to start a circuit training class locally – something I would not have thought possible previously.
“During lockdown, my youngest daughter and I took part in Joe’s online PE lessons in our garden, so it’s been exciting to take part in this video alongside him,” she added.
The exercise video is available free online on The Body Coach’s YouTube channel.
