I’m so excited

Today I’m meeting some Zoom classmates for the first time in real life. And it’s all in a good cause.

For three years I’ve been working out on Zoom twice a week with a wonderful bunch of people called Neuro Heroes. I’ve met some of them in real life before, at Sport Parkinson’s and Movers and Shakers events. Today, I’ll be meeting a whole lot more, face-to-face. In return, they’ll have the dubious pleasure of meeting me – and finding out more about the cranky old dear in the jungle print leggings. We’ll share our achievements, and encourage each other to bigger goals in 2025.

Led by neuro physiotherapists Anna Kharin and Laura Douglas, and their expanding team of highly qualified instructors, Neuro Heroes are fast spreading the positive word that exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. Their live online classes provide a balanced diet of co-ordination, strength, cardiovascular fitness and big, powerful neuroplastic moves.

Applaud the wobble

For me it’s balance where they really score, always applauding the wobble, testing us to the limits and never letting gravity win. I used to have a small shuffly stride, but now I’m not afraid to go out and make bigger strides and even to break into a run without the fear of falling over.

With these regular sessions in my diary, I honestly don’t feel my Parkinson’s has got any worse. When things seem bad, it’s usually because I’m stressing about something else, like moving house or getting through Stansted Airport without killing somebody. Take the stressor away, and I perk up again very quickly, especially on those days when I start the day with a Neuro Heroes session.

Roll up, roll up!
I’m lucky to be able to afford their services. And I’m proud of the work they do through the Neuro Heroes Community Exercise Fund to offer free classes for people with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis who could not otherwise afford this. Today’s shindig will include a raffle, with some fabulous prizes. 100% of the proceeds will go into the Community Fund.

The raffle started as a small thing just for attendees. But the prizes just got bigger and better, and we couldn’t keep them all to ourselves. Please join in if you can.

https://pay.collctiv.com/neuro-heroes-community-exercise-fund-christmas-raffle-74538

Play>I’m so excited>Pointer Sisters

photo: Laura Douglas (l) and Anna Kharin, founders of Neuro Heroes