Did you know that…
Exercise can actually change the brain and have a positive impact on Parkinson’s symptoms?
Push 4 Parkinson’s is a cause that raises funds for Parkinson’s foundations, as well as awareness to the benefits of intense exercise for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our mission is to expose those with PD to the more than 15,000 CrossFit® affiliates that can provide scaled workouts and a supportive , encouraging environment to help individuals manage the disease.
Although CrossFit® is best known for big muscles and Parkinson’s disease known for tremors in the elderly, Parkinson’s disease and CrossFit® have more in common than you might imagine. Approximately 60,000 mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, friends and neighbors will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease yearly in the US. Currently, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease; an incurable, progressive, degenerative neurologic disease often associated with a resting tremor. The CrossFit® community is joining forces to bring awareness to the benefits of exercise to those affected with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. Incidence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women.
CrossFit® is high intensity functional movements reflected in the core components of gymnastics, weightlifting, rowing and running. There are currently more than 15,000 affiliate gyms which promote engagement and participation in a healthy lifestyle. The WODs (Crossfit ® lingo for Workout Of Day) can be scaled to meet the needs of those who are out of shape and those who have special needs such as those with Parkinson’s.
CrossFit® training can also reduce the risk of fall related injuries by strengthening bones, ligaments, and, of course, muscles. Falling is a significant danger for most with Parkinson’s disease as changes in gait are often resistant to medication and other therapies such as deep brain stimulation.
Individuals with Parkinson’s can benefit from exercise by improving symptom management including tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness in movements and loss of balance. There is strong medical evidence that exercise improves gait, balance, flexibility, range of motion and body control. Exercise is a game changer for those with Parkinson’s disease and the benefits seem to increase with increased exercise intensity. Parkinson’s symptoms have been shown to improve with running, biking, boxing, and even ballroom dancing.
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease is more than just a constellation of motor symptoms. Because of the lack of dopamine, Parkinson’s patients often suffer from anxiety, insomnia, addictive behaviors and isolation. CrossFit® increases dopamine production thus improving motor as well as non-motor symptoms. Moreover, CrossFit® is an accepting community encouraging participation and discouraging the apathy and isolation often associated with degenerative neurologic diseases.
About FoxWOD
The FoxWOD started in 2018 with 110 athletes from six local CrossFit® affiliates participating in Panama City Beach, Florida. FoxWOD 2019 will expand to several sites in Florida and Georgia. Athletes will complete a 45 minute workout which will be long, grueling and mimic some of the obstacles those with Parkinson’s face. The workout, unlike Parkinson’s disease, can be scaled to each athlete’s potential. April is Parkinson’s Awareness month, so come join team FoxWOD 2019!!
If you are interested in being a participating CrossFit affiliate in the event, please contact admin@Push4Parkinsons.org
.
How FoxWOD Works
1. Fill out the registration form
2. Select the participating CrossFit Affiliate
3. Pay the $25 registration fee (includes a T-Shirt).
4. Donate to a Foundation of your choice.
Already have a team?
The FoxWOD is a conducted as a partner workout.
Enter your team name, or your partner’s name at registration. It’s time to sweat!
You’re Making An Impact!
When you register for the FoxWOD, you’re bringing awareness and support towards extending & enhancing the lives
Learn more about how exercise is
an essential part of managing the disease.
NBC News | Cross Fit| Pulling for Pete
| Intensity Gets Results | Steve Osbourne | Meet Elaine
Learn more about how to prepare your finances with PD:
Ready to Push 4 Parkinson’s?
Give to one of the PD Foundations
Parkinson's Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation is dedicated to making life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. With a unique focus on the benefits of exercise for those living with PD, a network of community-based exercise programs have been created,. Additionally the Parkinson’s Foundation provides education and outreach to the medical community about the emerging body of research indicating that exercise can change the brain and positively impact PD symptoms.
Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today.
FoxWOD Registration is targeted for May 2022 timeframe
Registration fees are non-refundable.
Contact admin@Push4Parkinsons.org if you would like to be a participating affiliate.