A new initiative aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals with Parkinson’s disease across the UK. The launch of the National Register of Parkinson’s Specialist Personal Trainers (NRPSPT) provides a database of accredited personal trainers and exercise coaches specifically trained to work with the Parkinson’s community. This initiative is supported by Parkinson’s UK and established by the exercise and wellbeing provider 4D Life.
The NRPSPT seeks to connect individuals with Parkinson’s to qualified exercise professionals in their area, providing a reliable resource for those looking to improve their physical health. With the support of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), the register aims to ensure that trainers understand the specific needs of their clients.
Exercise can play a vital role in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Regular physical activity is associated with numerous benefits, including improved balance, reduced risk of falls, better cardiovascular health, enhanced energy levels, and decreased anxiety. According to Anna Castiaux, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson’s UK, the new register is a significant step forward in connecting the Parkinson’s community with knowledgeable trainers.
“We are delighted to be continuing our work with 4D Life and we hope that the new register will help more people with Parkinson’s to find trusted personal trainers and exercise professionals in their area,” Castiaux stated. “The new register will also mean that the Parkinson’s community can be confident that any personal trainers or exercise coaches they work with will have a good understanding of the condition and be able to provide the appropriate activities and exercises to help them manage their Parkinson’s.”
The initiative comes from a personal commitment by Nick Berners-Price, founder of 4D Life, who has lived with a neurological condition since 2006. Berners-Price emphasizes the importance of accessibility for individuals with Parkinson’s, stating, “The new register has been created with the goal of ensuring everyone with Parkinson’s in the UK has access to a Parkinson’s specialist personal trainer, should they wish to work with one.”
Trainers listed in the NRPSPT will be prepared to develop tailored exercise programs that encompass cardio, strength, mobility, and flexibility training. This approach not only addresses physical health but also integrates aspects of nutrition and lifestyle management, which are crucial for long-term wellbeing.
The launch of this register is timely, as it aims to foster greater community connections and enhance the overall quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s. With the increasing recognition of the importance of exercise in managing chronic conditions, the NRPSPT stands as a trusted resource for individuals seeking to engage in physical activity safely and effectively.
For additional information about the register, interested parties can visit nrpspt.org or reach out via email at [email protected].
