Raymond Reynolds, Psychologist, 62, The Gap 
Twelve years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In order to maintain my mobility I went to gym at Bardon almost every day. I did weights and undertook Spin classes. However, I was continually pulling muscles and was spending almost as much time at the physiotherapist’s as I was at the gym.
My weight was staying pretty static too. Perhaps I was too easy on myself because I felt I had this disability. I had begun to walk like an old man.
I decided to give Personal Training a go and I asked Nic Pillonel to be my PT. Nic took an interest in my condition and tailored my program accordingly. He challenged me and did not accept excuses but was sensitive to where my body was. I have not been to the physio for a year now.
With Parkinson’s it is hard to do more than one thing at a time (no ladies, not all men have Parkinson’s!) so Nic gradually introduced more complex exercises. The stretching program kept stiffness and injuries at bay. Use it or lose it applies to all aspects of your body (not just the one) when you have Parkinson’s but thanks to Nic I have good mobility and I am becoming well toned as well.
But importantly, we have fun! And I have the opportunity to practice my French. Merci, mon ami.