Parkinson’s: Exercises to Awaken Your Stem Cells!

After discussing stem cell transplants and nutrients that promote their activation, today we turn to another key factor: physical and cognitive exercise, as well as approaches that influence brain plasticity.

In line with the hormesis principle, which can help you gradually adapt to a higher level of resilience, you will find below practical exercises and disciplines that may help you regain ground, trigger a cascade of positive effects, and potentially activate your own dormant stem cells.

The Best Physical Activities to Promote Neurogenesis in Parkinson’s

Any physical, meditative, or cognitive activity helps strengthen brain plasticity. Even simple activities such as walking, gardening, drawing, or DIY projects send a crucial message to your brain: you need it to maintain your well-being and, even better, to regain lost ground if you progressively push your limits.

However, it is essential to maintain balance: avoiding exhaustion is crucial, as it could have the opposite effect. Progress is not always linear—some days, you will feel more energetic and motivated, while on others, activities may seem more challenging. The key is to set challenges that match your physical and mental condition, as progressively pushing yourself is one of the best ways to wake up dormant stem cells.

Below, you’ll find some activities that can become valuable allies in regaining mobility and cognitive function, working in synergy with the beneficial physiological effects of AtremoPlus, which often enhances motivation and the energy needed to take action.

As a reminder, in our latest survey, about two-thirds of our users reported resuming activities they had previously abandoned. Many also noted that they now perform their daily tasks with greater ease and enjoyment.

 Tip: Sometimes, exercising in a group is more enjoyable and motivating. Check if there are local groups dedicated to the activities that interest you. This is not only a great way to stay on track but also an opportunity to share experiences and benefit from social interactions. 

1. Aerobic and Endurance Exercise: Stimulates BDNF and Brain Plasticity

• Brisk or Nordic walking
• Light jogging (if possible)
• Cycling (outdoor or stationary)
• Swimming
• Dynamic dancing (tango, rhythmic dance)
• Adapted boxing for Parkinson’s (e.g., Rock Steady Boxing)
• High-intensity interval training (short but intense workouts)

 Benefits: Enhances brain oxygenation, stimulates the release of BDNF, and improves overall motor function.
 

2. Coordination and Balance Exercises: Strengthen Neural Connections

• Tai Chi
• Qi Gong
• Yoga
• Exercises on unstable surfaces (Bosu ball, balance cushions)
• Fascia training with the Munz Floor method
• Mindfulness meditation

 Benefits: Improves balance, reduces fall risk, optimizes the nervous system-muscle connection, reduces pain, alleviates stress, and enhances overall well-being.
 

3. Strength and Resistance Training: Protects Dopaminergic Neurons

• Light weight training
• Resistance band exercises
• Stair climbing
• Controlled squats and lunges

 Benefits: Stimulates the production of neuronal growth factors, strengthens muscles, and improves posture.
 

4. Cognitive-Motor Activities: Boost Neuroplasticity

• Table tennis
• Bocce or pétanque
• Quick reaction exercises (e.g., tracking a moving ball)
• Interactive video games (e.g., Wii Fit, adapted virtual reality)

 Benefits: Enhances coordination, strengthens memory, and maintains motor adaptability.
 

5. Exercises with Music: Enhance Neurogenesis

• Walking in rhythm to music
• Singing while moving
• Dance therapy

 Benefits: Improves motor coordination, boosts mood, reinforces movement synchronization with brain activity, and reduces freezing episodes and off-moments.

How Do These Exercises Promote Neurogenesis in Parkinson’s?

• Increases BDNF (a key neuronal growth factor)
• Reduces chronic inflammation, which damages dopaminergic neurons
• Enhances brain vascularization, providing more oxygen to the brain
• Stimulates brain plasticity, fostering new neural connections
• Decreases oxidative stress, a major barrier to neural regeneration

By combining these activities and practicing them regularly (3 to 5 times per week), it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and brain plasticity, helping slow degeneration and improving quality of life.

 Ideally, a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training, and cognitive-motor activities is the most effective!However, any activity—even small ones not listed here—remains beneficial.

 Tip: The Benefits of Dual-Task Activities

Combining two tasks simultaneously stimulates brain plasticity and improves motor coordination. This challenges the brain to adapt, reinforcing the connection between movement and cognition.
 

 Examples:

• Walking while counting backward (e.g., subtracting 7 from 100: 100, 93, 86, etc.).
• Listening to a podcast while performing balance exercises (e.g., standing on one leg).
• Clapping to a rhythm while reciting a poem or listing the days of the week in reverse order.
• Alternating arm movements while solving a simple mental calculation.
• Brushing your teeth with the non-dominant hand while singing a song (even if just in your head).
• Throwing a ball against a wall while naming countries starting with a given letter.

The added challenge enhances focus and may help reduce motor blocks! 

We hope that combining the active ingredients of AtremoPlus with suitable activities can help you regain ground. Science tells us it’s possible—so why not give it a try?

With the arrival of spring and sunnier days, it’s the perfect time to (re)start moving!