Press-Ups for Parkinsons Punchers
1000 Press-Ups a day for Parkinson's
Having reached the biblical allotted lifespan of three score year and ten (70 in new money) earlier this year, I thought I would take the opportunity to give a proverbial 2 fingers to the twin challenges of age and Parkinsons. But, more importantly, whilst January is more often associated with GIVING SOMETHING UP, I thought it would be better instead to make it an opportunity for GIVING SOMETHING BACK – to those great organisations working within the community to beat Parkinsons - St Paul’s Boxing Club in Hull, Goole Amateur Boxing Club, (both of who now have very active Parkinson’s Boxing Groups), and Parkinsons UK.
Boxing is increasingly being recognised by participants and scientists alike as an effective way of mitigating many of the symptoms of Parkinson's. It improves brain/eye/body connectivity and coordination; it improves balance and posture and it also provides a whole of body cardio workout. I believe too that it helps improve the mood - half empty glasses become half full.
Muhammed Ali once said “Inside the ring or out, there ain't nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong.” Well, none of the “Parkies” I have come across at boxing are ever going to stay down.
The 2 Boxing Clubs I am involved with - are both working with Parkinson's UK to build a local resource to support what we hope will be an increasing number of "Parkies" participating in the Parkinson's boxing sessions that both clubs now run. Both clubs have also made it clear that they are keen to support other groups of folk who may be "health compromised".
And so I want to raise some funds for Parkinsons UK and the 2 Boxing Clubs by undertaking a challenge worthy of such a great initiative and great people. After much research(really?) and seeking opinion, I have settled on that challenge - an attempt to do 1000 press-ups a day during January (albeit with a contingency for 4 free days if circumstances dictate)!
What finally decided me was when I asked St Paul's head coach Mike Bromby what he thought. His reply was to the point – “you’re mad!” he said.
He’s probably right
1000 press-ups a day works out at 31,000 in a month or, at approximately 75% of body weight, 65 tonnes a day / 2015 tonnes in the month
The first hit when I Googled “1000 press-ups a day” was ‘No normal person wants to know how to do 1,000 pushups a day’.
For men over the age of 60, the Amerícan College of Sports Medicine recommends ‘between 8 and 10 pushups’
So, I think I have chosen a challenge that I still believe to be achievable but is certainly not a stroll in the park!
Training has started, now all I have to do is to try and get sponsorship so that Parkinson's UK, St Paul’s Boxing Club and Goole Amateur Boxing Club can continue to benefit those impacted by this bloody disease. Oh yes … and then do a few press-ups in January!
Should you wish to donate, then this is the place to do it and many thanks. This GoFundMe page is administered by the Rotary Club of Howden - a registered charity and also registered for Gift Aid. Howden Rotary will then distribute ALL funds raised + Gift Aid to the 3 respective organisations
To Donate:
St Pauls Parkinson's Punchers Video:
For Further Information on Beneficiaries:
Organizer
Rotary Club of Howden Trust Fund
Beneficiary