Powerlifting and Parkinson's
Mates,
Power lifting and Parkinsons have nothing in common. In fact, they are polar opposites of each other. Somehow though, they can be related and they are with us. It's OT season, so here goes:
- Powerlifting
Last week two of our sons told me that they wanted to try powerlifting, something neither they nor anyone in our family had ever done. And not only did they want to 'try' it, but they were also going to go to their first ever meet a week hence. That meet would be the regional tournament to see if they could qualify for 'States', meaning the State finals, reserved for the 20 best powerlifters in each weight class. My response was along the lines of 'Okay, sure guys, whatever, but you have never done this activity before and have no real training'.
Some of you will have experience in powerlifting, maybe as a competitor, maybe as a coach, official, or a parent of a competitor. Our knowledge of powerlifting was limited to knowing the 3 events: Squats, bench press, and dead lift; and the kids and I have all done/do squats and bench press on a semi-regular basis. Deadlift is/was a foreign concept and even the two exercises we do know were for sports and fitness training, not the focus of powerlifting.
So we go to the meet. It's a bit like wrestling meets - hundreds of competitors in the gym and at least that many spectators. Six sets of squat/bench/deadlift sites. Weight groups divided up. Officials at tables and at the racks. First exercise is squats. There are rules, but pretty simple: You must go down with the weight on your shoulders until your legs are parallel to the floor, and then basically stand up straight. There are spotters on each end of the bar, and one behind the lifter. This isn't exact, but is the best I can find on the interweb: *I think GIFs were preventing this from loading - will add below*
You get three tries to squat, total. If you ask for a weight and don't make it, you can't go down in weight, you must try that weight (or higher) until your 3 attempts are done. If you don't make it, you are disqualified. That same rule holds true for the bench press and deadlift. As I learned at the meet, the most common strategy is to have your first lift be one that you can confidently do, then go for something close to your personal record (your 'PR'), and then your very best shot.
Bench press is something virtually all of you will know. The rules for that one are fairly simple also: Feet must stay on the ground, and your shoulders and hip/bottom must stay on the bench (i.e., no arching your back and lifting your butt off the bench). The weight is brought down and set on the chest for a beat, you cannot bounce it. Then you press it up to lock-out.
This is as close as I could find on the interweb. It’s about right, but there'd be a slight pause at the bottom:
Lastly was the deadlift. It is loading a bar with as much weight as you can lift, getting a good grip, lifting it to a full standing position and holding it for a beat, then putting the bar down - N.B., you can't simply let go or slam the bar down. You have to guide it back to the ground at least somewhat. Again, the best interweb example I could find. I think they call this a ‘Sumo’ technique, with the legs wider out:
- Parkinsons
Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with Parkinson's disease. It is a progressive nerve disorder that can usually be slowed, but not stopped with existing medical techniques. Ultimately it ends in death. The body weakens to the point that the person afflicted will lose the ability to move and, as we know, breath and swallow. Like powerlifting, I knew next to nothing about Parkinson's but, like powerlifting, I have learned a lot on the fly.
My father-in-law is a great guy. Fun, loves his family, smart, successful, and a guy who took very good care of himself. We should all wish to be in shape like him if/when we get to our 80’s. However, years back I saw his hand would tremble slightly for no reason. I never mentioned it to him, but I knew enough to know that was likely trouble. And trouble it was. We had not seen them for a couple of years (they were living in socal) but they were getting into their late -80’s and all alone. Over a series of phone calls a few summers ago I convinced them to move up north. I had no idea then, over the phone, how bad things had gotten.
Fast forward to now. This wonderful man, the picture of health for 85+ years, is bed-ridden. He is so weak that we have to feed him, move him, shave him, and make sure he can sip water without choking. His mind is not so clear and his voice is very weak. He reminisces some about years past. I listen. We all listen. We all know that those memories are so sweet to him and that is as far as his present circumstance will allow him to go – memories. He said to me last week, "I used to be in control. Now, I'm not in control'.
From the comments I’ve read here over the years, many of you have been through this with loved ones. Many have seen dear ones decline. And for others, you know at some point you are likely to get your chance. It’s not easy, it pulls at your heart. I am reminded of what a great man said, a man of faith, when faced with similar circumstances. No longer able to speak, he wrote: “Don’t pray for my healing, don’t hold me back from glory”
I think that is my prayer for my father-in-law. Mercy, above all else. There's an old saying that the days go slow, but the years go fast. I think the years from powerlifting to Parkinson's probably happen way faster than we realize. We’ve had to learn a lot on the fly about powerlifting. I've learned a lot lately about Parkinson’s. I sure wish it was only about the former, and not the latter.
XM
February 5th, 2024 at 3:51 PM ^
squat: 
bench press:
dead lift:
February 5th, 2024 at 5:16 PM ^
Sorry to hear about your FIL. My dad has Parkinson's. A lot of research indicates that physical activity, such as lifting weights, can greatly delay the progression of the disease. While that won't help your FIL, I thought it relevant given the other half of your post.
I don't powerlift, but do regularly lift weights, including the three lifts you mentioned. Lifting has had a very positive impact on my physical health.
Go Blue.
February 5th, 2024 at 7:43 PM ^
thank you and yes, i agree whole-heartedly about continuing to exercise as we age. my FIL looked like jack lalane (if you know who that is) because of his usual workout routine for the 30+ yrs i've know him, until of course the last few. i'm sure he pushed this off as far as possible with that routine.
February 6th, 2024 at 11:48 PM ^
Great post XM! I just wanted to add that lifting weights has a huge impact on your physical health and probably an even bigger impact on your mental health.
I used to do power lifting in my 20-30s and while I was never good enough for competition, i was benching in the mid-300s and not too far behind on some of the other exercises.
I had gotten away from it the last 10 years or so and just started again in December. It has made a HUGE difference to my physique, energy, outlook and mood. My son said to me the other day: "Dad, you just seem happier since you started lifting again".
Of course, Michigan and Detroit Lion football success helped too :)
February 7th, 2024 at 4:06 PM ^
Yes, I was surprised to see the OP say that the two have nothing to do with each other when in fact exercise and lifting heavy is a very effective treatment for parkinsons though I would imagine you'd have to start earlier in the diagnosis.
February 5th, 2024 at 6:26 PM ^
One journey begins and one nears completion.
What more could your Father-in-law desire than your, and certainly many others, similar view of him as a life well lived. I am sure your eyes show respect and isn't that what we want most from other men?
P.S.-Your gifs are making me tired. And I think I need some Icy Hot.
February 5th, 2024 at 6:41 PM ^
The latter is hitting home in a big way for me right now. Not Parkinson's, but as best as I can figure, we are probably not too far off in age - though I am sure a have a few years on you.
I'm blessed to still have both of my parents, but being 94 and 95, watching the decline is no bueno.
Not sure where I was going with this, but I always enjoy your shares XM.
Hang in there!
February 5th, 2024 at 8:02 PM ^
Sorry to hear about your father in law, XM. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your entire family.
How long until I can expect to see XM juniors in Muscle and Fitness magazine?
February 5th, 2024 at 9:13 PM ^
Fwiw, my understanding (definitely not a competitor here) is that you can still arch on the bench (it’s not flat back) but your ass has to stay down. It’s incredible the arch some competitors (especially women) can get while keeping butt and shoulders down. Getting the arch decreases the distance the bar has to travel (of course) and you kind of turn the lift into a decline press.
February 5th, 2024 at 9:57 PM ^
user name checking out.
and yes, you can arch your back, you just have to keep your shoulders and hips/bottom on the bench.
February 5th, 2024 at 11:05 PM ^
I learned a bit about Powerlifting and a bit about Parkinson's Disease from you just now XM, so thank you for that.
I've never had first-hand experience with anyone suffering from Parkinson's, so I know relatively little about the disease other than what I have read over the years. My prayers are with you and your family as you give your father-in-law comfort the best you can.
My Dad & Mom were each with us well into their 80s, Dad was always peak fitness until inoperable cancer hit him hard; Mom was struck down suddenly by a massive stroke. I do see some parallels in your story to what my father's decline was like so I can somewhat sympathize with you. Hang in there.
I gotta ask you to let us know how their first lifting competition went. My guess is that, no matter how much success they do or don't have in their first competition, they'll now be more determined than ever to continue competing.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:02 AM ^
My dad passed away a few years ago and Parkinson's played a big part in the decline of his health.
Sad that we have so many medicines for so many things and yet once you're diagnosed, the clock starts.
I can only hope my mom's better genes keep me healthy longer.
Interesting you posted this today, as it's just a few days after his birthday, and just a few before he passed away.
I have some health issues but I've been able to maintain a lot of my brute strength and I still enjoy lifting weights. Hope it helps
February 6th, 2024 at 12:05 AM ^
My father has had Parkinsons for over 25 years. What has helped him is being on the right medication. There is also circumstantial evidence that a clean diet that reduces inflammation can help. I have weight trained for decade and next July will be 35 years. I would think that weight training would help.
I have never lifted super heavy. I have peaked out bench press. Dead lifts and squats were too scary. I did not like seeing my entire body compress when loaded up. I am an ectomorph and not a big person. I find weight training incredibly useful for weight control. Even though I do not train as long and hard as I used to, my weight has remained in a 5 pound window for most of it.
Any young folks out there looking for good habits, moderate weight training is not nearly the time sink as other aerobic exercises and less likely to cause injury if done properly.
February 6th, 2024 at 6:42 AM ^
agreed re: good diet cuts inflammation and that weight training is good for weight control. two other things weight training is good for are these:
1. it is my understanding that muscle tissue is the greatest producer of antibodies and thus a tremendous help with immune issues, getting sick, and getting past colds, flu, etc.
2. weight training helps your bones stay strong, meaning, it prevents or at least delays/mitigates osteoporosis. broken hips of course are common for older folks. i suspect if there was ever a solid statistical analysis done that had a cross section of moderate weight trainers as opposed to all elderly that have broken bones, that there would be a significant statistical difference.
February 6th, 2024 at 1:49 PM ^
I think you might find that any exercise with impact helps with bone density, therefore running actually does a lot of that as well (following from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/exercise-your-bone-health)
A combination of these types of exercise is best for building and maintaining healthy bones and preventing falls and fractures:
- Weight-bearing exercises. These exercises produce a force on bones that makes them work harder. Examples are:
- Brisk walking (3 to 4 miles per hour).
- Jogging or running.
- Tennis, badminton, ping pong, pickleball, and other racket sports.
- Climbing stairs.
- Dancing.
- Resistance training exercises (weight lifting), which add resistance to movement to make muscles work harder and become stronger. These exercises put stress on bones, so they can make bones stronger as well. Strength-training exercises can involve:
- Weight machines.
- Free weights.
- Resistance bands.
- Use of your own body weight (such as pushups or pullups).
- Balance training, which is especially important for older adults. It can improve balance and help prevent falls. Examples are:
- Walking on an unstable surface (e.g., a foam mat or wobble board).
- Tai chi.
- Walking backwards.
- Step-ups.
- Lunges.
- Shifting your body weight backward and forward while standing with both feet together or on one foot.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:56 AM ^
What happens when you mix NIL (aka pay for play) and power lifting?
February 6th, 2024 at 6:43 AM ^
i know you mean that humorously, but i still have a visceral reaction watching that guy grab his arm.
February 6th, 2024 at 7:09 PM ^
Distal biceps tendon rupture.
February 6th, 2024 at 7:57 AM ^
My prayers and best wishes for your father-in-law and your sons.
By coincidence, I just saw an article about one of the most famous people to be afflicted with Parkinson's, Michael J Fox. He reacted as most of us would in the prime of their life, but with courage and great family support, he has done more to hopefully end or at least improve the lives of others to come than any before him.
In keeping with your statement that the years go fast, Fox Socratically tells us, “The last thing you run out of is a future. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you do, you’ll always have the future. Until you don’t. Then it’s moved, and it really mattered. But I’m in it for the final scene. I’m not leaving early to get to the car before the crowd starts.”
February 6th, 2024 at 8:12 AM ^
Very sorry - Parkinson's is a rough diagnosis that, while predominantly in the elderly, can strike at any time.
I have a distant cousin who received a Parkinson's diagnosis in her mid/late 20s. She had only a few years earlier gotten an engineering position with a large Michigan based company - yet she was basically forced to medically retire from doing all work by the time she hit her early/mid 30s.
February 6th, 2024 at 9:00 AM ^
I've had so much success with dieting and exercise this year I can't believe it. I started doing some breathing/stretches that help with alignment and it's eliminated injuries in ways I can't believe. Now I'm running 10-15 miles per week, doing weights 4-5 times per week, and now I'm looking at calisthenics movements even though my flexibility has a ways to go. I feel amazing every day and I set up mirrors all around my basement to admire the 8-pack as I work out.
February 6th, 2024 at 9:46 AM ^
Scotty, I want to believe every word you wrote was sincere, but that last sentence makes me think that you are having fun with some tongue-in-cheek comment. Neg me if I’m wrong.
February 6th, 2024 at 6:13 PM ^
I'm throwing an upvote in so you know it's sincere. To make it even more unbelievable, I bought a replica lord of the rings sword for posing for my progress pics too. But it's all true. I love weightlifting, I don't do the olympic style lifts, but am getting the payoff from a long road of physical therapy. I hope your kids love it, it's my favorite thing right now.
February 6th, 2024 at 8:43 PM ^
scottie, that is so much fun. good on you, and yeah, enjoy a little psychic income re: getting in shape. sounds like you are doing an outstanding job of it, too.
my kids all love working out/sports/fitness. if nothing else, i have given them that.
February 6th, 2024 at 10:05 AM ^
My dad is 78 with Parkinson's. He was a very active surgeon for many years. Coincidentally, I have competed in powerlifting competitions. This post hits.
Parkinson's is a terrible disease.
February 6th, 2024 at 11:07 AM ^
Sorry to hear about your FIL!! The major things I have focused on in the last two years are getting activity every day and losing weight. Trying, hopefully not in vain, to get healthier now that I'm in my 50s. Getting old scares me so damn much, but I suppose it's better than the alternative.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:11 PM ^
I enjoy your posts XM but this one brought back some raw memories. My dad lived for decades with Parkinsons and managed the slow progression until the end which was tough to watch. Prayers for your family.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:37 PM ^
Wishing you the best on the challenges you and your family face in both.
February 6th, 2024 at 12:40 PM ^
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was about 58 years old. His father and, in hindsight, his father's father all had it too. My dad rarely drinks and hasn't smoked since he was 19. It's devastating at times - my children were in awe when I told them how my dad did clap pushups everyday while I sat on his back as a youngster.
The one thing all three men have in common, besides genetics which I'm sure plays some part (and I think about constantly) is that they all spent 25-35+ years on GM assembly lines. Boxing and voice exercises certainly help and medication is key. But the medications seem to be trial-and-error as there's no one-size-fits-all prescription. On top of Parkinson's, my dad also has lupus and was diagnosed this week with a readily treatable type of lymphoma. He turns 64 next month; he was a master at classic car restoration and won many awards for 55-57 Chevys and pre-war Fords.
I know I'm venting but it's so incredibly nice that I can feel comfortable on this page letting some of this out. Too often I think about how lucky I was to have a hardworking father who breathed unknown chemicals and handled industrial glues and paints without a mask (in the 70's and 80's especially) to give his family a better life. I'm forever thankful to the UAW. Too often I think about how the since demolished factories in Lansing must be the cause of all my dad's ailments. It feels like once a month my parents share another name of a former GM employee who has hand tremors or diagnosed Parkinson's.
Thanks, OP, for giving us all a space on this topic.
February 6th, 2024 at 1:42 PM ^
Going through this way too much in the past 3 years (Mother, FIL and then Wife) I can only offer the following; May the days ahead be peaceful. That is all that we can ask for as we provide care for loved ones as they reach the end of life.
We don't know each other, but I always read your posts when I see them because they are often well thought out and written. I hope that your days ahead are peaceful.
February 6th, 2024 at 8:38 PM ^
tough stuff, especially with wife. blessings to you, and perseverance through difficult times.
February 6th, 2024 at 7:11 PM ^
Prayers for your father-in-law.
I thought this was going to be about some link between the two. Today I saw a frightening one: nose picking and dementia.
February 7th, 2024 at 11:28 PM ^
I have nothing to add, but just wanted to thank you for the post and extend my thoughts and support.
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