Motivation in Motion

Fighting Apathy in Parkinson's

Author

Ignite Neuro Fitness
November 24, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. At this time of the year where we focus on what we are grateful for, let’s take a moment of introspection and say what we appreciate about ourselves. Your self-worth as well as the other priorities in life you are thankful for are huge motivation to keep pushing yourself to improve.

Self-motivation to exercise is a challenge for all of us. It can feel even more insurmountable if you’re a person with Parkinson’s faced with additional challenges. Tremors, Rigidity (stiffness), Bradykinesia (slowness of moment), Postural instability (difficulty with balance and coordination), and Gait disturbances (shuffling, stooping) are all motor symptoms that can make it feel more difficult to move and reduce the incentive to exercise. What people often do not talk about is how the non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s can also contribute to this lack of will. Apathy and mood disorders are non-motor symptoms that can affect some people with Parkinson’s and can even more greatly impact participation.

Living with Parkinson’s can feel like a journey with unexpected turns. Some days may be bright, while others feel slow and heavy. Even in the toughest moments, there are ways to reconnect with your why- to seek motivation in small, meaningful ways.

“ Humans beings must become inspired to challenge, not to avoid, whatever difficulties they face and to turn them into happiness through the development of their own force.” -Nichiren Daishonin

This Month, we’re focusing on how to nurture motivation, not by pushing harder, but by tuning into what brings you peace, purpose, and joy. When we think of motivation, we often picture big goals or intense drive. But motivation can also be gentle. It can be choosing to take a walk, even for five minutes. It’s not about perfection, it’s about persistence, grace, and appreciating tiny victories.

Battling fatigue, apathy, depression, or anxiety can feel like real barriers to movement. They do not define your worth though or your ability to find joy. Although there are pharmaceutical options that can help manage some of these symptoms, there is also evidence for non-pharmaceutical management to improve your interest. This review, looks at two of the primary options for non-pharmaceutical apathy management for people with Parkinson’s: Exercise and mindfulness. Both have been shown to be helpful in different ways. Exercise can target goal directed behavior change and enhance engagement in social interactions. Mindfulness focuses more on the emotional and introspective domains of apathy. It can be difficulty to start these new endeavors, but they can have very beneficial long term effects.

Lets start with some ideas….here are some ways to stay Motivated:

  • Start small: a 1 minute stretch matters

  • Use visual reminders for self motivation: Sticky notes, 3 by 5 index cards with positive affirmation

    • “I am strong and capable and I am making progress today.”

    • “ I am resilient, and I can handle challenges.”

    • “ I forgive myself for any mistakes and focus on my journey forward.”

    • “Today’s a new day, and I can focus on what I can control”

  • Celebrate micro-wins: Did you eat something nourishing today? It all counts

  • Lean on your people: A friend, a group, or a caregiver who gets it. Social interactions are highly beneficial for mood enhancement

  • Reframe success: Motivation isn’t constant, it’s practice.

  • Make a list of goals to focus your attention. Start with short term goals that are easier to reach

  • Sit and breathe for 1 minute: meditation is mindfulness and can enhance your mood

  • Write your goals/activities in your calendar or set an alarm. Do not just do this for appointments or medication management

Another interesting study looked how dopamine itself can affect motivation. They found that people with Parkinson’s were motivated by a task that led to a large reward for themselves as this causes a dopamine release. Interestingly, they also look at willingness to participate to in an activity to benefit someone else and found that participants were more consistently willing to help another during their medication on time vs off time. This can highlight how your medication can help with your ability to push yourself to participate during your day. If you have known times of the day that your medication is most effective try to plan to do your most challenging tasks or exercise routine at this time to get the most benefit.

Sometimes though we need inspiration to motivate us to participate and put effort into our day:

Jimmy Choi is an American Ninja Warrior and Guinness World Record holder. Jimmy was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinason’s at age 27. At first, Jimmy went into denial and did nothing for several years to manage his symptoms. He became depressed and needed a cane to walk. Then, he fell down the stairs while carrying his three-year-old son in his arms, and this was his wake-up call. At that moment he felt he needed to be better for his family. He started exercising intensely, participated in clinical trials for PD, and became an advocate for people with Parkinson’s.

Jimmy’s story is an incredible one and has shown how effective exercise, mindfulness, and participation in the community can be the major change to your quality of life. Sometimes though, the hardest part is getting started. Let’s start with some small goals for the week.

5 ways to Re-ignite motivation This Week:

  1. Make your bed: Simple, symbolic, and a fresh start

  2. Listen to your favorite song and tap your feet: stimulate exercise and pleasure. All movement counts.

  3. Write down 1 thing you’re grateful for: become mindful of what is important in life

  4. Step outside and notice something beautiful: Sunlight and nature have been shown to improve mood due to release of serotonin

  5. Call or text someone you love: let connection carry you

Here at Ignite Neuro Fitness we want to help inspire you to move and feel better about yourself. As you have all heard countless times exercise is medicine, and not just for your movement, but also for your mood and mind as well. Come join us for a dopamine boost with some exercise, laughter, and social interaction. We are here as part of your community to help. Thank you to all our clients for inspiring and motivating us. We are grateful for you.

The more you know, the more motivated you will be

Tyrone and the Ignite Team

References: