Shimon

Shimon began working with Longevity Health and Fitness at the age of 75, living with a long history of Parkinson’s disease alongside type II diabetes. At the time, his symptoms included significant tremor, lateral trunk flexion to the left, reduced strength, fatigue, and major limitations in mobility and balance. Every day tasks required a high level of support, and his independence had decreased significantly.

Shimon’s goals were simple but deeply meaningful to him. He wanted to feel stronger and fitter, reduce his tiredness, walk more confidently, improve his balance, and live a more independent life. As he often said during sessions, he simply “wanted to do better”.

Training began with three 45-minute sessions each week and has continued consistently for almost three years. Sessions were carefully adapted to how Shimon presented on the day. Some days focused more on seated exercises when symptoms or fatigue were higher, while other days allowed for more movement-based work. Training included strength, mobility and coordination using resistance bands, dumbbells, agility ladders, steps, TRX, balance cushions and boxing gloves. Boxing became a key part of every session, something Shimon particularly enjoyed and engaged with, often completing punches from a seated position.

Variety was essential. Shimon disliked repeating the same exercises, so sessions were designed to remain interesting, challenging and motivating. On days without supervised sessions, he was encouraged to complete daily stretching and short walks using his walker when able.

Improvements were seen very quickly. Within the first two weeks, Shimon progressed from needing three people to help him stand up from a chair to being able to do so independently. Over the following weeks and months, his strength and confidence continued to build. He regained the ability to walk independently around his home and later progressed to walking outdoors, allowing him to visit family and friends again. He no longer required a stair lift, was able to get up independently during the night, and gradually progressed from resistance bands to lifting weights of up to 6kg.

As his physical capacity improved, so did his quality of life. Shimon began attending large family gatherings again, returned to synagogue, and re-engaged in social activities that had previously felt out of reach. His coordination improved steadily, his walking became more confident, and his boxing punches grew stronger and more controlled week by week.

Sessions were not without challenges. Shimon’s Parkinson’s-related symptoms, particularly episodes of constipation, could lead to sudden cancellations or days where exercise needed to be significantly adapted. On lower-capacity days, sessions were shortened, focused more on seated work and stretching, and adjusted to prioritise safety and comfort. Often, despite starting a session feeling tired or unwell, Shimon would gradually “wake up” during the session and finish feeling stronger and more energised.

After nearly three years of consistent, individualised support, Shimon continues to train regularly. His progress is a powerful example of what is possible with patience, adaptability, and belief in ability, even when living with a long-term neurological condition.