Building a virtual cycling community with Parkinson's
Zwap is an online community which brings people with Parkinson's together through their love of cycling. Graham Kerr tells how it's helped him stay active and make friends.
What is Zwap?
Zwap is an online community which uses the Zwift app to help people get cycling together worldwide.
A group of UK cyclists who all live with Parkinson's are now using Zwap, not only to get back on their bikes, but also to enjoy the social benefits of being active together.
The Parkinson's cycling group has members from around the world and uses a mix of Zoom and Zwift to chat and share their progress.
Graham uses Zwap to help him connect with other people living with Parkinson's who are passionate about cycling.
A way to clear my head
"I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in October 2017, at the age of 55, after I started experiencing a sore shoulder. My handwriting was getting smaller and less legible too, which as a police officer was causing me problems.
"I was also having trouble with small everyday tasks, such as buttoning my shirt and tying my shoelaces. I had convinced myself that I had motor neurone disease.
"A private neurologist diagnosed Parkinson's within 5 minutes. I was shocked but slightly relieved, as I now knew what I was dealing with. My late father had also lived with the condition, but he never let his Parkinson's get him down and lived his life to the full.
"I had been feeling quite down for a couple of weeks, when I decided to go out for a cycle to try and clear my head. I quickly realised that it was something I could do, not only to stay active, but to stay positive about my condition as well."
Finding an international community
"I gave up cycling outdoors after falling off my bike a couple of times, and used to cycle indoors using Zwift. But it was difficult to stay motivated cycling alone in my garage.
"At first, I was slightly apprehensive about joining Zwap, but I was made to feel welcome the moment I came online. You feel like you are part of an international community. I had missed the social aspect of cycling with friends outside, but now I had friends from all over the world, some of whom I have now met in person.
"I now look forward to cycling events, not just to exercise, but also to engage in conversation with them - we don't always talk about Parkinson's, but it's just a great way to socialise.
"If you can't complete the whole ride you can just cycle for as long as you feel comfortable. And if you're ever struggling, you will always get plenty of encouragement and support from your fellow cyclists."
The nearest thing to cycling outdoors
"I use the same bike that I used outdoors, but mounted on a turbo trainer. It is the nearest thing you can get to cycling outdoors: when the incline increases up a hill, the resistance on your bike increases accordingly.
"While you don't get the fresh air or scenery indoors, you don't have to battle against the weather and you won't get any punctures. Your chances of falling off the bike or being involved in an accident are also eliminated. I can honestly say that it is just as enjoyable as cycling outside.
"It is great to cycle with others who live with Parkinson's, all of whom are attempting to make the most of their lives despite their diagnosis. It is inspiring to see others who are determined to make the most of their lives."
Find something you enjoy
"The advice I would give to anyone with Parkinson's is to take part in exercise or an activity that you enjoy. If you don't enjoy it, you won't do it.
"Try a new sport or workout that you haven't done before. You won't have anything to compare with so you won't despair if you aren't at the same level you used to be.
"Naturally, I would definitely recommend cycling (either outdoors or indoors) to anyone with Parkinson's. If you don't cycle, give it a go. It's great fun and the benefits are unbelievable."
Other ways to get active at home
- Fancy trying your hand at dance, football, Pilates or strength training? We have a playlist of more than 30 YouTube videos which can help, each led by an instructor who understands Parkinson's.
- Join comedian Bill Bailey in a short exercise routine using nothing more than an armchair or couch.
Find out more about Zwift and Zwap
Zwift is the app that can help people to start cycling indoors and Zwap is the online community for people who want to cycle together from the comfort of their own home.