Parkinson’s doesn’t only show up during workouts; it shows up when you’re putting on a shirt, tying shoes, walking the dog, or getting up off the floor. In this episode, Todd Vogt and Eric Von Frohlich share how they “gamify” everyday tasks to turn normal life into training: adding constraints, timing tasks, using the non-dominant hand, and stacking small challenges that build mobility, coordination, confidence, and consistency.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to turn daily tasks into “tests” you can repeat and improve (without needing more gym time).
• Why adding load / biofeedback, balance constraints, and the non-dominant side can make movement practice more effective and engaging.
• Simple “scoreboard” examples: the t-shirt challenge, timing your dog walk, shoe-tying reps, and “get ups.”
• A mindset shift: choose your challenge on purpose, instead of feeling like Parkinson’s is choosing it for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Treat chores like training. “Gamification” makes daily work more engaging and helps skills that are already eroding show up stronger in real life.
• Repeat the test. Do a task multiple times to refine technique and efficiency (instead of just “getting through it”).
• Add constraints (load, balance, eyes closed, non-dominant hand) to create neurological + physical demand without fancy equipment.
• The floor is training. Practicing getting up and down builds confidence and reduces fear around falls and floor transitions.
• Do the work; don’t chase the outcome. The consistency compounds.

Key Moments:

00:32 – Weekly training check-in + medicine ball warmup ideas
02:27 – Theme setup: movement practice “wherever you find it” + PT discussion (includes a mention of Jimmy Choi at the clinic)
03:15 – Physical therapy tactics: add load, time tasks, and build “tests” (t-shirt/vest drill)
05:28 – Why daily-life training matters: you notice PD more in day-to-day tasks than the gym
06:00 – Stretching, mobility, juggling as cognitive/neurological work
08:35 – Biofeedback + load (ankle/hand weights, trekking pole idea)
09:47 – “Get ups” (Dan John) and why floor practice matters
12:09 – Dog-walk gamification: 18 minutes → 15 minutes (move with purpose)
36:22 – Shoe-tying reps + non-dominant hand + cognitive challenges
38:49 – Shirt-on/off becomes training; add balance/load/eyes closed; “limited by imagination”
43:18 – Why this is underappreciated + closing mindset (“do the work…”)

Follow / Connect:

🔔 Subscribe: https://parkinsons-an-athletes-journey.transistor.fm/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkinsonsathletepodcast/
🌐 Website: https://www.ericvonfrohlich.com/podcast
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/parkinsons-an-athlete-s-journey-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Disclaimer:

Personal experience and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.