"Running helps clear my mind, and it allows me an hour or so to be in my own head—no outside distractions, no people talking in my ear, and no craziness. Just me and my thoughts. I’ve been running since I was 18, and I regularly run 5 or 6 miles. It does become tough to find routes when I’m on tour, but I find it’s the best way to explore a new location—especially when I am in a new city every day!"

 "I try to find time to do yoga at least once a week. It helps me stay true to myself as well as revitalize myself, calm down, and find my center."

- Ellie G.

Via Mind Body Green

"I run to enable myself to be present to my body. To pay attention to it, to clear out the cobwebs of daily stresses, to breathe life into my internal mental, emotional and spiritual spaces. And I am so profoundly grateful for this shift in posture because there was a time when exercise and running still smacked too much of the compulsion and control that led to disconnection for me. I feared I would never be able to use my body in an athletic way.  I used to run to escape life. Now I run to embrace it."

- Catherine

"What I'm trying to do in my life now is not define myself or let Parkinson's define who I am. I'm just choosing to focus on other activities and family and friends ... and learning how to impact and possibly change and hoping to reverse some of the symptoms — and that's through [meditation] and reading and exercise and painting."

- Robyn L., 43
British Columbia  Canada

Read more about Robyn's experience with Parkinson's and her new book, Most of Me: Surviving My Medical Meltdown

"It might seem antithetical to give myself one more thing to do [when planning a wedding]. But I now know that when I’m juggling a lot, squeezing in a workout is one of the best things I can do for myself. It gives my brain a time-out, drains away some of that pointless panic energy, and lets me come back to the world with fresh eyes and the wherewithal to stop and look around. Sure, there’s a lot to be stressed out about right now. And there’s plenty to be thrilled and joyful over. I can’t eradicate the bad entirely. But I can feel them both."

- Kelsey M.
Via Refinery 29

“I cycle because I live in London and so I use it as a means of transport. It’s really easy to nip around on a a bike. I’m not, like, a massive fiend committed to cycling every day but I do manage to do it. I cycle and I go to the gym to make myself feel good. Not to look the way someone else wants me to look."

- Grace
London, England
Via Refinery 29

"I've learned how far I can push myself, a lot of independence, but also when to ask for help."

- Sarah J., 25
Edmonton, Alberta Canada

Via CBC news, Trailblazing: Edmonton Woman Set to Conquer Trans Canada Trail

"I love to jump, spin, perform, and compete. I love the feeling when you glide. I love my friends and coach."
    - S.E.

"There's no other feeling like being in front of a crowd doing what you were born to do. I love how skating combines athleticism with artistry. When I lace up my skates I escape into my own world and transform into the character I am portraying."
    - L.C.

Via Louisville Skating Academy

"I LIKE it. It motivates me to be better in everything."
    - M.B.

Via Louisville Skating Academy

"I love it!!! It's very graceful and beautiful and it's a really unique sport. It makes me feel special."
    - N.A.
Louisville, KY

Via Louisville Skating Academy