How I became stronger than ever after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 62 – and the revolutionary training that brings my focus back: Craig James

Craig James has never been a man who is not focusing.

The former chief economist at Commsec, who regularly shared his financial expertise on breakfast -tv and the evening news, has been at the top of his career and previously noticed senior positions for decades and previously stood out Commonwealth BankColonial, state bank and rural bank.

He has also always had a passion for physical fitness, running and strength training regularly and once even in Men’s Health Magazine as one of their top six ‘everyday men’.

“I have taken health and well-being very seriously,” tells me the now 64-year-old.

But at the end of 2021 he started to feel … off. His concentration started to fall.

“I put it down to just work stress,” says the three -year -old father.

But more strange symptoms followed. He would notice that he bowed over his desk, staring staring, drooling.

“My hands were shaking,” he says. “I struggled with small tasks such as tying my shoelaces.”

The last drop came when Karen, his 39 -year -old wife, remarked a tremor in his left arm and involuntary facial movements.

He went to a doctor, then a neurologist.

In February 2022, aged 62, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that roughly robes someone of their physical functions, known for causing shaking shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance.

Craig says that he felt ‘a feeling of shock and enlightenment’ when receiving his diagnosis.

“Shock – because I didn’t know much about that of Parkinson’s,” he says.

‘And relief that I had an answer and that I could start all the different treatments to tackle the problem. Given that Parkinson’s disease varies so much from person to person, my wife and II started to work out what was best for me. ‘

In the first instance, Craig was able to manage the progression of the disease with medication, speech therapy and physio exercises.

He continued to work and take TV appearances.

But in mid -2024 his symptoms were pronounced more, so he had to take sick leave before he finally retired at the end of that year.

“It’s hard to stay ahead of something that is so unpredictable in his progression,” he said at the time.

But if a man who has always embraced a healthy life and exercise, Craig wanted to remain as active as possible.

He continued his regular gym sessions, and as always he wanted a focus.

“I was looking for a challenge, but a Dodgy Achilles and Parkinson’s mobility problems increased that achieving goals was achieved,” he says.

As Craig describes it, he became ‘in’ powerlifting.

“The idea is that stronger muscles will help with mobility,” he says.

While Craig has always lifted weights, on deadlifts, bench press and squats – the three ‘power’ lifts that form the sport – he could concentrate on something other than the progression of the disease.

“I contacted a few of the powerlifting groups and Robert Wilks in Powerlifting Australia was the only one who answered my request for information,” he says.

Robert gave Craig a coach and he started training seriously. Because of his decades of dedication to strength and fitness, he excelled in sport.

In March last year he won the Australian Championships in the weight division for his age group and has since participated in seven other events.

‘While the competition offers a form of stress, Powerlifting has given me a goal. And the interaction with others also caused mental therapy. And they still do it today, “he says.

Now Craig says he has ‘good and bad days’.

“Parkinson’s disease is not a death sentence,” he says, “but the path of the disease is not known.

‘Doctors say it is difficult to give prognosis about timelines. But I stop on all the things I can do. Speech therapy, physio, changes in medicines – it all helps.

“But I keep making PBS in powerlifting.”

And those personal records are amazing: 105 kg (332LBS) for Squat, 70 kg (154 LBS) for bench press and 147 kg (324LBS) for Deadlift. Craig, who weighs 69 kg (152 pounds), is easily the strongest he has ever been, despite the challenges he is confronted with.

Now he wants to ‘become stronger, set new personal records and climb world rankings’.

Craig says that wife Karen is his ‘rock’ and his three children are ‘super supportive’.

‘For me, powerlifting was a great focus. For others, running or walking or even dancing is. Having a focus, interaction with others and having goals is all important, “he adds.

“And just try to be positive. For myself and my wife together we pull strength from each other and believe in God’s plan for us. ‘

Craig will challenge the deadlif record of World Parkinson’s on the Oceania Powerlifting Championships on Ausfitness Expo on ICC 19-21 September