Exercise with mild symptoms
If your symptoms are mild, focus on vigorous exercise.
This means wearing sports kit and getting hot and sweaty. Try gym sessions, running, cycling, tennis, high energy Parkinson's programmes, circuit training or boot camp classes.
Talk to a physiotherapist who knows about Parkinson’s for more advice and to plan the right exercise for you, especially if you're just getting started.
Many of our local groups across the UK offer exercise classes specifically designed for people with Parkinson’s, at all stages of the condition.
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3 things we know about exercise with mild symptoms
It's best to focus on vigorous exercise that works the whole body.
Regular exercise can help improve your strength, balance, posture and flexibility, and keep your heart and lungs healthy.
If you already play a sport and stay active - keep it up, add vigorous exercise and build up to at least 2.5 hours a week.
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Exercise with mild symptoms
Watch our animation to find out more about exercising with mild symptoms, and why it's so important.
Thanks to the Light Fund for their support with our exercise animations.
“I googled Parkinson’s and one of the first things that came up was Rock Steady Boxing. And from there, my journey started.”
For Tommy, fitness and physical activity has always been a way of life. When he was 58, he qualified as a personal trainer. Then at 61, he faced his biggest physical challenge to date – Parkinson’s.
"I have been given the opportunity to work with a number of people living with Parkinson’s, creating safe and effective fitness programmes, tailored to their needs. I’ve always been passionate about helping people of all ages and abilities and I am a strong believer that everyone can benefit from some form of exercise."
We meet Tom Burridge, a personal trainer based in Exeter, who works with people with Parkinson’s.
“If I’m at home watching TV, I notice the dyskinesia in my foot and the tremor in my arm. My walking isn’t always great. But getting out on the bike sees all those symptoms disappear.”
Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 9 years ago, when he was 57. Here he talks about how important exercise has been in managing his symptoms, and how he continues to climb the hills near his home in Northumberland, with the help of his new ebike.
"For me, physical exertion is about looking after my mental health. When I’m not running, I’m not as nice a person. I’m moody. I can be difficult to be around. When I’m fitter, I feel better - I can deal with things just that little bit better."
Since Neil was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 4 years ago, running has given him a sense of empowerment over the condition. He shares his story.
Man of the match: how football is helping John tackle Parkinson's
“For me, walking football takes me back to my best playing days, where the one thing that got me through everything was football,” says John. “I’ve seen what the adrenaline and enjoyment can do, and can explain to people what a positive effect it can have.”
Former semi-professional footballer John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012. He talks about how sport helped him tackle the condition head on.
How to stay active and exercise at home
- Keeping active is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. From chair-based aerobics to balance exercises, we’ve brought together a range of video workouts you can do from the comfort of your own home. Read more here.
- In this print at home resource, we’ve put together some of the best exercises to help you stay active at home when you have Parkinson’s. Download it here.
Our exercise guidance is supported by the We Are Undefeatable campaign. The campaign aims to support people living with health conditions to build physical activity into their lives and to celebrate every victory - big or small.
Want help with starting to move more? The campaign is full of ideas and resources to help you start your journey to being active.