Parkinson's Active
We've launched Parkinson's Active, a 3 year National Lottery Community Fund Project developing a Parkinson's Scotland exercise network.
There's no cure for Parkinson’s. However, there is growing evidence that structured exercise may slow its progress. Keeping active is important for your mental and physical wellbeing, especially for people with Parkinson’s.
Regular structured exercise can help manage symptoms, improve your mood and make everyday movements a little easier.
So we've launched Parkinson's Active, the first Parkinson’s Scotland exercise network. From local exercise opportunities for people with Parkinson’s, to inspiration, to resources for professionals. We've got everything you need.
Local exercise opportunities
Parkinson’s Active is currently working in partnership with Leisure Trusts across Scotland to deliver exercise classes online and in-person when allowed, specifically for people with Parkinson’s. We're working with:
Use our look-up tool to find activities near you.
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How people with Parkinson's in Scotland are keeping active
Dee was slowing down due to stiffness before and during the coronavirus lockdown. Thanks to exercise and the right medication, she's feeling fit and healthy:
"I use Reach Your Peak Online, an online exercise programme specifically for people with Parkinson’s. It delivers weekly exercise into a schedule that I control. Exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s and I know I am getting a good dose.
"But it’s more than online exercise. I get all the help and advice I need from Sally and Maria who are physiotherapists specialising in Parkinson’s. I also get to connect with a Parkinson’s community from all over the UK and Europe.
“I enjoy walking and cycling. When we’re not in lockdown, I enjoy playing badminton and basketball with my sister. I do weekly live Zumba. I also attend a mixed ability weekly exercise class hosted by the Parkinson's Deeside Support Group. I find these classes really beneficial socially as well as physically."
Andy was active his whole life, playing cricket, golfing and cycling. In 2015 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's:
"I instantly thought that my diagnosis would mean a hasty end to the sporty lifestyle I’d always known and I’d never again experience the thrill of doing well or winning again. I couldn't have been more wrong.
"My advice to anyone with Parkinson's who has been involved in sport or general exercise, or who wants to try it for the first time, would be to give it a go.
"You’d almost certainly be surprised at what you can do. Don’t make the same mistakes I did in thinking you won't be able to participate in the same way as anyone else.
"Sport and exercise is for everyone, including people with Parkinson's."
Exercising with Parkinson's
One of the biggest challenges to exercise is knowing where to start, what type of activity is best, where you can access it.
We've put together some resources and guidance, so that you can find the right exercise and support for you, whatever your ability.
Support for Professionals
In Scotland, we want health professionals and leisure providers to feel confident in supporting people with Parkinson's.
Join the Physical Activity Scotland Group to keep up to date with workshops and guidance, and support people with Parkinson’s to exercise.
To join, email [email protected].
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You can also download our exercise framework, and join our exercise hub:
Developed by experts, our exercise framework provides key messages for professionals to support people with Parkinson's.
Be part of a UK network of experts and practitioners supporting people with Parkinson's to exercise.