Being active is important for everyone. And if you have Parkinson's it can help manage your symptoms, improve your mood, and make everyday movements a little easier. The more physically active you are the easier it is to live well with Parkinson's.
One of the biggest challenges to physical activity is knowing where to start, what type of activity is best and where you can access it.
What we're doing in Scotland?
We're working with leisure trusts and providers to create more opportunities to meet the needs of people with Parkinson’s to be active. Our aim is to work with a leisure provider in every area of Scotland.
Examples are working in partnership with Table Tennis Scotland and Walking Football Scotland. We've develop more opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to take part in these activities and provide awareness training to clubs and groups.
We have also developed training for exercise instructors. This has been delivered to over 100 instructors across 20 local authorities.
And we work closely with local Parkinson's nurses, physios and other health professionals to help create these opportunities and signpost people to these.
Want to get started with physical activity?
We recognise that not everyone with Parkinson’s wants to attend exercise classes. Doing activity regularly is key therefore it must be fun.
Search for a class, club or activity below near you. Or, visit our physical activity page to get started.
Find a sports club or class near you
Make new friends or meet up with old friends. Whatever it is that gets you moving, it’s good for your health and happiness. And it’s a great excuse for cuppa and a catch up after! However you want to get active, find something that works for you.
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."
Support for activity providers and health professionals
Our physical activity network in Scotland brings together exercise professionals, providers and healthcare professionals to learn, share and feel confident in supporting people with Parkinson's to be active.
Keep up-to-date with workshops and guidance, and hear about our annual event. We have created information guides of activities available for people with Parkinson's in each health board area.
To join the network or get more information on these resources, email parkinsonsactive@parkinsons.
More resources for providers and professionals
This free, online course is for people who provide or promote physical activity and exercise to people with Parkinson's.
Be part of a UK network of experts and practitioners supporting people with Parkinson's to exercise. The network hosts monthly online webinars.
Parkinson's UK in Scotland
We're here for people with Parkinson's, families, friends and carers in Scotland. Find local support and resources for living with Parkinson's.