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Exercise and Parkinsons             

Exercise is a beneficial and safe way for individuals with arthritis to manage symptoms, improve overall health, and enhance quality of life. While Parkinson affects people differently, regular physical activity, tailored to individual abilities and preferences, can lead to improved mood, mobility, and muscle strength. 

Here are some of the best exercises to help:

Most Highly Recommended

  • Non Contact Boxing – specifically designed for Parkinson’s; shown to improve balance, coordination, and motor function
  • Tai Chi – strong evidence for improving balance and reducing falls
  • Dancing – particularly tango, which has been well-studied and helps with gait and balance

Aerobic Exercise

  • Cycling (especially high-cadence cycling on a tandem or stationary bike) – research suggests it may help slow motor symptom progression
  • Walking, particularly treadmill walking with a focus on big, intentional steps
  • Swimming

Strength & Resistance Training

  • Helps combat muscle rigidity and weakness
  • Focus on large muscle groups
  • Resistance bands or light weights work well

Balance & Coordination

  • LSVT BIG – a specialised therapy program that trains larger, more exaggerated movements to counteract Parkinson’s tendency to make movements smaller
  • Balance boards and stability exercises
  • Yoga – improves flexibility, posture, and balance

Flexibility

  • Daily stretching to manage rigidity and stiffness
  • Focus on the trunk, neck, and hip muscles (flexors), which are commonly affected

Key Principles

  • Intensity matters – moderate to vigorous exercise appears more beneficial than gentle movement
  • Consistency is critical – regular exercise (ideally daily) is more effective than occasional sessions
  • Exercise with others when possible – group classes provide motivation and social benefit
  • Time exercise around medication schedules, when symptoms are best controlled
  • Work with a neurological physiotherapist for a tailored plan

Why Exercise Is Especially Important; Research suggests that regular vigorous exercise may not just manage symptoms but could potentially be neuroprotective — meaning it may help slow the progression of the disease itself. It’s considered one of the most important non-medication interventions available.

A referral to a physiotherapist with neurological experience is strongly recommended for anyone with Parkinson’s starting a new exercise routine.

We at Wenman’s work closely with Parkinsons sufferers to enable sufferers remain as active as possible for as long as possible.

  • We have connected up with a qualified Physiotherapist who will meet people at our premises to have a personal one to one and help develop a tailored exercise regime.
  • We have qualified team of Trusted Assessors who come to your home and provide a free report on what equipment will help you remain active and safe

(see https://wenmanhealthcare.co.uk/home-assessments/ )

To view our selected range of products available for Parkinson’s, please click here.

Please do call our friendly knowledgeable team on 01926624432 or visit our web site www.wenmanhealthcare.co.uk for further help and information, including equipment that may assist sufferers (see

https://wenmanhealthcare.co.uk/parkinsons/ ).