Exercise in Parkinson's. Are you doing enough?
Can exercise help Parkinson’s disease?
If you’re living with Parkinson’s, you already know it changes the way you move, think, and feel. What you might not know is how much the right kind of exercise can give back. Regular, purposeful movement can help you stay agile, sleep better, think more clearly, and feel more in control of your day.
Since there isn’t a miracle cure (yet—I’m always hopeful), moving with intention can help you keep up with the people, work, and activities you love, giving you the best chance to keep doing the things that make life feel yours.
No matter what stage you’re at, now is the best time to move with purpose. With the right support , you can stay active, independent, and keep writing your own story.
Common Parkinson’s exercise pitfalls
When you’re living with Parkinson’s, purposeful exercise becomes the backbone of living well. With Parkinson’s exercise, simply “doing something” doesn’t cut it in the longer term.
Too often, I see people sticking to gentle strolls, occasional classes and getting through their daily chores, thinking it’s enough.
People who see the least results are generally:
Only attending social or gentle classes without progressing to something more challenging.
Neglecting strength work, despite its link to sustained function and quality of life (which we discuss below).
Sticking to the same routine. Progress comes from gradually increasing intensity and variety.
Strength is one of your strongest allies when living with Parkinson’s, but it’s often overlooked.
Many people experience a drop in muscle strength and endurance, making everyday things like getting out of a chair or walking upstairs harder than they should be. The evidence is clear. Targeted and gradually increasing strength training not only improves mobility and confidence but also reduces your risk of falls and helps you keep your independence for longer.
Regular strength work is linked to better quality of life and, in some studies, longer life expectancy. Yet most people with Parkinson’s aren’t doing enough dedicated strength work, which means they’re missing out on one of the best ways to stay steady and active.
What does enough exercise really mean?
Quality and consistency matter more than just showing up. To see real benefits from Parkinson's exercise, you need to challenge yourself across four key areas:
Aerobic fitness means working hard enough that you're breathless and find it difficult to chat in full sentences. Aim for activities like brisk walking, running, cycling, or pickleball 3-5 times weekly.
Strength training involves working all major muscle groups twice weekly, gradually increasing your load, repetitions, or sets over time. This builds the muscle power you need for daily tasks and staying steady.
Neuromotor training sharpens the connection between your brain and body through balance challenges, coordination drills, and agility work. You can blend this with other exercises or dedicate specific sessions to it.
Flexibility work maintains your range of motion and should be woven throughout your week. Getting the mix and intensity right helps unlock more confidence, better strength, and improved stability in daily life.
A sweet reminder you don’t need to leap straight from zero to full exercise guidelines overnight. Success comes from taking manageable steps and working steadily towards the recommendations.
Adapting as Parkinson’s changes
Your Parkinson’s exercise plan needs to change as you do to keep it purposeful.
Progress when you can and use support systems to stay motivated and on track.
Adjust your routine as needs change. Go with cardio and strength early on. If balance or frailty becomes an issue, lean into strength and balance work.
Don’t just stick to what’s familiar; keep moving and challenging yourself as your abilities evolve.
You may need more support as your needs change, whether through supervision or exploring different exercise approaches. There's always a way to stay moving!
To make sure you’re getting enough:
Track your sessions and check in regularly with a physio or exercise specialist.
Lean on community. Friends, group classes, or Parkinson’s-specific programs make a tremendous difference.
Reach out for guidance if you’re unsure how much or what type of exercise is right for you; you don’t have to work it out alone.
Exercise is powerful medicine.
With Parkinson’s, moving with purpose, challenging yourself and adapting as you go, offers real hope for better living. Every bit helps, but striving for the right dose pays off the most long term physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before starting or changing any exercise program, especially if you have Parkinson’s or other health condition.
