HomeLiving better with Parkinson’sStaying active Staying active Exercise and being active is beneficial to everyone. For people with Parkinson’s, it is one of the most important tools to living well. Research shows that regular physical activity can: Help manage both motor and non-motor symptoms Improve strength, balance, mood, and mobility Potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s1,2,3,4 Exercise vs. physical activity Exercise is planned, structured movement—like a fitness class or strength training. Physical activity is any movement that gets your body moving—like gardening, walking the dog, or dancing in the kitchen. Both matter. Aim to include a mix of both in your routine. Types of exercise for Parkinson’s There are four core types of exercise that are important for people with Parkinson’s: Aerobic/Cardio – Boosts heart health, endurance, and brain function Some examples: Walking, running, cycling, dancing, swimming, boxing Balance and coordination – Reduce fall risk and improve body awareness Some examples: Tai Chi, yoga, Qigong Flexibility – Helps maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness Some examples: Stretching, yoga, Pilates, mobility work Strength/Resistance – Improves muscle strength, posture, and mobility Some examples: Weights, resistance bands, bodyweight exercises Parkinson’s exercise recommendations The Parkinson’s Foundation, together with the American College of Sports Medicine, developed exercise guidelines tailored specifically for people living with Parkinson’s. These recommendations aim to support safe, effective, and structured exercise routines. The recommendations outline how often and how intensely to exercise, along with guidance on duration, types of movement, and how to progress safely over time. The recommendations are available in several languages. Importantly, any movement is better than none. The goal is to build a routine that works for your body, lifestyle, and abilities. Find exercise recommendations Getting started safely Before beginning or changing your exercise routine: Talk to your health care team to make sure the exercise program you embark on is right for you Consider working with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or other exercise professional experienced in Parkinson’s who can provide an individualized assessment and help you build an exercise plan Start slow and build up gradually Focus on consistency rather than intensity at first Try and time your exercise for “on” periods, when your medications are working best Find a program near you with CareFinder CareFinder is a unique tool that connects you to programs and services offered near you. This is a great way for you to find fitness programs and classes in your area that will help you live an active lifestyle. Find a service provider in your area Sticking with it Building an exercise habit takes time. Here are a few tips: Set realistic, specific goals Track your progress Schedule it into your week like a medical appointment Exercise indoors and outdoors Join a class or group for motivation and accountability Find activities you enjoy Incorporate different types of activities into your routine to benefit different parts of your body and keep things interesting Overcoming barriers Common challenges—like fatigue, mobility issues, or apathy—can make it hard to stay active. Try: Breaking activities into shorter chunks throughout the day Choosing seated or modified options Asking a friend or care partner to join you Take advantage of online exercise for Parkinson’s videos and exercise from home Reminding yourself of how good you feel afterward And remember: it’s okay to have off days. The key is to keep going. Movement is powerful. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a dance class, or gentle stretching, staying active is one of the best things you can do to live well with Parkinson’s. Start where you are. Do what you can. Keep moving. Find local support and activities Many communities offer Parkinson’s-specific programs, group classes, and personal training with instructors who understand your needs. Use Parkinson Canada’s CareFinder to find exercise and wellness programs offered in your area Contact your provincial Parkinson’s organization or ask your health care team for information about local programs Look into community centres, YMCAs, and fitness studios with accessible offerings Related resources Prevention falls for people with Parkinson’s Exercise book for people with Parkinson’s – PSBC Build your team References Seo, D. Y., Heo, J. W., Ko, J. R., & Kwak, H. B. (2019). Exercise and neuroinflammation in health and disease. International neurourology journal, 23(Suppl 2), S82. Hu, J., Huang, B., & Chen, K. (2024). The impact of physical exercise on neuroinflammation mechanism in Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 16, 1444716. Tomlinson, C. L., Herd, C. P., Clarke, C. E., Meek, C., Patel, S., Stowe, R., … & Ives, N. (2014). Physiotherapy for Parkinson’s disease: a comparison of techniques. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (6). de Laat, B., Hoye, J., Stanley, G., Hespeler, M., Ligi, J., Mohan, V., … & Tinaz, S. (2024). Intense exercise increases dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease. npj Parkinson’s Disease, 10(1), 34.