Physical activity and exercise
Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Our information helps you get active and stay active.
Physical activity has a positive impact both physically and mentally. It can be as important as getting the right dose of medication.
Being active is important for everyone. It can make you feel good inside and out. It can maintain your health. It can lift your mood. And if you have Parkinson’s, it can help manage your symptoms. The more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s.
Just like Parkinson’s, the right physical activity is different for everyone. But being active is always most effective when you push yourself. Whether that’s playing tennis for an hour. Taking a long walk with the dog. Or practising everyday movements, like walking up the stairs.
Physical activity intensity and our resources
If you're getting started, a low-intensity workout is a great first step.
High-intensity is about building up a sweat, doing something energetic and getting out of breath.
Our resources page includes online materials, guides and tips about being active with Parkinson's.
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.
Being Active with Parkinson's
Our Being Active with Parkinson's guide is available to download and order now.
You’ll find loads of helpful hints, ways to start your physical activity journey and top tips for staying active with Parkinson's.
You can order from the Parkinson's UK shop, or download your digital copy.
Physical activity YouTube playlist
Our YouTube playlist has a wide range of videos to help you start your active journey, as well as workouts, helpful hints and top tips.
You can find everything from chair-based workouts to high-intensity sessions that will get you building up a sweat.
Physical activity and exercise news
If you're looking to stay active over winter, but prefer to stay indoors, then the virtual cycling community ZWAP could be the answer.
Sport Parkinson's Try-Athlon event is back for 2025. Try different sports and types of physical activity and find something for you.
Who we work with
Sport Parkinson's is dedicated to helping more people get active with the condition and to live well with Parkinson's. Find out more on the Sport Parkinson's website.
Everyone Active offers gym memberships in England. Visit Everyone Active's website to join free today.
We Are Undefeatable is a national campaign to help more people get active. Visit the We Are Undefeatable website to find out more.
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) provides high-intensity, non-contact boxing for people with Parkinson's. Find out more on the RSB website.
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is offering more tennis sessions for the Parkinson’s community. Find out how to get started on the LTA website.
4D Life can offer a complete health, activity and wellbeing plan for people with Parkinson's. Visit the 4D Life website to find out more.
Neuro Heroes is an online activity provider, offering discounted sessions for the Parkinson's community. Find out more on the Neuro Heroes website.
Reach Your Peak has created a 12-week programme to help people with Parkinson's start being active called Get Started. Find out more about the Get Started programme on Reach Your Peak's website.
The Walking Football Association (WFA) is offering Parkinson's friendly football sessions across the UK. Find out more on the WFA website.
Table Tennis England is a Parkinson's friendly table tennis governing body for England. Learn more about Table Tennis England on their website.
ZWAP is a virtual cycling community for people who live with Parkinson's and other long term health conditions across Europe. Find out more about ZWAP on their website.