New physical activity classes for people with Parkinson's

People with Parkinson's can take part in 12 fun weekly classes at Places Leisure centres in 5 locations.

Alongside structured exercises, sessions involve shouting and singing to help participants with their breath control and voice projection, and to help raise endorphin levels.

The classes will be run by experienced instructors who have all done our Parkinson's physical activity training.

Each class costs £2.50 per person. Everyone who takes part will be given a free 12-week gym membership. This will include an induction and regular catch-ups with a qualified instructor. 

At the end of the 12-week programme, participants can join the gym at a discounted rate.

Book your place

Visit the Places Leisure website to find out more and book your place:

• Andover
• Sheffield
• Waltham Abbey
• West Bromwich
• Wycombe

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We're delighted to be working with Places Leisure on their new Move and Shout project for people living with Parkinson's.

"We hope that more people will be able to take advantage of the new offer in the selected areas and be able to live well with their Parkinson's.

"Being active is one of the best ways to manage Parkinson's symptoms, as regular physical activity can improve both long-term physical and mental wellbeing. Plus, physical activity offers great social opportunities for people with Parkinson's to enjoy."

Jonny Pickering, Head of Healthy Communities for Places Leisure, added:

"We know that physical activity has many benefits, one being an improvement in brain function.

"This is why this pilot is so important, particularly as Parkinson's is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and there are currently around 153,000 people in the UK living with the condition.

"We're excited to see the results over the coming months and continue working with Parkinson's UK in the long term."