Key takeaways

  • Regular exercise can help people with Parkinson’s disease support mobility, function, and overall well-being.
  • A balanced exercise routine for Parkinson’s often includes gait and balance training, aerobic activity, strength training, and task-specific movements, based on individual needs and abilities, according to guidance from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
  • Adjusting exercise routines as symptoms change, and seeking guidance from trained healthcare or fitness professionals, can help support safety and long-term motivation, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for Parkinson’s disease. A combination of therapies may be used, including medication, surgery, therapy, or other supportive treatments, depending on a person’s symptoms and needs.

Exercise also plays an important role in managing Parkinson’s disease. Research shows that regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s stay mobile, maintain independence, and protect quality of life over time.

Studies suggest that exercise may do more than ease symptoms. Some research indicates it may also help slow certain changes linked to Parkinson’s progression.

For example, a 2022 study found that people who stayed physically active experienced slower declines in balance, walking ability, daily activities, and thinking speed.

In this article, we’ll discuss practical tips on activities that may be helpful and guidance on building an exercise plan that feels safe, realistic, and accessible.

Several leading organizations have developed evidence-based exercise guidelines for people living with Parkinson’s disease, including the Parkinson’s Foundation, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Together, these guidelines offer practical guidance on how often to exercise and which types of movement may be most beneficial. Some provide weekly frameworks, while others review different exercise approaches and assess how strong the supporting research is.

Below are key types of exercises recommended by the Parkinson’s Foundation and supported by high quality evidence, according to guidance from the APTA.

Gait and balance training

Gait and balance training focuses on movements that help people feel steadier on their feet and more confident while walking. These exercises can support daily activities, such as turning, stepping over obstacles, or navigating through crowded spaces.

Common types of balance training include:

  • stepping in different directions
  • shifting weight from one foot to the other
  • practicing turns
  • making larger, more intentional movements

The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends doing balance and agility exercises 2 to 3 days per week, with simpler movements practiced daily when possible.

According to the APTA, gait and balance training aims to reduce movement-related symptoms while improving walking speed, stride length, balance, mobility, and confidence when moving.

Aerobic training

Aerobic activities raise your heart rate and get you breathing more deeply. These types of movement help support heart health and overall endurance, which can make daily activities feel easier over time.

Examples of aerobic exercise include:

  • brisk walking
  • jogging
  • riding a bike
  • swimming

The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends doing moderate to vigorous aerobic exercises about 3 days per week, with sessions lasting at least 30 minutes.

The goal of aerobic training is to improve cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and overall mobility. Over time, this type of exercise may also support walking ability, balance, and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Strength and resistance training

Strength and resistance training focus on building and maintaining muscle strength. These exercises can help support posture, improve stability, and make everyday tasks like standing up from a chair or carrying groceries feel more manageable.

Examples of strength and resistance exercises include:

  • lifting weights or using resistance bands
  • body weight exercises, such as squats or wall pushups
  • strength-focused gym machines

The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends strength training 2 to 3 days per week for about 30 minutes, with time for rest between sessions to promote recovery.

Regardless of what combination of exercises you choose, be sure to engage your upper and lower body as well as your core. The ACSM suggests a standard of 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps.

The goal of strength and resistance training is to improve muscle strength, support balance, and reduce the risk of falls. Over time, stronger muscles may also help with mobility, posture, and confidence in movement.

Task-specific training

Task-specific training involves practicing movements used in everyday activities. By rehearsing these tasks, people with Parkinson’s can build skills that support independence at home and in daily routines.

This type of training may involve practicing activities such as:

  • getting dressed
  • bathing
  • doing household chores
  • moving from sitting to standing

The type of training varies widely depending on the person’s specific needs and goals. The APTA suggests including task-specific training 2 to 3 times per week for several weeks, with adjustments based on progress.

The goal of task-specific training is to make daily activities easier, safer, and more manageable by improving movement patterns and confidence during specific tasks.

Starting an exercise routine and sticking with it can feel challenging, especially when managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Still, consistency matters. Regular movement over time tends to bring the greatest benefits.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, people who participated in exercise programs lasting 6 months or longer showed greater improvements than those who joined shorter programs.

If you’re building a new exercise routine, these tips may help you stay motivated:

  • Set realistic goals: Start small, focus on what feels achievable, and track progress to notice improvements over time.
  • Build social support: Exercising with a partner or in a group can add encouragement, accountability, and a sense of connection.
  • Use helpful technology: Reminders, fitness trackers, and virtual or telehealth classes can make exercise easier to plan and maintain.
  • Prioritize recovery: Allow time for rest after intense workouts to help manage fatigue and support your body’s natural recovery process.
  • Seek professional guidance: Working with a trainer or physical therapist experienced in Parkinson’s can help ensure safe movement, proper form, and help you stay accountable.

Exercise can be safe and beneficial for many people with Parkinson’s disease, especially when routines are tailored to match current abilities. As symptoms change over time, it’s important to adjust activities to support safety and comfort.

Some people may notice changes that affect how they move or exercise, such as reduced flexibility, balance challenges, decreased strength, or lower endurance. Paying attention to these shifts can help prevent injury and make movement feel more manageable.

To stay safe while exercising, consider these tips:

  • Focus on posture. Maintaining good posture during movement can help support balance and reduce strain.
  • Use support when needed. Holding onto a stable surface, such as a chair or railing, can help you feel steadier.
  • Adapt exercises as needed. Adjust movements to match your energy level, mobility, or cognitive needs.
  • Modify equipment. Use adaptive or supportive equipment when it makes exercises safer or more comfortable.
  • Exercise with supervision. Working with a trained professional or exercising alongside a partner can add an extra layer of safety.

If you have concerns about exercising safely, consider talking with a doctor or a qualified fitness professional. They can help you adapt your routine to support your goals while reducing the risk of injury.

Research shows that regular exercise can offer meaningful benefits for people living with Parkinson’s disease, from supporting mobility to improving overall quality of life.

Working with a qualified professional can help you create an exercise plan tailored to your abilities, goals, and symptoms. Staying consistent over time appears to matter most, even if progress feels gradual.

While activities, such as aerobic exercise, strength training, balance work, and task-specific movements, show strong benefits, any type of movement counts. The most effective routine is one you can stick with.

Focus on creating a plan that feels safe, sustainable, and enjoyable, and allows you to keep moving in ways that support your daily life.