Moving more can help you stay independent.
With any progressive condition like Parkinson’s disease, it can feel challenging trying to get fitter. However, the benefits of doing so are substantial and will really help you live well with your Parkinson’s.
Energetic movement doesn’t have to be strenuous, it simply means moving your body enough to feel slightly warmer and breathe a bit more heavily.
If you are worried about falling, it is perfectly OK to do more energetic exercise sitting or supported while you stand.
Strength movement helps build and maintain the muscles that support your body, keeping you steady, active, and independent. Over time, this can make daily activities like shopping, housework, or gardening feel easier and less tiring.
You don’t need to lift heavy weights or go to the gym to feel the benefits. Simple exercises, even while sitting in a chair, can make a real difference. Building strength can also help reduce pain by better supporting your joints.
Balance movements help you stay steady on your feet and reduce the chance of tripping or falling. If you have fallen, these exercises are absolutely critical to protect you from falling.
These simple activities help your body stay stable and confident during everyday tasks. They also support mindfulness, helping you feel more present and improving overall wellbeing.
It’s okay to feel this way. Some symptoms, like tremor, stiffness, or muscle soreness, might seem worse at first, especially when starting something new. This is usually temporary and should improve as your body adjusts.
Sometimes symptoms feel worse because activity levels increase too quickly. If that happens, try reducing the activity a little, then build up more slowly.
If symptoms feel too strong or don’t settle, it may help to speak with a physiotherapist or another professional who understands Parkinson’s. They can guide you safely and confidently.
If you’re worried, try to do an activity that is supervised, and ask for help using any equipment that feels a bit too much. It’s really worth persevering, as getting stronger and better balance is the very best way to make sure you don’t fall. And that if you do, you can get up again afterwards.
Find out more about how moving more can help with falls here.
It’s completely normal to feel concerned, but the risk of having a heart attack from gradually becoming more active is very low. In fact, being inactive poses a much greater risk to your heart health.
Top tips:
It’s still quite common for gyms to ask for a medical clearance letter, especially for people with certain health conditions or who haven’t been active for a while. This is usually a precaution.
For most people, medical clearance isn’t needed to begin gentle or moderate physical activity, especially if you start from your current level and build up gradually. You don’t need to jump into intense workouts right away to feel the benefits.
If you’re unsure or have specific health concerns, it’s always OK to talk to your doctor or healthcare team. They can help guide you safely and confidently toward becoming more active.
If you’re currently experiencing chest pain, and you haven’t already discussed this with your medical team, it’s important to pause and speak to your medical team before starting any new physical activity.
Chest pain can be a sign that your heart or lungs need medical attention, so it’s always better to be cautious. Once your healthcare team has assessed you, they can help guide you on the safest way to stay active.
Remember: It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what’s right for your health, at the right time, with the right support.
Even if you’re feeling unwell, have ongoing symptoms, or your condition has progressed, gentle movement can still bring meaningful benefits.
Physical activity doesn’t always mean doing it yourself. For example, a caregiver can help you move your limbs, or you might use aids like a TENS machine to support circulation and muscle function.
You may need to adapt how you move depending on how you’re feeling. Simple actions, like sitting on the edge of the bed, gently moving your arms, or squeezing a soft ball, can help maintain strength and comfort. Even standing up during a TV advert can make a positive difference.
Every little bit counts. Listen to your body, go at your own pace, and ask your healthcare team for advice if you’re unsure what’s right for you.
It’s important to listen to your body. If you begin to feel dizzy, unwell, or extremely tired while being active, stop and rest. Wait until the symptoms have settled before doing more.
There are some warning signs you should never ignore. Stop immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
• Chest pain
• Blacking out or fainting
• Severe or unusual shortness of breath
If you’re unsure, take a break and speak to a healthcare professional. You can also find more detailed safety advice on the page for your specific condition or symptoms.
Remember: it’s always better to go gently and safely, especially when you’re starting out.
It’s natural to worry that being more active might make your symptoms worse. Some people do notice that their symptoms feel more noticeable at first, this is often simply your body adjusting to the new activity. It’s a normal part of the process, and these feelings usually settle with time as your strength and confidence grow.
You can find specific safety information on the relevant symptoms and conditions pages.
And remember the golden rule: Start at a comfortable level and build gradually. Doing a little, regularly, is far better than doing too much all at once.
If you’re unsure or have concerns, speak with your healthcare team for guidance.
For most people, increasing your activity, even just a little, is not only safe, but good for your health. Gentle movement can help improve your strength, energy, and confidence.
If you’re feeling unsure about your particular circumstances, you can always speak with your doctor or healthcare team first. They can help guide you on what’s safe and right for you.
It’s completely natural to feel concerned, especially if you’re just starting to become more active. But the risk of something serious, like a heart attack, happening during gentle or moderate activity is very low.
In fact, regular movement is one of the best things you can do for your heart and overall health. The key is to start at a comfortable level and build gradually, there’s no need to rush or push too hard.
If you’re ever unsure or anxious, speak with your doctor or healthcare team for reassurance and support. You don’t have to do this alone.
Being more active can help with weight management, but exercise alone may not lead to weight loss, especially if your diet stays the same. However, even if your weight doesn’t change, moving more has many proven benefits for your overall health.
Regular physical activity can:
Parkinson's UK funds ground breaking research to find a cure for Parkinson’s while offering information and support to those living with the condition. Its community drives awareness, hope, and progress.
Dance for Parkinson's is an internationally-acclaimed program that offers research-backed dance classes for people with Parkinson’s disease online.
This site has been put together by specialists in exercise medicine and supported and funded by Nuffield Health Charity. In collaboration with academic experts, specialists in behavioural change, medics across a wide spectrum of specialties, physiotherapists, nurses and most importantly, people living with the symptoms of long term conditions. Through our rigorous academic process we have carefully ensured that all the information on this website is trustworthy and evidence based.
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