Cardiovascular exercise is critical in managing Parkinson’s as it helps improve heart and lung function, mobility, endurance and independence. Exercises may include walking, cycling or swimming and are also beneficial at reducing fatigue, managing mood and maintaining coordination.

Strength training has been found to be beneficial in managing prevalent symptoms of Parkinson’s, including rigidity, tremors, slowness of movement and postural instability. Function exercises, including seated row, sit to stand, and glute bridges, can help improve muscular strength and endurance to maintain motor function and coordination, decrease the risk of fracture and improve functional independence.

Parkinson’s side effects tend to have a large impact on one’s balance due to changes in muscular and joint function. Balance exercises, including heel-to-toe stance, heel-to-toe walking or dancing, help reduce falls risk, improve stability, maintain gait and increase overall confidence.

A prevalent symptom of Parkinson’s is a reduction in overall motor function, causing changes in coordination. Exercises that focus on coordination, including ladder walking, cone exercises and step-ups, help maintain brain to body connection to improve motor control, maintain balance, reduce freezing and support overall function.