PD Exercise

Exercise resources for PD

Rock Steady Boxing – Non-Contact Boxing Programs

Organization: Rock Steady Boxing (Varies by local chapter)

Website: rocksteadyboxing.org

Contact: Local class leads (vary by location)

Summary: Offers specialized, non-contact boxing classes designed for people with Parkinson’s. Research supports benefits including improved motor function and mood, as well as reductions in depressive symptoms.arXiv

LSVT BIG – Intensive One-on-One Movement Therapy

Organization: LSVT Global (certified therapy network)

Website: lsvtglobal.com (Physical therapy for Parkinson’s > LSVT BIG)

Contact: Certified LSVT BIG clinicians; therapist locator available on site

Summary: A researched, clinician-administered, individualized program (4 sessions/week for 4 weeks) that focuses on boosting movement amplitude (“think big”) to enhance walking, balance, and daily activities.LSVT Global+1Wikipedia

Dance for PD® – Adaptive Dance Classes (Mark Morris Dance Group)

Organization: Mark Morris Dance Group / Dance for PD®

Website: danceforparkinsons.org

Contact: Staff and certified teachers via website

Summary: Offers research-backed dance classes—live, in-person, and virtual—to enhance flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength via various dance styles. Held across NYC and in 400+ communities in 30+ countries, with teacher training and media resources included.Mark Morris Dance Group+1Dance for PD

Yoga for PD – Yoga Programs Tailored to Parkinson’s

Organization: APDA (American Parkinson Disease Association) and other providers

Website: APDA Living With Parkinson’s > Yoga section

Contact: Cathy Mann (Certified Yoga Therapist): cathymannyoga@gmail.com — virtual class

Eleonora Cordovani (Yoga for Neurological Conditions Specialist): via info@wellbeing-fitness.com for Westford, MA locationAmerican Parkinson Disease Association

Summary: Yoga has been shown to reduce tremors, improve gait steadiness, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and emotional well-being through controlled breathing and mindful movement.American Parkinson Disease AssociationMedical News TodayParkinson's UKPMC

Tai Chi for PD – Gentle Movement With Holistic Benefits

Organization: Multiple providers, including APDA-affiliated community programs

Website: APDA Tai Chi classes and other supportive sources

Contact:  Michelle Guo (APDA, Boston): mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu for virtual/in-person sessionsAmerican Parkinson Disease Association

Summary: Tai Chi’s slow, flowing movements and focused breathing can improve balance, posture, gait, reduce falls, lift mood, and may even delay Parkinson’s progression and support cognition.Parkinson's UKWikipediaHealthHarvard Health