Yes, exercise is an essential part of living with Parkinson's. Exercise can help with overall health and well-being, including mental health. But specifically with Parkinson's it can help to prevent or slow progression of symptoms, manage symptoms and it can be great for social interaction. When you have Parkinson's disease, exercise can be as important as our medication and it can help you to carry on doing the things that you enjoy doing.

Physical activity is extremely beneficial if you have Parkinson's. As mentioned previously, Parkinson's can help to maintain your balance, strength and coordination and it can help with slowing the progress of the disease, while helping with any associated pain. Exercise can help with independent mobility and help to improve sleep, mood and memory. You might find it also helps with other symptoms such as depression, fatigue or constipation.

If you have not done much exercise previously, start with low intensity activities and gradually build up from there. To begin with, aim for 30 minutes of aerobic activity twice a week and then you can eventually build yourself up to 30 minutes on five days of the week.

Any activity that is going to raise your heart rate should be included in your exercise routine, walking could be a great place to start. Activities such as Tai Chi or yoga are excellent ways to work on coordination and balance and can help reduce the risk of falls. Strength training, lifting everyday objects, for 10 – 20 minutes per day can help with muscle strength and flexibility.

Water exercise, such as water aerobic exercises or swimming, can be easier on the joints and help with balance. Boxing and dancing can help with coordination and agility. It has been reported that people with Parkinson's have found dancing to be therapeutic, with others stating that it has given them confidence to move more freely, and a sense of freedom from some of the physical and mental aspects of the condition. Movement to music can also help improve walking, balance and other activities related to gait. This includes forms of dance, such as ballet, tap dance and seated dance.

Regardless of age, there will be an activity that suits you. Any exercise that you enjoy and can maintain is the best exercise for you.

Physical activity is safe, even when you have symptoms of long-term conditions, such as poor MS. Regular physical activity, in combination with your medical care, is important in the management long-term conditions. However, if you experience a dramatic increase in breathlessness, new or worsening chest pain, a sudden onset of rapid palpitations or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or sudden change in vision, it is important to stop and seek medical advice.

Everyone will be different with how they can exercise and how far you can push yourself. Your symptoms will vary from day to day, meaning it will be easier to exercise some days rather than others, so it is important to see how you are feeling and know what your limits are. You may notice that if you have a tremor, it may increase during exercise but this does not mean it will worsen over the long run. If you are ever unsure of what you should be doing, you should always seek professional advice.