Parkinson’s Multi-skills Fun and Function

This is an opportunity for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease to join a class with the specific aim of keeping active.

Parkinson’s makes your movements slower and smaller and some day to day activities generally become harder.

At diagnosis, there is evidence to suggest that most people walk 30% less each day than others of the same age.

There’s good evidence that exercise can improve fitness and function for longer.

Aerobic or strenuous exercise working at 80% of your maximum effort is thought to be neuro-protective – this means that it may slow down the damage to dopamine producing cells in your brain.

Having Parkinson’s can affect mood and lower enthusiasm to exercise – Join a supportive environment to help improve motivation and fitness.

Here’s how it works:

Book an initial assessment with a specialist who has specific training to run the Parkinson’s group.

We will identify what you find challenging and what you’d like to be able to improve.

We’ll take some measurements of your general fitness, balance and movements to help to monitor your progress.

Allow around 1 1/2 hours.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes, trainers (and bring reading glasses if you use them).

We offer a reassessment every 3-6 months to monitor progress in your functional abilities.

To book a reassessment, please contact the clinic or speak to admin to make an appointment with a Specialist.

Prices

The cost is £10 a session, pay as you go, or £40 a month for 4 classes which includes membership of the Bury Physio gym.

Members are welcome to use the gym between classes.

If this cost is prohibitive, please contact Kecia Harris from Parkinson’s UK for assistance:
KHarris@parkinsons.org.uk

About the exercise groups:

Open to elderly/ neuro patients who could benefit from the class.

A higher intensity and fun exercise class focusing on strength, stability and function as we age. Designed specifically for neurological patients, such as patient’s living with Parkinson’s disease, to further improve function and general fitness.

Must be able to exercise independently without needing 1:1 therapist support.

Classes start with a warm-up and you then learn exercises specifically designed to help people with Parkinson’s and include:

Boxing exercises
Balance exercises
Dexterity (hand exercises)
Cognitive speeds /reaction speeds using flashing lights
Functional exercises: sit to stand, rolling over, getting up/down from floor, drying back with a towel
Circuit exercises to strengthen functional / daily tasks – e.g. standing rows, single arm rows, cycling
Core exercises
Dance movements

Online zoom classes are also an option for people who prefer to exercise from the comfort of their home.

Parkinson’s Multi-skills Fun and Function

FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS PLEASE BOOK HERE