Parkinson's Disease

Keeping active with Parkinson's

Emerging evidence suggests that exercising for 2.5 hours a week can slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms.  If your symptoms are mild, then it is the optimal time to improve your physical condition to remain well, prevent inactivity and the complications of sedentary behaviour such as weight gain, diabetes and heart disease.  It can also improve other symptoms such as sleep issues, fatigue, mood and mental health.  There is no one approach that is suitable for all, it depends on the way Parkinson’s affects you, but the message is the same for everyone – go for it!

In partnership with Parkinson’s UK, Live Life Aberdeenshire have developed a programme specifically designed to support people with Parkinson’s Disease to be active and live well.

Living Better with Parkinson’s: How Staying Active Helped Alistair

Who is the Programme for?

The programme is aimed at people living with a new diagnosis who may have mild/controlled symptoms, and those living in the maintenance phase who are experiencing a gradual progression of symptoms, resulting in everyday activities becoming more challenging.

Benefits of exercise

• Maintains joint range of movement
• Helps manage stiffness
• Supports posture
• Improves balance and coordination
• Maintains muscle strength
• Helps with everyday functional tasks
• Improves walking speed and endurance
• Supports heart health
• Reduces risk of falls
• Supports confidence in movement
• Helps manage fatigue and mood

How does the programme work?

When we receive your referral form, a member of the team will contact you and ask some questions to find out more about you.  They will explain the programme to you and discuss the best exercise option for you. 

There will be two group exercise class options in Fraserburgh from April 2026. 

• Starting Monday 6 April, 14:15 (lower level)
  A gentle, entry‑level class for people living with Parkinson’s, supporting balance, posture, flexibility and light strength. Suitable for varied mobility levels.
• Starting Wednesday 8 April, 14:45
  A specialised class designed specifically for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, focusing on strength, balance and posture to optimise functional movement and overall fitness.

Both are beneficial, but greater improvements are seen when people are safely challenged rather than only doing gentle movement. 

If you have internet access and a suitable device, you will be invited to join a virtual exercise class once a week for 12-weeks. Each class lasts approximately 45mins and you will take part from the comfort of your own home working at a pace/level that is suitable for you. 

There may be other opportunities to participate in activities via Parkinson's UK.

How do I know if this is right for me?

Answer these simple questions to find out if the programme is right for you:

• I can balance independently or with the use of a chair for support
• I can walk independently or with a walking aid for 50m or more
• I am on a stable medication regime
• I do not regularly experience sudden onset of freezing or have sudden unpredictable falls

If you are living with Parkinson’s Disease and have answered YES to all of the questions above, then this programme is right for you. You can get involved by completing the short referral form below and a member of the team will get in touch with you.

You can refer yourself to the programme using the self-referral form below:

Self-referral Form

A health care professional can refer you to the programme here: 

Health Care Professional referral Form

If you wish to discuss this further you can contact us here:

Contact Us

For more information to support keeping active with Parkinson's visit the Parkinson's UK website: Exercise | Parkinson's UK

Back to: Health and Wellbeing in your Community