Stanford PD Community Blog

Stanford Health Care’s Neuroscience Wellness Classes offer free classes that help those with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and any others in the community take care of their mind and body. These meditation, fitness, and creative arts classes focus on balance, strength, and relaxation. They also give people a way to connect with others who have similar experiences. Classes are open to the community, and patients and caregivers of all ability levels are welcome.  You do not have to be a Stanford patient.

To ensure those in the Parkinson’s community have options to exercise safely during the Covid-19 health crisis, Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach has expanded our lists of live, virtual PD exercise classes and PD exercise videos.  There are lots of options for all levels of mobility. 

We at the Stanford APDA (American Parkinson Disease Association) Information & Referral Center recently explored a free online training available from the APDA for fitness professionals to learn more about working with patients who have Parkinson’s disease (PD). Exercise is essential for those living with PD, but not everyone has access to a personal trainer or wellness coach who is already experienced with the disease. This one- to two-hour training can help fitness professionals become familiar with the basic symptoms of PD; understand the benefits clients can receive from exercise; put together useful, appropriate exercise programs at different stages of the disease; and ensure client safety during exercise.  Information in the training can also be helpful for those working out on their own or with a caregiver.