Regular exercise is just as valuable as medications for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research has shown that staying in shape can reduce your PD symptoms, and improve mobility, posture, balance and gait. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, provides a variety of activity choices for people with Parkinson’s disease.
We care about you and want you to stay healthy and active. We have worked hard to create fitness opportunities in a safe and healthy way.
How can you get started with an exercise program?
There are many class options offered below specifically designed and led by instructors who are experts in teaching fitness classes for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Remember that safety is most important. Start by talking with your doctor or neurologist to make sure a new exercise program is the right choice for you.
For those participating in our programs, be sure to follow all warnings and instructions provided by the fitness instructor. If you experience any pain or difficulty breathing during the program, stop and consult a physician.
Live Well with Parkinson's Community Classes
January - April 2025
- Registration: Opens January 1, 2025 and closes February 10, 2025
- Cost: One 12-week class is $60; Access to all classes for 12-weeks is $120
Other classes
This group exercise class is instructed by a Exercise Physiologist in collaboration with a physical therapist. The class is 60 minutes and includes a variety of activities including: stretching, patient education, increased amplitude functional exercises, forced effort exercise, motor-cognitive and motor-dual tasking, boxing and more.
New this year in New Albany, the 11:00 class will be designed for participants who do not use canes, walkers or wheelchairs and can get up from the floor with a chair for support. The 12:30 class will be designed for participants who need assistance with these tasks.
Location: Outpatient Care New Albany
Room 1380
6100 N. Hamilton Road
Westerville, OH 43081
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Times: Mondays, 11:00 am advanced or 12:30 pm intermediate
Questions: Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
This group exercise class is instructed by a Exercise Physiologist in collaboration with a physical therapist. The class is 60 minutes and includes a variety of activities including: stretching, patient education, increased amplitude functional exercises, forced effort exercise, motor-cognitive and motor-dual tasking, boxing and more.
Location: Outpatient Care Dublin
Suite 1F Rehab Department
6700 University Blvd., Dublin, OH 43016
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Time: Mondays, 6:00 pm
Questions: Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
This one-hour group exercise class is designed to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. The class includes stretching, movement and breathing practices primarily in a seated position. No yoga experience is necessary.
Location: Virtual; instructor will send the link to your email.
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Time: Wednesdays, 11:30 am
Questions: Email Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
This class includes guided harmonica practice and play for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. This class is designed for nonmusicians and musicians alike to ignite the love of music, inspire you to learn a new instrument and address common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Location: Virtual; instructor will send the link to your email.
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Time: Thursdays, 9:00am for experienced harmonica players or 3:00pm for those new to the harmonica
Questions: Email Pamilyn.Richardson@osumc.edu
Speaking with Purpose is a group exercise class instructed by a board certified music therapist. Participants and their care providers meet for one hour and participate in rhythmic movement exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, voice exercises, singing, cognitive tasks and conversation tasks with a partner. Targeted training for voice and therapeutic singing have been associated with lasting changes for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Location: Virtual; instructor will send the link to your email.
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Times: Thursdays, 10:00 am or 2:00 pm
Questions: Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
This group exercise class is instructed by a Exercise Physiologist in collaboration with a physical therapist. The class is 60 minutes and includes a variety of activities including: stretching, patient education, increased amplitude functional exercises, forced effort exercise, motor-cognitive and motor-dual tasking, boxing and more.
Location: Outpatient Care Upper Arlington
1800 Zollinger Rd Suite 1400
Columbus, OH 43221
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Time: Fridays, 11:00 am
Questions: Email Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
This virtual group exercise class is instructed by a Exercise Physiologist in collaboration with a physical therapist. The class is 60 minutes and includes a variety of activities including: stretching, patient education, increased amplitude functional exercises, forced effort exercise, motor-cognitive and motor-dual tasking, boxing and more.
Participants will need access to common household items such as a sturdy chair, shoebox, broom stick, etc. to fully participate. The instructor will email you with the full list of items needed prior to classes starting.
Location: Virtual; instructor will send the link to your email.
Sessions: 1/27/25—4/18/25
Time: Fridays, 2:00 pm
Questions: Email Email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu
Columbus Dance for Parkinson’s
Columbus Dance for Parkinson’s is a total body dance exercise class that promotes increased mobility, artistry, friendship among participants, and an enhanced appreciation for local dance.
Questions? Email perennialmovementgroup@gmail.com
perennialmovementgroup.com/columbusdanceforparkinsons
Exercise is Medicine
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/health-and-wellness/exercise-is-medicine
PD Foundation
https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#ff
*These classes are not included in OSU registration bundle price.
Contact us
If you have questions on any of our classes, email OSULiveWellPD@osumc.edu