Studies show that people with PD benefit from exercise to improve strength, flexibility, balance, overall fitness, and quality of life. Yoga, which includes deliberate movements, meditation, and focused breathing, may be a viable means of providing such exercise and relaxation. Studies specific to yoga and neurological conditions, particularly PD, are limited. However, individuals with Parkinson’s appear to be more open to ways of managing their health and fitness through yoga and other complementary alternatives than ever before.
See below for a listing of classes in your area. Please be sure to contact the program provider to verify class details.
Boston, MA- PD Yoga
The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center presents PD Yoga. Classes are taught by a certified Yoga instructor with special training in PD. There are many benefits of yoga, which include a balanced relationship between body and mind and increased vitality, positivity, and peace. This Hatha yoga class improves balance, strength, and flexibility. All levels of Yoga experience are welcome.
Location: **Currently Meeting Online** Bodyscapes Fitness Center, Longwood Medical Area, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 Date & Time: Contact Wellness Works for updated information; Chair Yoga- Wednesdays, 10 AM & Dynamic Yoga – Fridays, 10 AM Contact: Michelle Guo, mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu
Boston, MA – Self Care for Care Partners
The program will begin the practice with gentle yoga movements where you will be encouraged to sense into your physical experience and cultivate ease. You will also learn breathing practices that can help to balance your nervous system and support well being, and the program will close each class with a meditation practice. Meditation practices will include guided body scans, guided imagery, breath awareness, and loving kindness (Metta). No previous experience needed. This class is for anyone who identifies as a care partner for a person with PD.
Location: **Currently Meeting Online** Bodyscapes Fitness Center, Longwood Medical Area, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115 Date & Time: Contact Wellness Works for updated information; THU, 9 – 10 AM Contact: Michelle Guo, mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu
Dartmouth, MA – Yoga for Parkinson’s
This program includes functionally based exercises, both seated and standing, as well as selected yoga postures and breathing exercises to address symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This program is led by certified yoga instructor and physical therapist Nanci Winterhalter.
Dates & Times: 6-week Sessions; Tuesdays, 1 – 2 PM Location: Dartmouth Senior Center, 628 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth, MA 02748 Contact: Nanci Winterhalter, 508-999-4717 or nanciwinterhalter@gmail.com
Easthampton, MA (and Virtual) – Gentle Movement, Dance, and Yoga with Donna Brooks
Gentle Movement, Dance, and Yoga with Donna Brooks include seated and supported dance, stretching, and vocalization to improve coordination, dexterity, strength, balance, motor control, gait, and rapidity. They also help you generate the emotional resiliency you need to face this disease. Students report feeling both energized and more calm.
Dates & Times: Wednesdays, 9:30-10:45am Location: *This program is held via Zoom and in person. Please contact Donna Brooks for more information.* 186 Northampton Street, Ste D, Easthampton, MA 012027 Contact: Donna Brooks, 413-230-1260 or donna@originalbodywisdom.com
New Bedford, MA – Yoga for Early Parkinson’s
This small-group program includes functionally based exercises, both on and off the mat to address the earlier symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This program is led by certified yoga instructor and physical therapist Nanci Winterhalter.
This program is supported by the APDA MA Chapter.
Dates & Times: 6-week Sessions; Fridays, 10:30 – 11:30 AM Location: Sangha New Bedford, 693 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 Contact: Nanci Winterhalter, 508-990-0178 or nanciwinterhalter@gmail.com
Spaulding Cape Cod Virtually Accessible Yoga
Spaulding in Hyannis is offering this virtual yoga class. This 6-week virtual yoga series for individuals with neurological conditions and/or mobility considerations to learn the basics and explore the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. These gentle, slow paced classes taught by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified yoga teacher will offer pose options and variations to make the practice accessible and safe for all. Through this practice participants will develop strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination and learn breathing techniques and mindfulness to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Date & Time: Mondays; 10 – 11 AM Location: Online via Zoom Contact: Email dnardi@mghihp.edu for questions and to learn more about the program, or call Danielle at (508) 771-1300 to register.
Virtual Class – Let Your Yoga Dance for Parkinson’s
Let Your Yoga Dance is a unique healing movement and yoga mix that has brought increased strength, flexibility, balance, and Joy to hundreds of Parkinson’s students. This program is designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers. No experience is necessary.
Date & Time: Multiple, contact TriYoga for more information Location: Online Contact: 781-609-2497 or info@triyogaboston.org
Virtual Class – Parkinson’s Fitness Breath and Stretch Yoga with Dianna
Parkinson’s Fitness offers this virtual Zoom class to help participants increase breath control, strength, flexibility and balance through both standing and seated movements.
Date & Time: Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00 PM Location: at home, via Zoom Contact: Dianna Daly, diannadaly@gmail.com
Virtual Class – Yoga for People with Parkinson’s with Cathy Mann
This yoga class for people with PD is led by Certified Yoga Therapist and Iyengar Yoga Teacher Cathy Mann.
Date & Time: Multiple; Contact Cathy Mann for more information Location: at home, via Zoom Contact: Cathy Mann, cathymannyoga@gmail.com
Wellesley, MA – Yoga for Parkinson’s
Join Jennifer Cooper at Laughing Dog Yoga in Wellesley for this yoga class designed to help improve balance, strength, flexibility, and confidence. People with Parkinson’s, MS, and Dystonia are welcome to join.
Eleonora Cordovani, Yoga for Neurological Conditions Specialist, will offer this yoga program for people with Parkinson’s. No previous experience is necessary. The class is structured with movements, breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation. Open also to caregivers.
Date & Time: Contact the studio for more information Location: WellBeing Fitness, 203B Littleton Road, Westford, MA 01886 Contact: Email info@wellbeing-fitness.com
