Free online exercise and therapy

APDA Free online exercise and therapy

Free online exercise and therapy options

There are many free online options for specialized exercise, movement and supportive therapy classes for people living with PD.  A few of our favorites are listed below.

All classes are free of charge. Please share this page with anyone whom might benefit from this information.

  • Virtual Yoga with Elizabeth Durnin, Certified Yoga Therapist – C-IAYT
    • This program is designed to help people with PD, family members, and care partners.
    • Thursdays from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET.  You can register for one or all the sessions.
    • This class is appropriate for all levels.
  • Yoga for PD: Standing Steady and Strong
    • Thursday mornings through July 30, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
    • Using a chair and the wall for support we explore how breath patterns, elongation of the spine and using the core for sounding and movement contribute to a steady inner landscape. Challenge balance, strength and your center with conscious use of supports and your own inner awareness. Instructed by Iris Mickey, Certified Yoga Therapist with Yoga Accessible for All.
  • APDA’s Greater St. Louis Chapter Exercise Classes
    • Archived classes that feature tai chi, yoga, interval training, kickboxing, chair exercises and more.
    • New classes are posted every Monday-Thursday at 1:00 p.m. CDT; Friday at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. CDT; plus Tuesday Yoga and Meditation
    • Livestream class schedule:
      • Monday: Movement Training – Level 1 (1:15 p.m. CDT)
      • Tuesday: Interval Training – Level 2 (10 a.m. CDT)
      • Wednesday: Tai Chi – Level 2 (10 a.m.) and Cardio + Strength – Level 2 (11:30 a.m. CDT)
      • Thursday: No exercise classes broadcast
      • Friday: Tai Chi – Level 1 (11:30 a.m. CDT)
  • Movement Studio & Dance for PD PRO
    • Dance for PD® is an award-winning, research-backed global program created and offered by the Mark Morris Dance Group. APDA has partnered with Dance for PD to support two special online group classes for people with PD and their families – Movement Studio and Dance for PD PRO. Explore elements of different movement and dance styles from the safety of home with energizing and inspiring music. These programs are generously supported by the New York Foundation for Eldercare.
      • Movement Studio:  Movement Studio is a curated series of workshops exploring approaches from different styles of movement. Each class will focus on a specific movement style: Tai Chi, Theater Movement, or Improvisation. Suitable for all levels of ability and mobility.
      • Every Friday, 3pm (through Dec 18). Register here.
      • Dance for PD PRO:  A rigorous, all-standing dance class for those seeking a level of mastery, comprehension, and focus. Classes integrate a blend modern, ballet, jazz, improvisation and more.
      • Every other Tuesday 5:30 p.m. ET (October 6 & 20, November 3 & 17, December 1 & 15). Register here.
    • All classes (via Zoom) include informal optional conversation sessions so participants can connect and chat.
    • Additional live and archived classes are also available, as well as Sing for PD. Check out the website to see the full schedule and archive.
  • Moving for Better Balance (via The Jamestown, New York YMCA) 
    • Two short instructional online videos demonstrating Moving for Better Balance, a fall prevention program (Part I and Part II )
  • Virtual Tai Chi Classes (via APDA Massachusetts Chapter)
    • Jane Arsham, founder and principal instructor of Moving Easy will deliver virtual tai chi classes remotely on a weekly basis until it is safe for the community to gather in person. There is time built into each session for the students to connect and share.
    • Mondays, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    • To Register:  Contact Jane Arsham at 339-707-0277 or taichi.janea@gmail.com
  • Let’s Keep Moving with APDA
  • Joy of Movement (via APDA St. Louis Chapter)
    • Dance classes for people with PD and their care partners, addressing flexibility, balance, endurance, functional movement and self-expression through dance and dance exercises, and most importantly, the joy of moving together to great music! Weekly hour-long video classes now available on YouTube. These video dance classes are performed seated in a chair or standing supported by a chair (as able); all activities may be done solo or with a partner.
    • Weekly on Facebook, Instagram and website
  • IMPROVment (via APDA St. Louis Chapter)
    • A new type of movement class that is fun and challenging. It is improvised movement —  a process of spontaneous movement that is thought of and executed on the spot with “no right or wrong.” Research suggests that participation in improvised movement classes can lead to improved everyday functioning in several areas, such as social participation, movement quality, and self-confidence.
    • Email aweaver@apda.csseodev.com for more info.
    • New session every Monday on Facebook, Instagram and website
  • Sing Loud for PD
    • A chorus for people living with PD and their care partners. Classes are offered live via Zoom, and you may join for one or all sessions. Registration is limited.
    • Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m. ET (through October 28)
    • No previous musical experience is required and all lyrics will be provided!
    • Offered in collaboration with APDA, Guild Hall and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease.
    • This program is generously supported by the New York Foundation for Eldercare.
  • Parkinson Voice Project
    • An effective program that combines education, individual speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!), and ongoing group sessions (The LOUD Crowd).
    • SPEAK OUT! home practice videos available online
  • Tremble Clefs (via APDA St. Louis Chapter)
    • Classes address the vocal and respiratory issues that come as a result of  PD (for example: a decrease in vocal volume, inefficient breath support,  loss of  vocal  color-monotone voice)
    • Can help improve posture, balance, and mobility through movement to music
    • Weekly on Facebook, Instagram and website