Categories / Mobility, rehab & life stages
Parkinson's Exercise (Boxing/LSVT BIG)
Large-amplitude and boxing-based therapy classes.
How to start
Ask a neurologist or Parkinson's nurse about specialist classes such as non-contact boxing or LSVT BIG, which uses large amplitude movements. Start gently.
How to progress
Your instructor increases intensity over time.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. A 2025 review looked at table tennis for movement and thinking in Parkinson's disease, but we did not retrieve trials of boxing or LSVT BIG, so we rate evidence limited. Exercise is widely recommended in Parkinson's, so ask your clinical team.
Take care: Falls are a risk. Join a class run by people trained in Parkinson's, and tell them about your medicines and symptoms.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Attend a specialist class once or twice a week.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 5 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Choose a specialist class.
- Big movements.
- Exercise when medicines are working well.
Common mistakes
- Skipping classes.
- Exercising alone with poor balance.
- Overdoing it.
Kit and cost
Low to moderate Approximate UK prices.
- Flat shoes
- Comfortable clothes
- A class (about £5 to £10)
Frequently asked questions
Is boxing safe in Parkinson's?
Classes are non-contact and run by trained people.
What is LSVT BIG?
A therapy using large movements.
How do I find a class?
Ask Parkinson's UK or your neurology team.
Good for: Rehab & recovery Balance Strength
Compare with similar options
| Parkinson's Exercise (Boxing/LSVT BIG) | Osteoporosis Bone-Loading Programme | Strength and Balance Class | Otago Exercise Programme | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 60 min × 2/wk | 30 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 2/wk | 30 min × 3/wk |
| Effort | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | ●●○○○ | ●○○○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | Moderate cost | Low cost | Free |
| Equipment | Basic kit | Some equipment | No equipment | Basic kit |
| Impact | Low impact | Medium impact | Low impact | Low impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Some fitness | Any level | Any level |
| Evidence | limited | moderate | moderate | limited |