Hampshire Parkinson's communities invited to join new local exercise class

Supported by Parkinson’s UK and Everyone Active, the new sessions are designed to challenge and improve balance, strength and coordination, among many other issues common in Parkinson’s. The class is also designed to give more people living with the condition an opportunity to get active in a fun and social way.

Anyone who would like to participate in the new sessions will first need to complete an initial screening assessment with Hobbs Rehabilitation. The screening helps the instructors to better understand the needs of each participant and to identify if the session is right for them. Once the screening is completed, each session costs £10 per person.

As well as offering the new paid-for PD Challenge sessions, Alton Sports Centre provides free memberships for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, as do all Everyone Active gyms across the country.

Robbie Campbell, Activity and Wellbeing Manager at Alton Sports Centre, said:

“I am delighted that Everyone Active are able to host these classes at our Alton Sports Centre alongside Hobbs Rehabilitation and East Hampshire District Council. We have seen some real success in other centres with targeted classes such as these and I believe this will serve as an important outlet for increasing access to, and opportunities for, exercise in East Hampshire for those living with Parkinson’s.”

Emily Hawkins, Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation, said:

“We are really excited to be delivering the new PD Challenge classes to help more people get active with Parkinson’s across Hampshire. We hope that more people living with the condition will be able to try something new that gets them moving in a fun and engaging way.

“Movement and exercise is hugely beneficial when you live with a long term health condition, such as Parkinson’s. Regular physical activity is shown to improve strength, mobility, endurance and flexibility.

“The new PD Challenge class is designed to help target many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s through tailored exercise, and to help people increase their confidence and physical ability.

“We want people living with Parkinson’s to enjoy being active together and to improve the symptoms associated with the condition, including balance, strength and mobility.”

For more information about the new PD Challenge classes, call 01730 890 072, or email [email protected]

To book a screening consultation, complete this registration form: https://bit.ly/PDChallengeregistration

For more information about Everyone Active and the free Parkinson’s memberships, visit: https://bit.ly/EveryoneActiveParkinsons