Exercise can help manage Parkinson's disease symptoms and improve quality of life. It can be as important as taking medication.

Here are some types of exercise that can help with Parkinson's:

• Aerobic exercise

  Improves cardiovascular fitness and can help with balance, strength, and gait. Examples include walking, cycling, or swimming.

• Strength training

  Improves muscle strength. Examples include using handheld weights, weight machines, or resistance bands.

• Balance, agility, and multitasking activities

  Improves balance, posture, and postural stability. Examples include yoga, tai chi, or boxing.

• Stretching activities

  Improves muscle stiffness. Examples include dynamic stretching or deep breathing.

Some tips for exercising with Parkinson's include:

• Aim for 2.5 hours of physical activity per week.

• Push yourself to be active.

• Make physical activity part of your daily routine.

• Choose exercises that seem right for you.

• Stretch slowly without bouncing or jerking.

• Hold the stretch in a comfortable position long enough for the muscles to relax.

• Avoid pain.

• Breathe naturally.