NDIS Exercise Physiology for Parkinson’s Disease

We specialise in helping NDIS participants living with Parkinson’s Disease maintain their independence and improve their quality of life through tailored, evidence-based exercise programs.

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, and you need to know how to adapt exercise plans in relation to the different stages of the disease, adjusting intensity and focus as needs change over time.

Our experienced team of NDIS Personal Trainers, Exercise Scientists, and Exercise Physiologists are experts in training individuals with disabilities, including those with Parkinson's Disease.

What stage of Parkinson’s are you currently at?

Do you have trouble with balance and freezing?

Do you you need to improve upper body strength for daily tasks?

Whether you’re a person living with Parkinson’s, a carer, or a support coordinator, we’re here to show you the best approaches to improve balance, mobility, strength, and confidence. We are not only experts in understanding Parkinson's Disease, our team are also expert personal trainers with years of experience who understand the best exercise and training approaches.

Why Exercise is Key in Managing Parkinson’s

Exercise is one of the most effective tools for managing Parkinson’s Disease. We know that the current research shows that exercise improves many symptoms. From motor issues like walking, balance and flexibility to non-motor issues like mood, depression, and critical thinking, exercise is necessary.

Staying fit and active helps reduce muscle stiffness, tremors, and slowness, while boosting coordination and endurance. Exercise also has neuroprotective effects that actually slow the progression of the disease and is one of the best intervention shown to do so.

Early and ongoing physical activity helps delay worsening symptoms of Parkinson's Disease and preserves a higher quality of life.

• Reduce Stiffness, Tremors and Freezing
• Improve Posture, Co-ordination and Mobility
• Help manage Anxiety, Depression and Fatigue
• Slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease symptoms

Early Intervention is Critical - The Sooner the Better!

It’s recommended to start an exercise program as soon as possible after a diagnosis - the sooner the better!

People who begin exercising earlier experience a significantly slower decline in their functional abilities and independence than those who start later. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, that can worsen both motor and mood symptoms of Parkinson’s. By breaking the cycle of inactivity, individuals with Parkinson’s can improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Any movement is better than none, and building a regular routine of exercise (strength training, walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, etc.) can help maintain mobility and confidence .

The benefits of staying active isn’t just about maintaining muscle and improving movement, it also enhances mental health and confidence. Staying active can also reduce anxiety and depression which can often be associated with a diagnosis..

Many of our clients and patients report feeling more energetic and optimistic after exercise sessions in our gym, with a renewed sense of independence. We know from all the latest research that regular exercise improves sleep quality, boost memory and reduces overall fatigue.

Individualised Gym and Exercise Programs by University-Qualified Exercise Physiologists

Moonee Valley Health and Fitness (MVFit) is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne’s north-west, offering individualised exercise physiology and allied health support for people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

At MVFit, we believe one size does not fit all especially in Parkinson’s care. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university-qualified allied health professionals experienced in neurological conditions, and they understand how Parkinson’s affects each person differently.

Your AEP will work with you, your carers and support coordinators to create an individualised exercise program tailored to your needs, goals and preferences. This starts with a thorough assessment of your health, current abilities, and what you want to achieve.

The Latest Research and Evidence Based Exercise Approach
Exercise programs should be  based on the latest research on Parkinson’s Disease management. We incorporate proven exercise research and therapeutic strategies to address the challenges in a safe and inclusive environment.

The MVFit Gym is a private personal training studio, equipped for safe, supervised strength training tailored to you.

Improving Everyday Movements in the Gym

Parkinson’s can make everyday tasks like getting in and out of bed, up and down in a chair or changing your clothes a more challenging. Your trainer will incorporate functional training into your exercises to practice these everyday activities in a safe and supportive environment. By improving clients strength and flexibility, they feel more capable and confident in their daily routines.

Strength Training for Parkinson's Disease

Strength training is essential for people living with Parkinson’s Disease as it helps improve muscle power, joint stability, and functional independence. When done under the guidance of an Exercise Physiologist, it’s a safe and effective way to slow functional decline and improve quality of life.

An exercise physiologist can help in the gym or at home with:

• Exercises using bodyweight, resistance bands, or dumbbells to help build muscle and strength.
• Strengthening the legs and core to improve gait speed, balance, and lower the risk of falls
• Getting strong to help make everyday tasks like standing up from a chair or climbing stairs easier
• Programs designed to improve your overall functional independence.

Aerobic Exercise for Parkinson's Disease

Aerobic exercise plays a critical role in improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing fatigue, and enhancing overall mobility. Regular aerobic activity helps maintain heart and lung function, which supports greater endurance in daily tasks. Beyond just the physical benefits, aerobic exercise can also positively influence mood, sleep quality, and cognitive function.

An exercise physiologist can help in the gym or at home with:

• Ways to raise your heart rate, such as brisk walking, cycling, boxing or rowing
• Exercises to improve your overall heart and lung function
• Improve your mobility and endurance
• Aerobic exercise has been shown to help maintain a patients walkign speed and step length
• Prolonged Zone 2 cardio has been shown to boost overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's
• Added neuroprotective benefits to the brain that may slow symptoms progressing
• Helping patients find aerobic activities that they can enjoy and complete safely

Balance and Gait Re-education and Training

People with Parkinson’s often experience balance problems, shuffling gait, or “freezing” episodes where the feet feel stuck. Your trainer will help teach balance exercises and gait training exercises to improve your walking and stability. Practicing turning and stepping strategies, agility drills, and cueing strategies like using rhythmic auditory cues or visual markers will help overcome freezing and your balance.

Stretching, improving range of motion exercises and posture drills are necessary to keep your joints mobile and retain flexibility. Improved flexibility can also help with walking and balance

An exercise physiologist can help in the gym or at home with:

• Improve balance issues that can occur
• Teaching patients how to approach 'freezing' episodes where they feel that their feet get stuck
• Targeted balance exercises and gait training to improve stability and walking patterns
• Gait and balance training exercises help reduce falls risks

Cueing and Cognitive Strategies for Parkinson's Disease

Learning external cueing techniques will help enhance movement coordination and initiation. 

• Visual Cueing - Using sight to guide or initiate the movements.
• Auditory Cueing - Using sound or rhythm to support movement helping improve timing and reducing freezing
• Physical Cueing - Using touch or physical sensations to prompt or guide movement.

The clinic is a family run business that offers no gym fees, with individual sessions that can be funded under the NDIS. With experienced exercise physiologists, exercise scientists and physios, we will be able to fast track your progress and help you reach your goals in a safe and controlled gym and clinic environment.

As a local Melbourne provider servicing suburbs throughout the North-West like Essendon, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Brunswick, Flemington and Maribyrnong, MVFit delivers evidence-based Parkinson’s exercise support in our clinic gym or in the comfort of your home and community.