I have been diagnosed in Feb. of this year. I’m taking Sinamet 3x a day. I’ve started feeling weaker so I am going to the gym to try and regain some muscle . It hasn’t helped my balance yet. Does anybody else use the gym? What is your experience of strengthening?
Hello DaveS … I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June 2023. I take 6 x Sinemet pills a day. I too suffer with fatigue / tiredness / lack of sleep. A never ending circle really.
What I would suggest is taking one of the NHS neurological physiotherapy courses who have Parkinson’s physiotherapists. They are free of charge through your Docs or direct. 6 x 1 hour a week in a hospital gym, also do swimming pool exercises.
Might be a good thing to do. I found it helpful.
Best wishes
Steve2
Thanks for the info Steve, I have emailed my local physio team and await a reply. Unfortunately I have to go through a referral by GP or someone, I can’t self refer 
F
Hello DaveS
Thank you for sharing - and our wonderful community should be able to offer you some testimonials.
Our website is also full of information regarding exercise and Parkinson’s - definitely check it out here: Physical activity and exercise | Parkinson's UK.
All the best
Hi , I was also diagnosed in Feb 24. I excercise every day apart from Saturday. I vary swimming, Pilates, yoga, and low free weights. My neurologist said to excercise each day, low meds. Feel great both physically and mentally . He is certain keeps progression at bay. Doing classes also good for meeting new people
Thank you Mary. I go to the gym on Monday and Friday and I started out with low weight and high repetition. I’ve increased the weight and lowered the repetition.
Welcome to the forum MaryP - thank you for sharing this! 
Hi Dave S, if you’re happy going to the gym then go. Don’t exercise for too long but after a gentle start push yourself for half a minute on each exercise.
A good read on the subject of exercise is Parkinson’s, how to reduce symptoms through exercise
Hi, ive been going gym for over 40yrs. Was recently diagnosed with parkinsons in july 24. I havnt changed anything i do. I hit the gym hard, heavy and intense. I shake more when ive pushed it but hey thats just part of it. I sauna after, use hydrotherapy pool and plunge pool. They are still tring find meds that suit me. My advice is keep going gym, build or keep what muscle you have, the longer we stay strong the better life we can lead with this disease .
Hi, I was referred to the fresh start programme by neuro physiotherapy team and initially attended the gym once a week since November 24, now I go 3 to 4 times a week doing a mix of cardio and weights, generally feel good for doing so, took out a membership at a reduced charge of £33 per month as I’m on PIP. I would encourage anyone to give exercise a try.
I’m trying to exercise at home
100 sit-ups in morning
Work as a cleaner 4hrs
50 squats in the evening
Walking dogs twice a day 3-4miles total
But going to a gym would also benefit me as it would use other muscles and ensure I workout properly
Hi there,
I have been living with Parkinson’s , since around 2005, officially diagnosed in 2008, so around 20 years or so, and for most of this time, I have attended a Gym, and have used equipment designed for ‘handicapped’ people ie Rowing Machine, Treadmill, cycling machines, and several others for an hour session, twice a week
Plus I attend chair exercise class and a yoga session each week, as well as two ‘voice’ sessions each week, and Four of us attempt to play guitars once a week, all of which, I firmly believe, have kept my Parkinson’s ‘manageable ?
It’s not always easy, especially after a bad night , or on a cold wet morning, but I feel that the effort is worth it !
.
If you ask your doctor for a referral for “active health “ then a reduction in gym fees will help. Also if you can get a blue badge, this will also help with reducing gym costs
Pure gym offer a feee membership for people with parkinsons
Balsnce may need soecific exercuses. Can you attend classes for that? Or see a physiotherapist?