Parkinson’s Personal Training in Glasgow

Movement. Confidence. Fun.

A goal completed - and a new way we can help

One of my goals at Train MBS this year was to become better equipped to support people living with Parkinson’s. I’m delighted to share that I have now completed the Parkinson’s Pro qualification and can offer specialist one-to-one personal training from our studio in Mount Florida, Glasgow Southside.

The qualification has deepened my understanding of Parkinson’s, the ways it can affect movement and day-to-day life, and how appropriately designed exercise can help someone keep moving with greater confidence, purpose and enjoyment.

Why exercise matters for people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, but movement may become slower, smaller or less automatic. Balance, posture, coordination, walking and confidence can also be affected, alongside non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety or low mood.

Parkinson’s UK explains that physical activity can have a positive impact both physically and mentally and can help people manage their symptoms. Its guidance recommends building towards 2.5 hours of activity each week, with the right type and level of activity depending on the individual.

Specialist personal training does not replace medical care or physiotherapy. It can, however, provide the individual guidance, encouragement and structure that helps turn advice to ‘exercise more’ into something practical, safe and sustainable.

What does Parkinson’s-specific personal training look like?

It may look quite different from what many people picture when they hear the words personal training. Depending on the person, sessions may include:

  • Large, purposeful movements to practise movement amplitude - sometimes described as moving “big”

  • Strength and power work to support everyday tasks such as standing up, climbing stairs and getting out of bed

  • Balance, posture, weight transfer and movement in different directions

  • Walking practice, turns, heel strike and strategies for changes of direction

  • Coordination drills using balls, targets, boxing-style movements or other simple equipment

  • Cognitive challenges, such as combining movement with counting, decision-making or responding to cues

  • Appropriate cardiovascular exercise, adapted to the person’s ability, health and energy

  • Clear visual, verbal or rhythmic cues to help initiate and guide movement

The aim is not to force everyone through the same Parkinson’s programme. It is to understand the person in front of us - their symptoms, medication pattern, health, interests, confidence and goals - and build training around what will be most useful to them.

Where fun, flow and healing meet

One part of the course that particularly stayed with me was the importance of fun. For someone with Parkinson’s, movement can require much more conscious effort than it once did. Repetition is valuable, but it does not have to feel clinical, joyless or like a test that can only be passed or failed.

A good session might include throwing and catching, music and rhythm, boxing combinations, target games, colourful markers or even a foam-sword challenge. These are not distractions from the work. Used thoughtfully, they can bring together amplitude, accuracy, balance, coordination, reaction and cognitive challenge - while helping someone want to keep coming back.

That idea connects strongly with the direction my own training and coaching is moving in: movement can be purposeful without becoming a proving ground. There can be effort and challenge, but also flow, play, connection and healing.

Personal, progressive and connected to your wider care

We will begin by listening. We will discuss how Parkinson’s affects you, what you would like to protect or return to, the activities you enjoy, and any advice you have received from your neurologist, Parkinson’s nurse, physiotherapist, GP or other health professional.

Where appropriate, an initial assessment can give us useful starting points for areas such as balance, walking, sit-to-stand ability, coordination and endurance. Progress is then measured against your own starting point - not against somebody else’s idea of normal.

My current specialist training is intended primarily for people who are independently mobile and living with relatively straightforward Parkinson’s symptoms. If your needs fall outside my scope, I will be honest about that and help you identify the most appropriate clinical or specialist support.

Start with a conversation

If you are living with Parkinson’s - or supporting a family member who is - you are very welcome to start with a free, non-committal 45-minute consultation at Train MBS.

There is no expectation that you arrive already confident, fit or certain about what you need. The first step is simply to meet, talk through your circumstances and decide together whether personal training at Train would be helpful.

Book your free consultation or learn more about personal training at Train MBS.

Train Mind Body Soul is located at 1004 Cathcart Road, Mount Florida, Glasgow G42 9XL - around a two-minute walk from Mount Florida train station, with free off-street parking for members. Find more information about our studio here.