Exercise Classes in Northern California

These are in-person exercise classes in Northern and Central California that are specific to Parkinson's disease (PD).  Occasionally, if the same class is offered both in-person and virtually, virtual class details are included.  If you don't see a class in your area, check with your local PD support group leader. In lieu of in-person classes, check out our lists of live online PD exercise classes and PD exercise videos.  

Classes in the community that are not specific to PD are still worthwhile!  Check with your local senior center for classes.  Or with local community colleges (such as DeAnza, Monterey Peninsula College, etc) or local organizations (such as BORP in Berkeley) for adapted physical education classes.  If you live on the Peninsula, Stanford offers "Strong for Life" classes.  


San Francisco

San Francisco - Balance Fit

Location:  UCSF PhysFit Health & Wellness Center, Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center, 1675 Owens St., Room 195, San Francisco, CA 94158

Contact: UCSF PhysFit Health and Wellness, 415-514-4816

Notes:

  • Focuses on balance, strength, coordination, and mental flexibility exercises specifically designed to improve balance confidence
  • Requires 30-minute pre-screening (virtual or in-person): $85.  Must be able to walk unassisted and tolerate physical activity
  • Pricing: $25/class or $80/series (4 classes)

In-person

Fridays, Noon-1pm

Advance Registration: Required


San Francisco - Dance for Parkinson's

Location: San Francisco Ballet, Chris Hellman Center for Dance, 455 Franklin St., San Francisco, CA 94102

Contact: Cecelia Beam, 415-865-6583, San Francisco Ballet

Notes:

  • Six-week sessions, held multiple times each year
  • Free
  • No experience required
  • Live piano music

Virtual

Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30pm
In-person

Saturdays, 1:30-2:45pm


San Francisco - PD-Connect BASIX™ Exercise Program

Location:  Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, 50 Scott St., San Francisco, CA 94117

Contact for meeting link if attending virtually:  Lisa Oei, DPT, PD-Connect, 415-604-2477   

Notes:

  • Balance, aerobics, and strength
  • All levels - seated or standing 
  • $10-$15 suggested donation

Hybrid (in-person and virtual)

Wednesdays,
1:30pm-2:30pm


San Francisco - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: HITFIT SF, 1150 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109

Contact: Veronica Garcia-Hayes, 415-244-1060 

Notes:

  • Pre-assessment required, $150
  • Membership-based pricing: $175/mo unlimited classes, $85/mo for one class a week

Virtual

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am
In-person

Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, some Fridays, 10:30-11:45am

Advance Registration: Required


Peninsula

Half Moon Bay - Parkinson's Exercise Class

Location: Senior Coastsiders, 925 Main St., Art Room, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Contact for info:  Senior Coastsiders, 650-726-9056

Contact and instructor: Jetta van Hemert, PT, 650-863-2451

Notes:

  • Senior Coastsiders requires registration (free) and signed waiver
  • $10/class, paid to instructor

Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm

Advance Registration: Required


Palo Alto - Dance for Parkinson's Disease

Location:  Wellness Center, Stanford Neuroscience Health Center, 213 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94305

Contact: Stanford Neuroscience Wellness Classes, 650-736-2234

Notes:

  • In-person classes resumed September 2023
  • In-person registration
  • Virtual registration: visit webpage, click on "Fitness Classes," and find "REGISTER" 
  • Classes occasionally cancelled for holidays

Virtual

Fridays, 1:30-2:45pm
In-person

Mondays, 1:30-2:45pm

Advance Registration: Required


Palo Alto - Parkinson's Exercise Class

Location:  Palo Alto Family YMCA, 3412 Ross Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Contact: Palo Alto Family YMCA, 650-856-9622

Notes:

  • Free to members; $20/day for non-members

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2pm


Palo Alto - Tango for Parkinson's Disease

Location: Wellness Center, Stanford Neuroscience Health Center, 213 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA 94305

Contact: Stanford Neuroscience Wellness Classes, 650-736-2234

Notes:

Wednesdays, 2:15-3:45pm

Advance Registration: Required


Redwood City - Chair Yoga

Location:  Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Lobby, Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact: Adaptive Physical Education, 650-368-7732, Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Notes:

  • Chair poses. Wheelchairs welcome.  Originally designed for PD.
  • Led by Ruth West, LCSW, certified yoga instructor
  • Free

Virtual

Thursdays, 11am-Noon
In-Person

Mondays, 10:30 - 11:30am


Redwood City - Fitness for Parkinson's and Neuromuscular Conditions

Location: Red Morton Park Armory, 939 Valota Rd., Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact instructor for advance screening: Scott Lohmann, 650-823-1225

Contact for info: Adaptive Physical Education, 650-368-7732, Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Notes:

  • Must be able to walk independently and be able to get up from and down to the floor
  • Led by Scott Lohmann and Sang Pvongnak
  • Pricing: $55/month for one in-person class/week, $95/month for two or more in-person classes/week, $50/month for unlimited virtual classes and YouTube library access

Wednesdays, 4-5pm

Advance Registration: Required


Redwood City - Gait Improvement for Parkinson’s

Location: Red Morton Park Armory, 939 Valota Rd., Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact:  Adaptive Physical Education , 650-368-7732, Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Notes:

  •  Movements for improving stride length, tempo, and stability.  Focus on sit-to-stand, ground-to-stand, upper extremity activities, and posture.
  • Must be able to walk independently and be able to get up from and down to the floor
  • Led by Scott Lohmann and Sang Pvongnak
  • Free

Mondays, 4-5pm


Redwood City - Mobility, Stretching, and Fall Prevention for Parkinson’s

Location: Red Morton Park Armory, 939 Valota Rd., Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact: Adaptive Physical Education, 650-368-7732, Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Notes:

  • Special focus on trunk, spinal mobility and hamstring flexibility
  • Must be able to walk independently
  • Led by Scott Lohmann and Sang Pvongnak
  • Free

Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30pm


Redwood City - Parkinson’s Chair Exercise

Location: Red Morton Park Armory, 939 Valota Rd., Redwood City, CA 94061

Contact instructor for advance screening: Katie Parafinczuk, DPT, 650-299-4717

Contact for info:  Adaptive Physical Education, 650-368-7732, Veterans Memorial Senior Center

Notes:

  • Seated and standing exercises for flexibility, strength, and balance.  First 15 minutes (in-person only) on aerobic machines
  • Must be able to stand from a chair with no more than the assistance of a walker, cane, or caregiver.  Must be able to balance sitting in a chair without assistance.  Blood pressure must be well-managed
  • Led by Katie Parafinczuk, DPT
  • Free

Mondays, 4-5 pm

Advance Registration: Required


South Bay

Sunnyvale - Neurofit Exercise

Location: Congruence Physical Therapy & Wellness, 710 Lakeway Dr., Suite 150, Sunnyvale, CA 94085

Contact: Rupali Vyas, DPT, 650-336-5394

Notes:

  • PWR!Moves, Hybrid class (in-person and via Zoom)
  • High Intensity Neuro-fit classes, in-person only
  • Pricing: $15 per class

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30pm


Santa Clara - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Rock Steady Boxing San Jose Gym, 2361 Calle Del Mundo, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Contact: Rob Putnam, 650-400-8287

Notes:

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30am-Noon


San Jose - Parkies Punch Back

Location: 1239 Avis Dr. Santa Jose, CA 95126

Contact: Virginia deRaddo, 202-997-1200. Advance registration and advance assessment required.

Notes:

  • Non-contact boxing, strength training, fine motor skills, balance work, and memory challenges
  • 60-min class led by trainer Virginia deRaddo
  • Unlimited classes: $220 (includes boxing-only class)
  • Six classes: $175 (does not include boxing-only class)
  • Drop-in $35/class, $25 boxing only
  • Class size limited to five
  • $75 advance assessment required

Boxing and Fitness: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays,
10-11am
Fridays 9-10am

Boxing Only: Wednesdays 11:30am-Noon


San Jose - Movement Through Music

Location: 1239 Avis Dr. Santa Jose, CA 95126

Contact: Virginia deRaddo, 202-997-1200. Advance registration and advance assessment required.

Notes:

  • Aims to get the body moving through all planes of motion. Classes begin with deep breathing and thoracic exercises to warm up the back.
  • Participants can be seated during the entire class
  • 45-min class led by trainer Virginia deRaddo
  • Drop-in $35/class 
  • Class size limited to five
  • $75 advance assessment required

Tuesdays 10-11am


East Bay

Berkeley - Dance for PD

Location: Berkeley Ballet Theater, 1370 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710

Contact: Susan Weber, 925-457-8170, Berkeley Ballet Theater

Notes:

  • Free. Donations to Berkeley Ballet Theater welcome.

Mondays, 12:30-1:45pm


Brentwood - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Battle Fit, 161 Sand Creek Rd., Suite B, Brentwood, CA 94513

Contact: Joseph Garcia, coach, 925-634-2691

Notes:

  • $99/month (includes open gym)
  • Physician waiver required.  Free, ten-minute advance assessment required of walking and balance abilities.

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30-11:30am

Advance Registration: Required


Concord - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Rock Steady East Bay, 2372 Stanwell Cir., Concord, CA 94520

Contact: Jimmy Greninger, 925-785-1272. 

Notes:

Tuesdays, 11:30am-1pm

Thursdays, 10:30am-Noon


Oakland - Brain Fit Cardio

Location: North Oakland Senior Center (NOSC), 5714 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609

Contact: Cathy Ball with PD Active if you are under 55, have questions, or financial need

Notes:

  • Class combines aerobic movement, resistance training, balance, and flexibility work, and challenges your brain as you move.
  • Class is free but $12 North Oakland Senior Center annual membership is required. Print the NOSC Membership Application form. Bring it and $12 check or cash or fill out the form when you come to class.
  • Plenty of free parking

In-Person

Fridays, 9:30-10:30am


Oakland - Dance for PD

Location: dNaga Dance Co., Treehouse, 111 Fairmount Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611

Contact: Claudine Naganuma, 510-420-0920

Notes:

  • Combines elements of modern dance, ballet, social dancing and improvisation to create an enjoyable experience
  • Free. Donations to dNaga welcome.
  • Open to all; no dance experience is necessary

Virtual

Thursdays, 10:30-11:45am
In-Person

Saturdays, 10:30-11:45am


Walnut Creek - PD Fit Club

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church,  2100 Tice Valley Blvd, Oak Room, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Contact: Petra Fibrichova, instructor, 510-520-4523

Notes:

  • Mix of aerobic (with music), high-amplitude movement that includes cognitive challenges, balance training, PD-specific strength training, and slower mindful movement and stretching.
  • Suggested fee $15-$20/class paid via PayPal, Venmo, or check monthly.  $120/month for both PD Fit Club and yoga classes.

Mondays, 10-11:15am


Walnut Creek - Yoga for Parkinson’s

Location: Grace Presbyterian Church,  2100 Tice Valley Blvd, Oak Room, Walnut Creek, CA 94595

Contact: Petra Fibrichova, certified yoga therapist, 510-520-4523

Notes:

  • Class starts with chair-based movement, continues with standing poses, and finishes with mat-based practices.  Bring mat and small pillow for under head.  No previous yoga experience necessary.
  • Suggested fee $15-$20/class paid via PayPal, Venmo, or check monthly.  $120/month for both yoga and PD Fit Club classes.

Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm


North Bay

Corte Madera - Fitness and Boxing for Parkinson’s

Location: Five Points Fitness, 5651 Paradise Dr., Corte Madera, CA 94925

Contact: Sharlene Schneier, 805-813-3777

Notes:

  • Pricing: $75/month for 1 class/week or $150/month for 2 classes/week

Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:45pm


Corte Madera - Parkinson’s Dance Project

Location: Marin Dance Theatre (Corte Madera location), 403 Tamal Plaza, Corte Madera, CA 94925

Contact: Torri Campbell, 415-819-2066

Notes:

  • Drop-in class
  • Appropriate for anyone with PD, regardless how advanced
  • No experience needed
  • Co-taught by two former professional dancers
  • Voluntary donations welcome

Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm


Larkspur - PD-Connect BASIX™ Exercise Program

Location:  Mt. Tam Racquet Club, 1 Larkspur Plaza Dr., Larkspur, CA 94939

Contact for meeting link if attending virtually: Lisa Oei, DPT, PD-Connect, 415-604-2477

Notes:

  • Balance, aerobics, and strength
  • All levels - seated or standing 
  • $10-$15 suggested donation

Hybrid (in-person and virtual)

Tuesdays,
11am-noon

Advance Registration: Required


Napa - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Active Wellness Center, 3421 Villa Ln., Napa, CA 94558

Contact: Onna Hadley, 707-251-1395, option 2


Notes:

  • Required advance assessment fee: $50. Includes boxing gloves, hand-wrap, and individual assessment with coach.
  • Level 1 = Advanced; Level 2 = Intermediate; Level 3 = Low; Level 4 = Beginner (requires a caregiver or helper)
  • Pricing:  two times/week is $119 for members and $189 for non-members; three times/week is $149 for members and $219 for non-members

Level 1:
Wednesdays, 11:30am-1pm

Levels 1/2:
Mondays and Fridays, 11:30-1pm

Levels 2/3:
Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm

Levels 3/4:
Mondays and Fridays, 1-2:30pm

Advance Assessment: Required


Petaluma - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Martial Arts Petaluma, 822 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma, CA 94952

Contact: Rock Steady Boxing Petaluma, 707-595-6548

Notes:

  • Non-contact boxing
  • Requires advance assessment (no fee)
  • Led by Scott Sinan and Ryan Markey
  • $99/month or $15/class

Virtual
Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30am-12:30pm
In-Person
Daily, 10-11:30am
Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)
Fridays, 10-11:30am

Advance Assessment: Required


Petaluma - PD-Connect Exercise Program

Location:  Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Dr., Petaluma, CA 94954

Contact:  Petaluma Senior Center, 707-778-4399 
Contact for meeting link if attending virtually:  Maureen Rohlwing, DPT, PD-Connect, 415-598-8709

Notes:

  • Balance, aerobics, and strength
  • All levels - seated or standing 
  • $10-$15 suggested donation

Hybrid (in-person and virtual)

Mondays, 2-3pm


Santa Cruz and Monterey

Santa Cruz - Aquatic Exercise for Parkinson's Disease

Location: Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Contact: Dominican Hospital, 831-457-7099

Notes:

  • 8-week or 9-week sessions.  Includes strength training, aerobics, balance, and stretching in 88-degree pool
  • Led by physical therapists
  • Pricing:  $81/session

Wednesdays, 11-11:50am


Santa Cruz - Dance for PD

Location: Motion Pacific, 131 Front St., Suite E, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Contact: Motion Pacific, 408-508-5125. Advance registration required.

Notes:

  • Appropriate for anyone with PD. No dance experience needed.  Based on Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD
  • Led by professional dancers
  • Class size limited
  • Free

Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)
Wednesdays, 1-2:15pm, except the first Wednesday


Scotts Valley - Rock Steady Boxing

Location: Santa Cruz Boxing, 208 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Contact: Brian Dunniway, 831-438-2697, Santa Cruz Boxing

Notes:

  • Assessment after initial free class costs $60 (includes equipment purchase)
  • $150/month or $25/class

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11:30am-12:30pm


Central Valley

Davis - Dance for Parkinson's

Location: Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop, 2720 Del Rio Place, Davis, CA 95618

Contact: Robin Carlson

Notes:

  • Appropriate for anyone with PD. No dance experience needed.
  • Led by experienced dance instructors with training from Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD
  • Class size limited
  • Free

Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)
Tuesdays, 2-3pm

Advance Registration: Required


Fresno - Exercise for Life Foundation

Location: Herndon Valley Fitness, 6735 N First St Fresno, CA 93710

Contact: John Bowers, 559-392-8842

Notes:

  • Classes include Rock Steady Boxing, Tai Chi, yoga, and stretching
  • Non-contact boxing. No experience required.
  • $85/month for unlimited classes.
  • Virtual class options
  • April 2016 TV news story

Boxing Mondays and Fridays, 12:30-2:30pm and 2-3pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am

Yoga Tuesdays, 11am-12pm

Stretching Wednesdays, 12:15-1:15pm and Thursdays 11-11:30am

Tai Chi Wednesdays, 1:15-2pm


Fresno - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Move Up Health and Fitness, 3706 W Swift Ave., Fresno, CA 93722

Contact: Jessica Tax, 559-369-4284

Notes:

  • Non-contact boxing. No experience required.
  • $240/month for unlimited classes. Includes membership for a workout buddy and access to tai chi for balance classes.
  • Class size limited 
  • Virtual option available

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-10:30am

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11-12:30pm and 5:30-7pm


Fresno - Tai Chi for Balance

Location: Move Up Health and Fitness, 3706 W Swift Ave., Fresno, CA 93722

Contact: Jessica Tax, 559-369-4284

Notes:

  • Elements of tai chi adapted to focus on balance and fall prevention. Not a traditional tai chi class. 
  • $110/month
  • Class size limited to 15. Class opens to new members every odd-numbered month.
  • All levels welcome

Hybrid (in-person and virtual)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am


Jackson - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Mueller's Elite Athletic Training Academy, 12180 Industry Blvd, Suite 51,  Jackson, CA 95642

Contact: Laura Clark, 209-223-9410

Notes:

  • Pricing: $20/class or $125/month for unlimited classes

Hybrid (In-Person and Virtual)

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am-Noon

Advance Assessment: Required


Modesto - Power over Parkinson's Exercise Classes

Location: POP Fitness, 2030 Coffee Rd., Suite C-5, Modesto, CA 95355

Contact: Lori Dodd, PT, POP Fitness, 209-606-6410

Notes:

  • Classes include Sitting PWR! Moves, PWR! Circuit, and Rock Steady Boxing 
  • Advance assessment fee: $100 added to first package purchased
  • Pricing: $120/month for 2 classes/week, $165/month for 3 classes/week, $205/month for 4 classes/week, or $240/month for unlimited classes. Or drop-in.

Mondays to Fridays, Noon-1:30pm

Advance Assessment: Required


Roseville - Parkinson Wise Exercise

Location: Roseville Health and Wellness Center, 1650 Lead Hill Blvd., Roseville, CA 95661

Contact: Lisa Schetter

Notes:

  • Pricing: $20/class or $100 for 6 classes
  • Advance assessment required ($84)

Mondays 1-2pm, Tuesdays 11am-noon, Wednesdays 1-2pm, and Thursdays 11am-noon

Advance Assessment: Required


Sacramento - Dance for Parkinson's

Location: Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, 2791 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818

Contact: Robin Carlson

Notes:

  • Appropriate for anyone with PD. No dance experience needed.
  • Led by experienced dance instructors with training from Mark Morris Dance Group's Dance for PD
  • Class size limited
  • Free

Wednesdays, 2-3pm


Sacramento - Rock Steady Boxing for PD

Location: Hope In Your Corner, 1811 E St., Sacramento, CA 95811

Contact: Melissa Tafoya, Sacramento Rock Steady Boxing

Notes:

  • Level 1 = Advanced; Level 2 = Intermediate; Level 3 = Beginner
  • $100/month
  • No drop-ins

Levels 2/3: Wednesdays and Fridays, 2-3:30pm

Levels 1/2: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30am

Advance Assessment: Required


Woodland - Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's

Location: Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 E. St., Woodland, CA 95776

Contact: Woodland Senior Center, 530-661-2001

Notes:

Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:30-10am

Advance Assessment: Required



Do you have a class listed on this webpage and need to update the info? Or do you have a class that you would like to have listed here? Please contact Robin Riddle, Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach, 650-724-6090.

Last updated in January 2024.