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.
In summer 2023, as we are updating this webpage, we are finding few in-person classes!
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)
Virtual
Wednesdays, Noon-1pm
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 - Rock Steady Boxing for PD
Location: HITFIT SF, 1150 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109
Contact: Kim (Woolley) Voronin, LCSW, CPT, 415-410-3339
Notes:
- Pre-assessment required
- Membership-based pricing: $150/month for unlimited classes, $75/month for one class each week. Scholarships available.
Virtual
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am
In-person
Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, some Fridays, 10:30-11:45am
Advance Registration: Required
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:
- In-person classes resumed August 2023
- Advance registration required
- Classes occasionally cancelled for holidays
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
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:
- Pricing: $175/month
- September 2017 news article
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:30am-Noon
Cupertino - PWR!Moves
Location: 2bfitness, 22382 Homestead Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014
Contact: Rupali Vyas, DPT, 650-336-5394, Congruence Physical Therapy and Wellness
Notes:
- PD-specific exercises target rigidity, bradykinesia, balance, incoordination, and automaticity
- $15 per class
Thursdays, 1:30pm
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:
- $219/month
- February 2017 TV news story
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
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 - High-Intensity Parkinson's Exercise
Location: Piper Park, 250 Doherty Dr., Larkspur, CA 94939
Contact: Lisa Oei, DPT, instructor, 415-604-2477.
Notes:
- For high-functioning PWP who do not need assistive device
- Based on Delay the Disease and PWR!
- February 2017 news article
- $10-$15 suggested donation
- Drop-ins welcome
Tuesdays, 11am
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 - Parkinson’s Exercise
Location: Petaluma Senior Center, 211 Novak Dr., Petaluma, CA 94954
Contact: Petaluma Senior Center, 707-778-4399 or instructor Maureen Rohlwing, DPT, 415-598-8709, PD-Connect
Notes:
- Led by Maureen Rohlwing, DPT, PD-Connect
Mondays, 2-3pm
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
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 - Rock Steady Boxing for PD
Location: Valley Fitness, 6735 N. First St., Fresno, CA 93710
Contact: John Bowers, 559-392-8842, Fresno Rock Steady Boxing.
Notes:
- Non-contact boxing
- No experience required
- April 2016 TV news story
- $85/month for 9 classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2pm
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:
- Registration packet
- $5/month or $6/month non-residents
- Physician's waiver required
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 August 2023.
