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The Power of Moving Together
How Group exercise can maximize your potential
Ignite Neuro Fitness
September 24, 2025
I am aware that I do not have to tell most of you that exercise is one of the most powerful tools for living well with Parkinson’s. How many times have you heard this now? That being said, I do want to continue to emphasize best practice to get the most out of your time exercising.
Countless studies have shown that regular movement can slow the progression of symptoms, improve balance and posture, support walking ability, and even lift mood, cognition, and energy. But while it’s clear that exercise is essential, many people wonder which is best: should you move on your own or with others?
Exercising individually has clear advantages. It allows you to work at your own pace, choose a schedule that fits into your day, and focus privately on movements that feel most comfortable. For many, daily habits such as stretching at home, walking in the neighborhood, or riding a stationary bike are wonderful ways to stay active independently. These consistent solo practices form the foundation of good physical health and routine.
Yet, research increasingly highlights that group exercise provides unique benefits that go beyond what we gain from exercising alone. When people with Parkinson’s come together in a class or community program, the combination of movement and social connection creates powerful results.
A comprehensive 2024 meta-analysis compared group exercise with individual training and usual care. Group classes consistently delivered better results than usual care across 9 of 11 mobility and function metrics. These findings suggest that group exercise can match—or even surpass—the benefits of solo workouts, especially compared to doing nothing. Beyond measurable mobility gains, long-term participation in community-based group programs appears to be both safe and promising. Another study found that over a 14-month span, participants in a structured group exercise program experienced sustained improvements in grip strength and aerobic endurance—in combination with no functional decline—a notable outcome when dealing with a progressive condition.
Individuals participating in group exercise are more likely to maintain their physical function over time compared to those who only exercise independently. One reason is accountability: it’s easier to stay committed when others are expecting you to show up. The group setting also encourages people to challenge themselves in ways they may not when exercising alone, leading to higher intensity engagement and great modification of the disorder.
Beyond the physical benefits, the social aspect of group exercise is especially meaningful. Parkinson’s can sometimes feel isolating, but exercising with others builds friendships, laughter, and shared encouragement. Evidence shows this sense of belonging reduces anxiety and lifts mood, which in turn can help ease symptoms such as fatigue or depression. Participants regularly report enhanced motivation, enjoyment, and adherence—benefits that extend beyond the session itself. For example, engaging in tai chi, which has well studied benefits for people with Parkinson’s, had superior results and compliance when completed in a group setting compared to individually. Community activities like dance, aquatics, or structured balance classes offer similar benefits—improving both mobility and emotional wellness when compared with non-active controls.
Here at Ignite Neuro Fitness we offer various group exercise opportunities to cater to different symptoms and preferences. Our moto is “Intensity Matters” and we specialize in high intensity interval training. High-intensity interval training, especially in a group setting, can do more than maintain function it can help create optimal changes to the brain to compensate for dopamine loss. Studies show it may actually improve neuron function by increasing dopamine signaling in the brain. High intensity can feel daunting as we age, but evidence shows that it continues to be a safe and highly beneficial way to maximize results.
Thank you to a generous grant from the Parkinson’s foundation we are now able to offer group community exercise opportunities without a cost. Yoga, virtual yoga, and Ignite interval class are now offered one time per month each for free as well as weekly with our normal class packages. Check out our website if you are interested in joining us.
To learn more about best exercise practice in Parkinson’s also consider joining us for our next Ignite Education class on Strength training in Parkinson’s, October 25th from 11:00 am to 12:00pm. Use the link below to sign up today!
The truth is, both solo and group exercise have their place in living well with Parkinson’s. Individual exercise builds consistency and daily habits, while group classes bring motivation, variety, and social support. Together, they create a well-rounded approach that keeps both body and spirit strong.
What matters most is that you keep moving—and whenever possible, consider moving together. The benefits of shared exercise go far beyond muscles and movement; they strengthen community, resilience, and hope.
As alway, please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone you think may be interested and reach out with any thoughts or questions.
The more you know, the better we move together
Laura
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