Exercise Classes in San Francisco Bay Area

Studies show that exercise can be very helpful to those with Parkinson's Disease. A common question at support group meetings is "what exercise is best?" Most movement disorder specialists say that the best exercise is one that is safe and that the participant enjoys. If you enjoy doing something, then it improves the chances that you'll do it every day.

Great Resource! Several years ago, the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) launched the APDA National Resource Center for Rehabilitation at Boston University. The center offers a tollfree “helpline” where callers can speak with a licensed physical therapist who can answer questions about exercise, provide educational materials, and share info on evidence-based management of PD symptoms through exercise. Contact the exercise helpline Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm (Boston time) at 888-606-1688 or rehab@bu.edu.

Here's a list of exercise classes available in the SF Bay Area. Some classes are specifically for those with PD while other classes are for seniors or those with disabilities. See our separate list of fall prevention programs.

= exercise class specifically for those with PD

SAN FRANCISCO
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
San Francisco Dance for Parkinson's	The Ballet Studio, 128 10th St.	Judy [pdsfnetwork gmail.com], PD SF Network, 415-285-7377. RSVP with name, phone, and number attending.	1st Thursday, 1-2:30pm Led by professional dancers Appropriate for anyone with PD no matter how advanced and no dance experience is needed Space limited to 35 participants $15 suggested donation
San Francisco Parkinson's Disease Exercise Classes	St. Francis Lutheran Church, 152 Church St.	Jose Carlos Asencios [garzaperu yahoo.com], instructor, 415-240-5141	Beginner class: Fridays, 12-1:30pm Advanced class: Fridays, 2-3:30pm Led by professional dancer Based on John Argue's method Learn to move and speak consciously. Combine elements of modern dance, yoga, ballet, and tai chi. $120/month
PENINSULA
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
Daly City Older Adult Exercise Classes	Doelger Senior Center - Pacelli Gym, 101 Lake Merced Blvd.	Doelger Senior Center, 650-991-8012	Low-impact Aerobics, Monday thru Friday, 9:30-11:30am Physical Fitness for Older Adults, Monday thru Friday, 1-2:30pm Drop-in $3/class
Palo Alto Aquatic Fitness Program	Abilities United - Betty Wright Swim Center, 525 East Charleston Rd.	Information [aquatics abilitiesunited.org], 650-494-1480	Ongoing Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9-11am Focus on range of motion, balance, and flexibility Drop-in Limited to 15 students $15 per class
Palo Alto Better Balance for People with Walking Challenges Class	Lucie Stern Community Center - Stern Ballroom, 1305 Middlefield Rd.	Register online with City of Palo Alto Community Services Department, or in person at a Palo Alto community center. Advance registration required. Registration information available online or at Lucie Stern Community Center, 650-463-4900	Thursdays, 2-3pm Intervention program designed to re-learn proper posture, gait, standing and walking skills. Other topics are fall prevention and how to get up from falls. Those with walkers or in wheelchairs are welcome Class offered throughout the year $118 fee for Palo Alto residents and $136 fee for non-residents, for 11 classes
Palo Alto Parkinson's Exercise Program	Page Mill YMCA, 755 Page Mill Rd, Bldg. B	Register with Stephanie Happe [shappe ymcasv.org], Community Programs Coordinator, 650-687-6924	Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 2-3pm Focus on flexibility, balance, and strength Led by certified fitness trainers Larry Hovland and Shannon Shearn Free to the public
Redwood City Adaptive Physical Education	Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 711 Nevada St.	Barbara McCarthy [info adaptivepevmsc.org], 650-368-7732	Classes offered Monday through Friday. See class schedule. Fees vary from $20 for 10 classes to $115 for 23 classes
Santa Clara Pool Fitness Classes	Santa Clara Senior Center, 1303 Fremont St. (at Monroe)	Santa Clara Adult Education, 408-423-3500 (if you aren't a senior) or Santa Clara Senior Center (if you are a senior), 408-615-3170	Held in warm water pool Classes fill quickly Led by Arthritis Foundation-certified instructors
Stanford Tai Chi for PD	Stanford Hospital - Atrium, Ground Floor	Jane or Mwezo, Kujiweza Healing Arts [parkinsons sjyogataichi.org], 408-315-1179	Saturdays 10-11:30am $20 per class First class is free Group discount available
Sunnyvale Adapted Physical Education	Life's Garden, 450 Old San Francisco Rd.	De Anza Adapted PE Information and Enrollment [sheldonmelissa deanza.edu], 408-864-8885	Classes for older adults with a verified physical disability
Sunnyvale Exercise Class for PD	Sunnyvale Senior Center, 550 E. Remington Dr.	De Anza Adapted PE Information and Enrollment [sheldonmelissa deanza.edu], 408-864-8885	Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am Group class for older adults with verified disabilities PD emphasis though exercise designed for all Led by Ruth Haynes DeAnza class fee and Sunnyvale Senior Center membership are required
Sunnyvale Core and More Class	The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave.	Gloria [ggoldstein thepi.org], The Parkinson's Institute, 408-734-2800	Beginning class: learn basics of exercising your core and more Led by personal trainer Jennifer Larson See class schedule for day/time $10/class or 10-class pass for $75. Cash or check accepted.
Sunnyvale Dance for PD Class	The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave.	Gloria [ggoldstein thepi.org], The Parkinson's Institute, 408-734-2800	Movement to music, designed for persons with PD Led by professional dancer Damara Vita Ganley See class schedule for day/time Students in wheelchair must bring care partner Caregivers welcome $10/class or 10-class pass for $75. Cash or check accepted.
Sunnyvale Flexibility, Balance and Strength Training Class	The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave.	Gloria [ggoldstein thepi.org], The Parkinson's Institute, 408-734-2800	Led by certified fitness trainer Larry Hovland See class schedule for day/time $10/class or 10-class pass for $75. Cash or check accepted.
Sunnyvale Gait & Balance Classes	The Parkinson's Institute, 675 Almanor Ave.	Gloria [ggoldstein thepi.org], The Parkinson's Institute, 408-734-2800	Beginner to Intermediate class: for those who need assistance to stand or walk Intensive class: for those not requiring assistance Space is limited. Priority given to patients at The Parkinson's Institute. 90-min exercise with trainer Jennifer Larson See day/time class schedule $10/class or 10-class pass for $75. Cash or check accepted.
SOUTH BAY
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
Cupertino Adapted Physical Education	Cupertino Senior Center, 21251 Stevens Creek Blvd.	De Anza Adapted PE Information and Enrollment [sheldonmelissa deanza.edu], 408-864-8885	Classes for older adults with a verified physical disability
Cupertino Adapted Physical Education	De Anza College	Information [sheldonmelissa deanza.edu], 408-864-8885	Classes for those with a verified physical disability Schedule changes each quarter
San Jose Adult Aquatic Exercise Classes	DACA Swim School, 1080 S. De Anza Blvd.	Information [customer_service daca.org], 408-446-5600	Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program focuses on joint range of motion, light cardio and light muscle building Low Impact Class adds more cardio and strength training (flotation weights) Must be comfortable in chest-deep water $78/month for classes 1-5 days each week
San Jose Adapted Fitness Classes	Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Ave.	Information - Dominique Pacolba [Dominique.pacolba sanjoseca.gov], therapeutic specialist, City of San Jose, 408-268-1567. Registration at any City of San Jose Community Center or online.	Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1-3:30pm Certified strength/conditioning specialist will develop customized fitness program Up to $154 for three months or $5 drop-in fee. $8 additional charge for non-San Jose residents.
San Jose Adapted Golf Classes	Los Lagos Golf Course, 2995 Tuers Rd.	Information - Dominique Pacolba [Dominique.pacolba sanjoseca.gov], therapeutic specialist, City of San Jose, 408-268-1567. Registration at any City of San Jose Community Center or online.	Thursdays, 12-1:30pm Instructor is golf pro Scot Hathaway Stroke analysis, chipping, pitching, putting and golf basics $75 for 8 sessions. $8 additional charge for non-San Jose residents.
San Jose Parkinson's Exercise Program	The Villages Golf & Country Club	Jane or Mwezo, Kujiweza Healing Arts [parkinsons sjyogataichi.org], 408-315-1179	3 day program: Tuesdays 10am ADL functional training; Wednesdays 10am Tai Chi; Thursdays 11:30am Indoor Walking for Better Balance and/or chair aerobics $20 per class First class is free Open to non-residents of The Villages
San Jose Pool Fitness Classes	San Jose State University Timpany Center, 730 Empey Way	Information [timpanycenter gmail.com], 408-283-9036	5 classes available Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm, including Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Requires monthly registration Fee starts at $15/month for members or $35/month for non-members
EAST BAY
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
Berkeley Dance for PD	Berkeley Ballet Theater, 2640 College Ave.	PD Active [dance pdactive.org], 510-479-6119 to register. Advance registration required.	Wednesdays 11:15am-12:30pm Combines elements of modern dance, ballet, social dancing and improvisation to create an enjoyable experience Presented in association with Mark Morris Dance Group Open to all; no dance experience is necessary
Berkeley Parkinson's & The Art of Moving Class	JCC East Bay - Berkeley Branch, 1414 Walnut St.	John Argue [inquiry parkinsonsexercise.com], 510-985-2645	Mondays and Tuesdays 10:30am-12pm Practice balance, coordination, stretching, loosening joints, breathing, walking, turning, and recovering from a fall Led by John Argue, author of "Parkinson's & The Art of Moving" $120/month
Berkeley Parkinson's Yoga/Movement	JCC East Bay - Berkeley Branch - South Hall, 1414 Walnut St.	Carol Fisher [namastecarol gmail.com], 925-566-4181	Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm Practice balance, coordination, stretching, loosening joints, breathing, walking, turning, and recovering from a fall Led by Carol Fisher, RYT (registered yoga teacher) $60/month
Berkeley Parkinson's Exercise	North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave.	Berkeley Adult School, 510-644-6130	Thursdays 10-11:30am Led by Jan Hetherington $35/semester
Berkeley Various Fitness Classes	Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP), 3075 Adeline St., Suite 155	Reba Knickerbocker [reba borp.org], BORP, 510-849-4663 x 1319	Arthritis Foundation Exercise is free Adaptive Yoga and other classes are $8/class for those 55+ and $11/class otherwise Drop in
Hayward Parkinson's and the Art of Moving	Kaiser Permanente, Sleepy Hollow Medical Offices, 27303 Sleepy Hollow Ave.	Chris Shaheen, 510-675-6883 to register for free observation class. Advance registration required. Room location given after registration.	1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wednesdays Sophomore - Advanced Practice Class 9:45-10:45am Freshman - Basic Practice Class 10:45-11:45am Led by Cynthia Eaton $37.50/month (3 classes) or $15/class
Oakland Aquatic Fitness Class for people with PD and MS	Bellevue Club, 525 Bellevue Ave.	Kate Johnson [kfullerjohnson gmail.com], 510-891-0463	Fridays, 11:30am-12:30pm A gentle aquatic and therapeutic fitness class Space is limited $15 per class
*Oakland* Balance Class	Alta Bates Summit Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic, 5700 Telegraph Ave.	Physical, Sports and Hand Therapy Clinic, Information 510-204-1756	Wednesdays 1:30-2:30pm Drop in -- no need to RSVP Learn or practice exercises to improve or maintain balance $80 for 10 sessions, or $10/class. 1st visit is free.
Oakland Dance for PD	Danspace, 473 Hudson St.	PD Active [dance pdactive.org], 510-479-6119 to register. Advance registration required.	Thursdays 10:30-11:45am Combines elements of modern dance, ballet, social dancing and improvisation to create an enjoyable experience Presented in association with Mark Morris Dance Group Open to all; no dance experience is necessary Free
Oakland Yoga for PD	Piedmont Yoga, 3966 Piedmont Ave.	PD Active [yoga pdactive.org], 510-658-8899 to be added to wait list. Advance registration required.	Tuesdays 3-4:15pm or Thursdays 1:30-2:45pm. Both classes full (Sept 2012). Open to those with Parkinson’s Disease Free
Walnut Creek Parkinson's Yoga/Movement	Grace Presbyterian Church - Oak Room, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd.	Carol Fisher [namastecarol gmail.com], 925-566-4181	Thursdays 9:30-10:45am for those who are still pretty mobile Thursdays 11am-Noon for those using walkers or wheelchairs Led by Carol Fisher, RYT (registered yoga teacher) $60/month
NORTH BAY
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
Corte Madera Yoga for Parkinson's	Yoga Center of Marin, 518 Tamalpais Dr.	Yoga Center of Marin [info yogacenterofmarin.com], 415-927-1850	Mondays, 8:30-10am First-timers must contact instructor [slawrenc sonic.net] in advance for assessment Led by Stephanie Lawrence $20/class, paid at the door
Petaluma Therapeutic Movement & Song for Parkinson's	Petaluma Senior Center - in classroom, Lucchesi Park, 211 Novak Dr.	Petaluma Senior Center, 707-778-4399	1st and 3rd Fridays, 1-3pm Seated or standing Drop in -- no need to RSVP Led by Diana Scranton $5/class
San Rafael Parkinson's Dance Project	Marin Dance Theatre - St. Vincent's Auditorium, One St. Vincent Dr.	Torri Campbell [torriacampbell yahoo.com], 415-819-2066	1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday, 1-2:30pm Drop-in class Appropriate for anyone with PD, regardless how advanced No experience needed Co-taught by two former professional dancers Voluntary donations welcome
Santa Rosa Yoga for PD	Yoga Center of Santa Rosa, 420 Mendocino Ave.	Pam Field [yogamompam comcast.net], instructor,707-537-1949	Mondays 11am-noon Drop-in class $15/class drop-in or $78 for 6 weeks
St. Helena PE-4-PD	St. Helena Fitness, 930 Dowdell Ln.	Joe Burger [jeburger99 gmail.com], Napa Young Onset PD Support Group Leader, 707-266-6156, or Susan DeGregory [sbdegregory comcast.net], fitness expert, 707-696-3416	Wednesdays 1-2pm Zumba-inspired movement to music focusing on left right coordination, balance (including work with balance balls), agility, and shadowboxing Suggested donation $10
SANTA CRUZ AND MONTEREY
City - Class Name	Location	Contact	Description
Aptos Adaptive Yoga for Parkinson's	Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, 125 Canterbury Dr.	Instructor Annica Rose [annica adaptiveyogaproject.com], 831-423-9642	2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 3-4:30pm Class meets in Cafe $12/class or 10 classes for $100
Monterey Adaptive Physical Education	Monterey Peninsula College	Instructor Mark Clements [mclements mpc.edu], 831-645-1349	Classes for those with verified physical disability Usually two classes are offered each semester
Santa Cruz Dance for PD	Cabrillo College Stroke and Disability Learning Center	Instructor Merritt Tucker [metucker cabrillo.edu], 831-477-3306	Twice a month. Contact instructor for dates each month. Taught by Damara Ganley and Merritt Tucker Suggested $5-15 donation (sliding scale)

This list was last updated in March 2013. It was originally created in late 2012 by Robin Riddle and Steven Russell with the Stanford APDA Information & Referral Center.

Exercise Classes in San Francisco Bay Area

Navigation for This Section: APDA

Stanford Medicine Resources:

Footer Links:

Exercise Classes in San Francisco Bay Area

You are Here:

Navigation for This Section: APDA

Stanford Medicine Resources:

Footer Links: