Pilates is about core stability. With regular application, as your core strength develops so will stability throughout your entire torso, which can help with some of the mobility and postural issues of Parkinson’s. It also works to promote flexibility and increased range of motion for the joints. By helping reduce the effort placed on the body during everyday activities it can also help lower fatigue levels.
Currently we offer our Pilates classes either in-person, or by Zoom.
Mondays: New Pilates at Morningside classes commencing 1st December 2025 with Deirdre Watt.
Improvers’ class: 2-3pm. Beginner’s class: 3-4pm. Venue: Morningside Parish Church, 2 Cluny Gardens, EH10 6BQ (The St Matthew Hall). For more information please contact Deirdre: deirdre@edinburghparkinsons.org (please bring your own mat if you have, but if not we can provide one)
Tuesdays: 2-3pm – Venue: Stockbridge Parish Church (The Young Room), 7B Saxe Coburg Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5BN This class is taken by Katie Bennett. Places are available so if you would like to attend, please email: katie@edinburghparkinsons.org)
Wednesdays: 2-3pm – Venue: The Fisherrow Centre, South St, Musselburgh EH21 6AT
Pilates via Zoom (seated and standing only)
Wednesday 10.30-11.30am and Thursday 3-4pm.
Please contact Sasha via sasha@edinburghparkinsons.org.
The contribution towards class costs are £4 per session. Payment can be done via the Shop option on the website. Select either single class, or block of ten classes. (The Shop option is a secure payment system).
Always work in a safe space and within your capabilities. See the Parkinson’s UK information on Staying Active at Home When You Have Parkinson’s
Sasha’s Videos
When our regular on-site Branch activities were suspended due to the coronavirus situation, our Pilates Instructor Sasha Baggaley created short exercise videos to help keep people moving and active. These were for everyone not just regular class participants. We will keep these available for the time being.
If equipment is needed, this is mentioned at the start of each video, so you can pause it and get set up, but in general not much equipment is required and anything that is, should be available in your home.
These can be viewed via the folder
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmru6zMfIBFMfC__j0bPBHwFKqGuvbmii
Anna, another of our Instructors, also posted videos at the start of the Covid restrictions:
Gentle Seated Pilates 2: https://vimeo.com/403493581 (15mins)
Gentle Seated Pilates: https://vimeo.com/401342387 (10mins)
Neurodynamic Exercise
Sasha (also a neurophysiotherapist) has developed a Neurodynamic Exercise programme for the Branch based on her experience with Pilates, Neurophysiotherapy, and the philosophy, principles and research of PD Warrior, LSVT BIG and PWR MOVES – these are programmes which address both physical and cognitive activity at higher levels of intensity, and is suitable for people in the earlier stages of Parkinson’s (mild to moderate symptoms). The exercises can be adapted to suit individuals, based on their Parkinson’s symptoms and any other pathologies. Sasha’s 10 week programme involves pre- and post-assessments, and there is the opportunity to join an ongoing ‘continuation class’ at the end of the programme. This would be suited to anyone who feels they would like to learn more about the type of exercise advocated for PWP, or how to get more from the exercises they are doing. For more details please see the Neurodynamic Exercise webpage.
To find out more, please contact Sasha via sasha@edinburghparkinsons.org.