One of the most common questions we hear is:

“When is the best time to exercise? Should I exercise when my Parkinson’s medication is working, or when it has worn off?”

The short answer is: the best time to exercise is the time when you can do it safely and consistently.

But let’s look at the differences.

Exercising During Your “ON” Time

For many people with Parkinson’s, medication helps reduce stiffness, slowness, and movement difficulties. This period is often called being “ON.”

During ON periods, many people find that they can:

• Walk more easily

• Move with larger movements

• Exercise at higher intensity

• Participate more confidently in group activities

• Reduce their risk of falls

Because movement is easier, ON periods are often the best time for activities such as brisk walking, strength training, cycling, dancing, or participating in exercise classes. If your goal is to improve fitness, endurance, or strength, exercising during your ON time may help you get the most out of your workout.

Is There Any Benefit to Exercising During an “OFF” Time?

Sometimes medication effects wear off before the next dose. During these OFF periods, movement may become slower, stiffer, or more difficult.

Many people assume they should avoid exercise completely during OFF times. However, gentle movement can still be helpful.

Activities such as:

• Stretching

• Flexibility exercises

• Breathing exercises

• Gentle walking

• Balance practice with supervision

may help maintain mobility and reduce stiffness.

However, safety becomes especially important. If your balance is affected or you feel unsteady, it is best to exercise with supervision or wait until your medication is working better.

What Does Research Suggest?

Studies suggest that people with Parkinson’s can often exercise at a higher intensity and achieve better movement quality when they are ON. This allows larger, faster, and more powerful movements—exactly the type of movements we encourage in many Parkinson’s exercise programmes. That is why many therapists and exercise professionals recommend scheduling exercise sessions around the time when medication is providing the greatest benefit.

Listen to Your Body

Every person with Parkinson’s is different.

Some people have very predictable medication responses. Others experience fluctuations that are harder to predict.

Pay attention to:

• When you feel strongest

• When your walking is best

• When your balance is most stable

• When you have the most energy

These are often good times to schedule your exercise.

What We Recommend

For most participants, we encourage attending exercise classes during their best ON period whenever possible. This allows them to move more confidently, participate more fully, and gain the greatest benefit from exercise. But the most important thing is not whether you are ON or OFF. The most important thing is that you keep moving. A perfect exercise session once a week is less valuable than regular movement throughout the week.

Remember: medication helps you move better. Exercise helps you move better for longer. Together, they are a powerful combination for living well with Parkinson’s disease.