A Season for Opportunity
Summer is a time of longer days, warmer temperatures, and more opportunities to get outside. For people living with Parkinson’s, the season can bring both motivation and certain challenges. While heat and routine changes may influence how you feel, this season also offers unique chances to boost confidence, improve movement, and enjoy new routines that support your goals.
In this blog, we’ll explore how to stay steady on your feet, maintain upright posture, and enjoy the summer months while living well with Parkinson’s. These insights are designed to be simple, effective, and suitable for your daily routine.
1. Reconnect With Your Posture
Parkinson’s can influence the way your body positions itself, often pulling you forward without you even realizing. Summer activities like gardening, walking, or outdoor dining can unintentionally reinforce this posture—so it’s important to be mindful of how you carry yourself.
What You Can Do:
Set aside just a few minutes each day to practice standing tall. Using a countertop for support, try gently leaning back to reacquaint your body with upright positioning. This helps bring awareness to your centre of gravity and may offer a more stable, open posture. Repetition builds confidence—and the more your body practices good posture, the more natural it can feel.
2. Walk With Purpose
Wandering through a park or strolling along a beach promenade is one of summer’s greatest pleasures. But if walking feels smaller, less fluid, or harder to start than it used to, don’t worry—there are simple tools you can use to feel steadier.
Tips for Smoother Walking:
- Visualize a line or target ahead of you to walk toward
- Practice “step-standing”—placing one foot in front of the other—to build control
- Gently rock forward and back before you begin walking to encourage full steps
These strategies help shift your momentum and remind your body how to engage in forward movement. A little preparation before each walk can make a big difference in how steady and confident you feel.
3. Stay Cool, Stay Safe
Warmer weather can affect energy levels and hydration. For people living with Parkinson’s, this can sometimes influence movement or lead to fatigue more quickly. But with a few mindful adjustments, summer can still be a season of movement and joy.
Hydration & Cooling Tips:
- Keep a chilled water bottle nearby, even on short trips
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to avoid overheating
- Schedule movement in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower
Don’t feel pressured to do too much at once. Even light movement—like standing stretches or a short walk to the garden—counts and contributes to your progress.
4. Use Summer to Rebuild Routine
With longer days and more light, summer is the perfect time to introduce small routines that benefit your mobility and confidence. Whether it’s a morning routine to wake up your muscles or an evening stretch, using consistency can help your body thrive.
Suggestions to Try:
- Morning: Gentle mobility routine (e.g., shoulder rolls, leg swings, or toe taps)
- Midday: Practice one upright posture exercise at a kitchen counter
- Evening: Light stretching while seated, combined with breathing exercises
Even a few minutes of intentional movement can support improved walking and posture. Think of it as an investment in how you want to feel not just today—but over time.
5. Find Joy in Connection
Summer is often a season of social connection. Whether it’s joining a local PD Warrior class, walking with friends, or simply enjoying family meals outdoors, staying connected boosts more than just your mood. It motivates movement, improves engagement, and reminds you that you’re not alone in your journey.
At Simpson Physiotherapy, we’ve seen first-hand how support and community can be transformative. Whether in-person or virtually, knowing someone is there to cheer you on can help you stay consistent and feel empowered.
Bonus Tip: Celebrate Progress
Progress looks different for everyone—and summer is a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe you’re standing taller, walking more smoothly, or simply feeling more hopeful about what’s ahead. Whatever it is, take a moment to acknowledge it.
Write it down, share it with someone, or celebrate in your own quiet way. Every step matters—and they all add up to something bigger.
Two Helpful Additions to Consider
Here are two strategies you can add to your routine this season:
A) “Step-Standing” for Balance and Awareness
Practicing a simple position with one foot in front of the other (like you’re mid-step) helps challenge your brain and body to maintain control. Holding onto a counter, shift gently between positions and focus on where your body feels balanced.
This is a powerful strategy to improve confidence in movement, especially in narrow or uneven spaces like garden paths or outdoor steps.
B) Backwards Lean Practice
Using a countertop for support, practice leaning back gently at your pelvis while standing. This is not about arching the back—but instead reintroducing your brain and muscles to the idea of being upright. It’s a simple but effective reminder for your body that standing tall is still possible and safe.
Free Resources & Support
We know everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s is unique—which is why we offer a variety of free resources to help you navigate your own path forward.
📘 Related Articles:
- 3 Simple Strategies to Improve Walking, Balance, and Posture
- 10 Common Myths About Parkinson’s Disease – Busted
🎥 Watch and Learn:
- Simpson Physio YouTube Channel
Find helpful tips, guided exercises, and new strategies from our Parkinson’s specialists.
📞 Book a Free Assessment:
Want personalised advice? Book a free discovery visit with our team to chat about your current goals and how we can help support your next steps.
👉 Call us: 0141 530 2092
👉 Visit: Request A FREE Discovery Visit – Parkinson’s Expert Glasgow, Fraser Simpson
Summer is full of potential—and with a few intentional strategies, you can enjoy it more confidently than ever before. Whether it’s standing taller, walking more smoothly, or reconnecting with what’s possible, every effort counts.
If you’re ready to explore how we can help you move more freely this season, get in touch. We’re here to support your summer and beyond.
