Parkinson’s Exercise Program

Exercise Designed for People Living With Parkinson’s

Move With Confidence is a four-week exercise program at Vangool Wellness created specifically for people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Led by physiotherapist Chantelle Riess, each 60-minute class combines evidence-informed exercise with professional guidance in a welcoming and supportive setting. The program focuses on movements that can help improve strength, balance, coordination, walking, mobility, and confidence during everyday activities.

No previous exercise experience is required. Exercises can be modified or progressed so each participant can work safely at an appropriate level.

Build strength. Improve balance. Move with greater confidence.


Who Can Join Move With Confidence?

This program may be suitable for people living with Parkinson’s who want professional support to:

  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Build functional strength
  • Work on walking and mobility
  • Reduce their risk of falls
  • Feel more confident during daily activities
  • Return to exercise in a safe and structured environment
  • Maintain flexibility and ease of movement
  • Exercise alongside others with similar goals

Participants should be able to take part in a group exercise setting with appropriate modifications and guidance.

A 30-minute physiotherapy screening with Chantelle Riess is required before the first class to confirm that the program is an appropriate and safe fit.

Program Details

Move With Confidence Program Details

Both the exercise series and physiotherapy screening may be eligible for reimbursement under physiotherapy benefits. The screening allows Chantelle to learn about your health history, mobility, current abilities, symptoms, and goals. It also helps determine appropriate exercise modifications before the program begins.

Four-week Parkinson’s exercise series
$120

Dates: September 15, September 22, September 29, and October 6
Day: Tuesdays
Time: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Location: Vangool Wellness Gathering Space
Address: 3026 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon, SK

Required Physiotherapy Screen

$85

A 30-minute physiotherapy screening with Chantelle Riess is required before the first class to learn about your health history, mobility, current abilities, symptoms, and goals.

Already a physio client with an appointment in the last 12 months? You don’t need a screen, just book in directly.

Location: Vangool Wellness Gathering Space
Address: 3026 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon, SK


Meet Your Physiotherapist

Chantelle Riess, Physiotherapist

Chantelle Riess leads the Move With Confidence Parkinson’s exercise program at Vangool Wellness.

She provides physiotherapy guidance throughout each class, helping participants exercise safely, understand each movement, and adjust activities based on their abilities and goals.

Participants who have questions about the program can book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Chantelle before registering.

Chantelle Riess

What to Expect During the Program

Each class includes a combination of exercises selected to support the movement challenges commonly associated with Parkinson’s.

High-Intensity Interval Training

Short periods of higher-effort exercise followed by active recovery. Exercises are adjusted to each participant’s abilities and physical capacity.

Functional Strength Training

Exercises designed to support movements used in daily life, such as standing, walking, reaching, changing direction, and maintaining posture.

Balance and Coordination Exercises

Guided activities that challenge balance, body awareness, stepping, coordination, and confidence with movement.

Walking and Mobility Training

Exercises focused on movement quality, walking patterns, mobility, and the ability to navigate everyday environments more comfortably.

Mobility-Focused Warm-Up

Each session begins with movements to prepare the body for exercise and support safe participation.

Regain mobility and strength

Classes finish with mobility and flexibility exercises to promote recovery and comfortable movement.


Potential Benefits of Parkinson’s-Focused Exercise

A structured exercise program may help participants work toward:

  • Improved walking and mobility
  • Increased lower- and upper-body strength
  • Better balance and coordination
  • Greater confidence with movement
  • Reduced fall risk
  • Improved activity tolerance
  • Better flexibility and range of motion
  • Greater confidence returning to exercise
  • Strategies that support long-term physical function

Results vary between individuals. The program is designed to support each participant’s personal abilities and goals rather than follow a one-size-fits-all routine.

A Supportive and Physiotherapist-Led Program

Professional Guidance

Every class is led by physiotherapist Chantelle Riess, who can provide instruction, monitor movement, and offer appropriate modifications.

Adapted to Different Abilities

Exercises can be adjusted or progressed so participants can work at a level that feels safe, manageable, and appropriately challenging.

Small-Group Support

The group setting offers structure, encouragement, and an opportunity to exercise alongside others working toward similar goals.

Small-Group Support

The group setting offers structure, encouragement, and an opportunity to exercise alongside others working toward similar goals.

Move With Greater Strength and Confidence

Your Questions, Answered Clearly

Frequently Asked Questions – Pediatric Physio

No. Previous exercise experience is not required. Exercises can be modified or progressed based on your abilities, comfort level, and movement needs.

The program is designed for a range of abilities, but it may not be suitable for everyone. The required physiotherapy screening helps determine whether the group format and exercises are appropriate for you.

The 30-minute screening allows Chantelle to review your health history, movement, balance, mobility, symptoms, and goals. It also helps her plan appropriate modifications before the first class.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, along with supportive indoor footwear suitable for exercise.

The program is designed as a four-week series, and attending each class is recommended to receive the full benefit and follow the planned progression.

The exercise program and required physiotherapy screen may be eligible under physiotherapy insurance benefits. Coverage varies, so contact your insurance provider to confirm your plan details.

Participants who use a cane or other mobility aid may still be able to join. Discuss your needs during the physiotherapy screening so Chantelle can determine whether the program is appropriate and plan modifications where possible.

Contact Vangool Wellness before registering to discuss whether caregiver attendance or assistance is needed and how this can be accommodated within the group setting.

You can book a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with Chantelle Riess to discuss the program, your concerns, and whether the next step should be a physiotherapy screening.

get in touch

Email: info@vangoolwellness.com

Address

3026 Taylor St E, Saskatoon, SK S7H 4J2

Clinic Hours

9am – 4pm M, Th, F
9am – 8pm T, W

Phone Number

(306) 242-9355

Fax Number

(306) 242-9508