PWR! Moves Explained: The Parkinson’s Workout Backed by Research

When it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease, movement is more than just exercise. It is medicine. But not all movement is created equal. People with Parkinson’s benefit most from exercise that is targeted, intentional, and designed specifically to address their symptoms.

That is where PWR! Moves comes in.

PWR! (short for Parkinson Wellness Recovery) is a system of research-based exercises that helps retrain the brain and body to move better. At The Center for Movement Challenges, we use PWR! Moves as a core part of both our in-person and online classes, because it helps people with Parkinson’s improve balance, flexibility, strength, and confidence.

In this post, we will break down what PWR! Moves is, how it works, and why it may be one of the most important tools in your Parkinson’s care plan.

What Are PWR! Moves?

PWR! Moves are a set of four foundational movements designed to target the most common motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. These include:

• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
• Postural instability (balance issues)
• Freezing of gait (feeling stuck or unable to move)

Each move is big, deliberate, and focused on quality of motion. The goal is to retrain the body to move with more amplitude, coordination, and control.

The four PWR! Moves are:

1. PWR! Up

Promotes upright posture, core activation, and full-body extension.

2. PWR! Rock

Improves weight shifting and dynamic balance.

3. PWR! Twist

Enhances rotational movement for better walking and turning.

4. PWR! Step

Trains large stepping motions and transitions to reduce freezing and improve walking.

These moves can be done seated, standing, or on the floor, and are scalable for all ability levels.

The Science Behind PWR! Moves

PWR! Moves was developed by Dr. Becky Farley, a neuroscientist and physical therapist who also created LSVT BIG. PWR! is built on the concept of neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and change through repeated, meaningful activity.

Key principles include:

• Repetition: Practicing movements consistently builds new motor pathways.
• Intensity: Challenging the body with effort and focus improves outcomes.
• Complexity: Combining different types of movements engages more of the brain.
• Specificity: Targeting the actual symptoms of Parkinson’s leads to better function.

Research supports that consistent use of PWR! Moves can lead to improvements in:

• Gait and walking speed
• Balance and fall recovery
• Functional mobility (like getting in and out of chairs)
• Confidence and overall quality of life

What Makes PWR! Moves Different?

Unlike generic exercise programs, PWR! Moves is designed specifically for Parkinson’s. That means every movement has a purpose, and every sequence is intentional. You are not just getting stronger. You are improving the way your brain and body communicate.

Here are a few things that make it stand out:

• Parkinson’s-specific: The exercises are rooted in the motor symptoms that people experience most.
• Adaptable: Movements can be modified for all mobility levels.
• Functional: Focuses on skills you use in real life, such as stepping, turning, reaching, and posture.
• Engaging: The sessions are often fast-paced and mentally stimulating, not slow or repetitive.

At The Center for Movement Challenges, we include PWR! Moves in many of our class formats because they create noticeable results in strength, balance, and body awareness.

What to Expect in a PWR! Class

If you attend one of our online or in-person Parkinson’s classes that incorporates PWR! Moves, here is what you can expect:

• A warm-up to wake up the brain and body
• Guided practice of the four core PWR! Moves
• Functional movement training (such as standing from a chair or stepping over obstacles)
• Coordination drills to improve reaction time
• Cool-down with stretching and breathing

Classes are led by instructors trained in Parkinson’s-specific exercise and movement science.

Can You Do PWR! Moves at Home?

Absolutely. While supervision and guidance can help you learn proper technique, many people practice PWR! Moves daily at home to maintain progress.

Tips for home practice:

• Choose one or two moves and repeat them slowly with full attention
• Use a mirror to check posture and form
• Focus on making each movement as large and smooth as possible
• Combine moves into short routines that fit your schedule

If you prefer guided sessions, join one of our online Parkinson’s classes where PWR! Moves are part of the regular programming.

Why We Teach PWR! at The Center for Movement Challenges

We do not just believe in movement. We believe in the right kind of movement. PWR! Moves gives people a way to take back control over how their body moves and feels.

Here is why we teach it:

• It is backed by solid neuroscience and clinical evidence
• It meets people where they are — whether seated, standing, or active
• It is practical, functional, and easy to integrate into everyday life
• Our clients consistently report feeling stronger and more mobile after using it

Most importantly, PWR! Moves empower people to move through life with more purpose and less fear.

Final Thoughts: Big Moves Create Big Results

Parkinson’s may affect movement, but movement also affects Parkinson’s. The more you train with intention, the more your brain and body learn to work together again.

PWR! Moves is not just a workout. It is a system that helps rebuild the movement patterns that Parkinson’s tries to take away.

Key Takeaways:

• PWR! Moves are four foundational exercises that target Parkinson’s symptoms
• They are based on neuroplasticity and functional movement science
• These moves improve posture, balance, coordination, and mobility
• You can do them at home or in our Parkinson’s-specific classes
• The Center for Movement Challenges uses PWR! in both in-person and online programs

Try It for Yourself

Want to experience the benefits of PWR! Moves in a safe, supportive setting? Join one of our Parkinson’s exercise classes, available online and in person.

Visit www.centerformovementchallenges.org to sign up and start moving with purpose.

Your next step forward can start today. Let’s move bigger, better, and together.

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