There seems to be a growing number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease finding some relief from symptoms by doing Pilates. Parkinson's affects a person's ability to control movement, and so Pilates' focus on precise motions seems tailor-made to helping the body deal with the degenerative disorder and prolong the severity of symptoms.

Although no formal research or studies have been done to determine the official affect Pilates may or may not have for Parkinson's patients, there is some evidence that exercise in and of itself has benefits. It could be that exercise helps ensure your body is in its strongest and healthiest state to best deal with disease, or possibly just that working out boosts confidence and positive morale. But either way, if you or someone you know has a Parkinson's diagnosis, talking with your doctor and looking into a local Pilates class might be a good idea.