Glossop Gym to launch Parkinson’s-specific training sessions

A Glossop gym owner is set to launch Parkinson’s-specific strength-training sessions aimed at supporting people living with the condition through safe, tailored exercise.

Adam Parker, owner of Every Bodies Gym based at Smithy Fold near Howard Town Retail Park, will begin the new sessions on Friday 9th January at 12 noon. The weekly classes will run for one hour and are designed to complement existing Parkinson’s exercise provision in the town. 

Every Bodies Gym is a two-storey training space with an outdoor training and social area. Sustainability and accessibility have been central to its design, with the gym’s ethos summed up by its tagline: “A gym for people who don’t like the gym.” 

Adam, now in his 10th year as a qualified personal trainer, is also a Level Three NHS Referral Practitioner, which allows him to support rehabilitation clients. A former competitive amateur powerlifter, he has personal experience of injury and lives with two-stage scoliosis following a back injury, bringing genuine empathy to his work. 

His experience includes supporting clients with conditions such as osteoporosis and Parkinson’s, with reported improvements in strength, mobility, confidence and self-esteem. 

The new Parkinson’s-specific sessions follow conversations Adam had with a client living with the condition, who introduced him to the Glossop Parkinson’s support group which meets at The Pico Lounge. After discussing the idea, a senior representative from Parkinson’s UK supported the proposal and arranged funding. The concept was also welcomed by the local Parkinson’s nurse. 

While there are other Parkinson’s exercise sessions available locally, these tend to focus on seated movement. Adam says the new classes will introduce strength training, which is supported by the NHS and particularly beneficial in the early stages of the condition. 

The sessions will focus on strengthening muscles around joints and improving confidence. Exercises will be adapted to each individual, with an emphasis on safety, including supported balance work and seated exercises where appropriate. 

Adam said: “There’s very little, exercise-wise, that people with Parkinson’s can’t do. I will use the same movement patterns as I would with anyone, but adapt them to suit each person. For example, I might prioritise seated exercises, such as leg extensions and curls on a cable machine, rather than standing lunges, so people don’t have to worry about balance if mobility is limited. The aim is to make everyone feel secure in the movement and able to get the most benefit from it.” 

Classes will be limited to five people per session, allowing Adam to tailor movements to each participant’s needs. He describes the sessions as closer to individual personal training within a group setting. 

Talking about his current client, Adam said: “At our last session, she was feeling stiff and struggling with movement. We discussed where she felt restricted, and I identified that her hip needed stretching and mobilisation first, before we could work on the rest of her body. It’s a very personalised approach, designed to get the best results for each individual - and that’s exactly how I’ll be running the group sessions.” 

As well as physical benefits, the classes aim to reduce isolation by providing a supportive environment where people can share experiences without fear of judgement. Adam notes that many people with Parkinson’s become anxious about falling and may avoid going out, and the sessions are designed to give people confidence to stay active and connected. 

People can attend individual sessions or block-book, with pricing kept as affordable as possible thanks to grant funding. Any profit from the programme will go towards sustaining the sessions in future years. Those wanting to participate can contact Adam directly to book, and a booking form will be available through Parkinson’s UK in the New Year. If demand grows, further weekly sessions will be added. 

Every Bodies Gym is run by Adam alongside his wife Ottilie, who manages the gym’s administration while also running a successful vintage clothing business, hosting regular pop-ups at The Pico Lounge. 

In addition to the Parkinson’s sessions, the gym already runs junior weightlifting classes for ages 8-12 and 13-15, and Adam now wants to introduce ASD-specific sessions. The gym has become known for its welcoming and inclusive approach, with many neurodivergent members. Adam himself has ADHD and fully understands the need for a calm space, designing the gym with muted colours and minimal mirrors to help reduce sensory overload. 

There will also be female-only weight-training sessions, aimed at girls who may feel intimidated in mixed gym environments. Contact the gym via their Facebook page for details about either class. 

Family memberships are available, and Adam’s long-term ambition is to develop the gym as a charitable organisation, helping children who cannot afford gym access. He is currently working in partnership with Gamesley Community Centre and is training as a circle facilitator for the mental-health charity Mentell, with plans to offer men’s drop-in exercise and discussion sessions in the future. 

Adam says his mission is to support members of the community who are often underserved by traditional gyms, including neurodivergent people, young people, those with mental-health challenges and people living with Parkinson’s. 

Adam encourages anyone interested in any of the sessions, to get in touch, come for a look around and experience the welcoming, supportive community for themselves. Whether you’re new to exercise, managing a condition, or just looking for a gym that feels different, this is a space where you will feel confident and supported.