A FREE 8-WEEK EXERCISE BOOT CAMP FOR THE EARLY ONSET PARKINSON’S COMMUNITY
A free, high-intensity 8-week exercise programme specifically designed for people living with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
Push Your Limits. Find Your Strength. Do It Together.
Starting Monday 12 October 2026, this exercise boot camp brings together lived experience, specialist exercise knowledge and a belief in the power of movement. The programme has been developed by Phil O’Dwyer, an EOPD Ireland member and passionate exercise advocate, and Mark O’Dwyer, a qualified Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Specialist.
Programme Details
Dates: Monday 12 October – Friday 4 December 2026
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: MOD Physical Culture Gym, Blackthorn Close, Sandyford, Dublin
Group size: 8–10 participants
Cost: Free for eligible participants
Who: People living with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease
More than an Exercise Class. A program built from lived experience.
Since his diagnosis with EOPD, Phil has been a passionate advocate for the importance of exercise in living well with Parkinson’s. He has shared his experience at events including RCSI’s My Moving Brain, highlighting the important role exercise can play for people with EOPD.
Phil continues to demonstrate his commitment to staying active and challenging what is possible, including through achievements such as climbing in the Himalayas. He is passionate about inspiring others in the EOPD community to stay active, challenge themselves and discover what they are capable of.
Phil and Mark have trained together for years, with Mark seeing first-hand the difference exercise can make. This programme brings together Phil’s lived experience of EOPD and years of training alongside Mark’s professional expertise in health, exercise and performance.
Together, they have developed an approach specifically designed to meet the needs of people living with EOPD.
People with EOPD need exercise that challenges them — but exercise that also understands Parkinson’s.
With a small group of just 8–10 participants, the programme allows for a more personalised approach, with individual attention, appropriate adaptations and guidance throughout each session. Participants will also benefit from the motivation, energy and camaraderie that comes from exercising alongside others with EOPD.
Why Exercise?
Exercise is an important part of living well with Parkinson’s. Research has demonstrated benefits across areas including strength, mobility, balance, gait, cardiovascular fitness, cognition, mood and quality of life.
There is also growing research into the potential neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of appropriately prescribed exercise in Parkinson’s.
At EOPD Ireland, we believe that access to high-quality, appropriately challenging exercise should be an important part of living well with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
Small class sizes for one to one attention.
Participants will be encouraged to work hard, build strength, improve fitness and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
The programme will combine progressive, high-intensity exercise with an understanding of the ways Parkinson’s can affect movement and physical performance.
And participants will do it alongside people who understand what it is like to live with EOPD.
We want participants to finish these eight weeks not only feeling stronger and fitter, but also more confident in their own physical ability.
Because Parkinson’s does not get to decide what you are capable of.
Spaces are limited.
If you are living with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease and would like to take part, register your interest today by emailing info@eopd.ie