Taunton is serving up something special this summer. A brand-new walking tennis session is hitting the courts, designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s. This isn’t just another fitness class - it’s a lifeline wrapped in fun, friendship, and feather-light rallies. For the Parkinson’s community in Somerset, this is a game-changer, and the buzz around the Wilton Tennis Centre is already electric.
Walking tennis strips away the sprinting, the lunging, and the high-impact lunges. Instead, it’s all about controlled movement, sharp thinking, and that glorious thwack of ball on racket - all at a pace that keeps you in the game, not out of breath. The format was officially launched nationally by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) back in 2022, designed for older adults and those with mobility or long-term health conditions. Now, Taunton is stepping up to bring this format directly to people with Parkinson’s - a group that stands to benefit enormously from regular, moderate exercise.
Why Walking Tennis Works for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s UK’s latest exercise guidelines (updated 2024) recommend around 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week to help slow symptom progression. Walking tennis ticks every box. The side-to-side movement and racket control challenge balance and coordination without overwhelming the body. Tracking the ball, planning your shot, and reacting to your opponent keeps the brain firing on all cylinders. And let’s be honest - exercise is 10% sweat and 90% chat. The camaraderie on court is just as therapeutic as the movement.
📊 2.5 hours per week - Parkinson’s UK (2024 guidelines) states this level of moderate exercise can slow symptom progression, and walking tennis fits perfectly into that framework.
The low-impact, high-reward nature of the sport means no pounding joints or lung-busting sprints. Just steady, sustainable play that leaves you feeling energised, not drained. For those newly diagnosed or deep in their journey, this is a gentle return to the court - and a powerful reminder that Parkinson’s doesn’t get to dictate the pace.
| Activity | Impact on Joints | Cardio Demand | Cognitive Challenge | Social Element |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking Tennis | Low | Moderate | High (shot planning) | Very High |
| Traditional Tennis | High | Intense | High | Moderate |
| Source: LTA format comparisons |
What to Expect: Session Structure, Cost, and Accessibility
Here’s the inside scoop on how this Taunton session is shaping up. The venue already runs a "Walking Tennis for All" programme every Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM at the Wilton Tennis Centre, and the new Parkinson’s-specific cohort is expected to follow a similar structure. Sessions typically cost between £5 - £8 per session, depending on venue and coaching support. Rackets and balls are usually provided - just bring water, a smile, and your favourite trainers.
- Warm-up - Gentle mobility drills and racket skills (10 minutes)
- Drills - Partner exercises focusing on forehand, backhand, and controlled volleys (20 minutes)
- Mini-matches - Short, low-pressure games with adapted scoring (20 minutes)
- Cool-down - Stretching and social time (10 minutes)
This session is open to anyone with a Parkinson’s diagnosis, regardless of experience level. Complete beginners are more than welcome - the whole point is to meet you where you are. Carers and family members are often encouraged to join in too, making it a social occasion for the whole support network.
The Bigger Picture: Supporting the Parkinson’s Community in Somerset
Let’s zoom out for a second. This session isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a growing ecosystem of adaptive sport in the Taunton area. The Somerset Parkinson’s Support Group (affiliated with Parkinson’s UK) already runs Nordic Walking and Boccia programmes, with dates confirmed through March 2026. Their most recent newsletter (dated May 2026) hinted at exploring "adaptive racket sports" as a future possibility - and it looks like that vision is becoming a reality.
There’s also Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) , which works behind the scenes to connect local clubs with health organisations. They’re the bridge between "we should do something" and "here’s a session on the calendar."
