Banyan & Nomad Toolbox

The Steps of Your LSVT BIG® Program

Are you living with Parkinson’s?

This program is here to help you move with more strength, confidence, and ease. With structured practice, you can retrain your body and brain to fight back against the smaller, slower movements Parkinson’s brings. Many people notice improvements in balance, walking, posture, and everyday tasks.

Do you have a loved one with Parkinson’s?

This program gives your friend or family member tools to stay independent for longer. It also helps you, as their supporter, to feel more confident knowing there’s a clear plan to follow. You can even help them with forms, exercises, or printouts, making this a shared journey of progress.

Step 1: Complete Your Online Evaluation

Before starting, you’ll receive a secure online form.
This is where you can share details about your health, current movement challenges, and daily goals. 🕒 The form should be completed at least 72 hours before the in-person evaluation.
This way, your therapist has time to review everything and prepare a program tailored to your needs.

Fill Out the Form

Step 2: Learn and Practice the Maximal Daily Exercises

These seven movements are the heart of LSVT BIG. They’re constant, repetitive, and high-effort—designed to help you move bigger and better every day.

If you are supporting a loved one, you can follow along with them, count repetitions, or simply encourage them to keep moving.

To the Exercises

Step 3: Functional Component Tasks

One essential practice in the program is the Sit-to-Stand task. It may sound simple, but it’s one of the most common daily movements, and one that often becomes harder with Parkinson’s.

Practicing Sit-to-Stand builds strength, balance, and confidence for everyday life. Caregivers can help by adjusting chair heights, offering a steady hand, or simply reminding when it’s time to practice.

To the Tasks

Step 4: Adaptive Daily Exercises

Everyone’s starting point is different. Some days feel stronger than others. That’s why the program includes four adaptive versions of the daily exercises.

Standard (hardest)
Adapted (using a chair for support)
Seated (done while sitting)
Supine (done lying on the bed – easiest for some).

    This flexibility makes it possible for both individuals and caregivers to choose the safest, most effective option day by day.

    To the Exercises

    Step 5: Use Your Printouts to Stay on Track

    To make practice easier, you’ll receive printouts and worksheets to guide you.

    Functional Component Task sheets – where you can check off the movements that feel most important.
    Hierarchy Task sheets – where you can select real-life activities (like cooking, gardening, or dressing) that you want to improve.
    These sheets can be filled out by you directly, or with the help of a spouse, friend, or family member. They can also be brought to sessions to share progress with your therapist.

    To the Exercises

    ✨ These five steps form the backbone of the LSVT BIG® program. Whether you are living with Parkinson’s yourself or supporting someone you love, the process is simple, structured, and designed to bring real improvements to daily life.