Parkinson Exercise Classes
People with Parkinson Disease who enjoy group exercise, may believe that they are no longer able to participate in conventional exercise classes. Parkinson Exercise classes offer a customized exercise approach for the client. Classes incorporate evidence-based techniques that improve all-over mobility.
How to Join a Class:
Call or email the contact person listed for the site you are interested in joining. Assessments are available on site by program therapists every 6 months. You may participate in both physical therapy sessions and exercise classes. Classes are one hour, twice a week.
Additional Information on the Class:
Clients benefit when they are able to attend classes on a regular basis. On the off days, clients are encouraged to do a fun activity that includes movement (golf, bowling, dancing, yoga, walking, or even gardening). The classes are designed to enhance movement and discourage clients from getting into the “couch potato” position.
People living with Parkinsons need to rely on their inner strength to challenge themselves and live a life with freedom of movement. Do not let the disease or medication control you. Please inform all health care professionals about your participation before you start any exercise program.
The goals of the exercise program are:
Hiring a therapist and a trainer:
If there are no classes within 20-30 miles of where you live, we encourage you to find a site and a therapist and help to start a program. You may want to hire a trainer to help you achieve your goals. You will need to come back for physical therapy rechecks every 6-12 months. Please consider seeing one of the therapists listed for a useful evaluation of function and to observe their program.
How to Start a Class at an Exercise Facility:
There are two major components: 8-10 treadmills and a physical therapist, who is willing to run the program and support clients. The classes often take place in the afternoons because that is when the site will reserve the needed treadmills. Physical therapists interested in starting a program need to find a potential site and then email Danille Parker at exercisepd@gmail.com to discuss their circumstances and arrange a site visit by Dr. Parker.
How to Volunteer at an Exercise Class:
The classes love to have volunteers with the ability to guard clients on the treadmill. Volunteers must have no lifting restrictions. We have found that PTs, PTAs and pre-physical therapy students and assistants are helpful. All volunteers must be approved by the site where they are working. Most sites require 3 months of commitment and a criminal background check. All volunteers should read this website and other related ones. Volunteers should ask questions and build a working relationship with the clients. All client information is to be kept confidential outside of the class. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the instructor listed at the site where you are interested in volunteering.
- Treadmill walking forward and backward
- 30-minute floor routine of exercises promoting back, hip, and shoulder extensor strength
- Range of motion activities focusing on stretching the hip flexors and trunk
- Speech enhancement
- Clients with ataxia, including Parkinson’s related disorders of progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration are benefiting from these classes.
How to Join a Class:
Call or email the contact person listed for the site you are interested in joining. Assessments are available on site by program therapists every 6 months. You may participate in both physical therapy sessions and exercise classes. Classes are one hour, twice a week.
Additional Information on the Class:
Clients benefit when they are able to attend classes on a regular basis. On the off days, clients are encouraged to do a fun activity that includes movement (golf, bowling, dancing, yoga, walking, or even gardening). The classes are designed to enhance movement and discourage clients from getting into the “couch potato” position.
People living with Parkinsons need to rely on their inner strength to challenge themselves and live a life with freedom of movement. Do not let the disease or medication control you. Please inform all health care professionals about your participation before you start any exercise program.
The goals of the exercise program are:
- Improve upright balance
- Avoid falls
- Increase walking speed and endurance
- Increase quality of vocalization
- Meet friends with the same disease and share experiences
- Have fun!
Hiring a therapist and a trainer:
If there are no classes within 20-30 miles of where you live, we encourage you to find a site and a therapist and help to start a program. You may want to hire a trainer to help you achieve your goals. You will need to come back for physical therapy rechecks every 6-12 months. Please consider seeing one of the therapists listed for a useful evaluation of function and to observe their program.
How to Start a Class at an Exercise Facility:
There are two major components: 8-10 treadmills and a physical therapist, who is willing to run the program and support clients. The classes often take place in the afternoons because that is when the site will reserve the needed treadmills. Physical therapists interested in starting a program need to find a potential site and then email Danille Parker at exercisepd@gmail.com to discuss their circumstances and arrange a site visit by Dr. Parker.
How to Volunteer at an Exercise Class:
The classes love to have volunteers with the ability to guard clients on the treadmill. Volunteers must have no lifting restrictions. We have found that PTs, PTAs and pre-physical therapy students and assistants are helpful. All volunteers must be approved by the site where they are working. Most sites require 3 months of commitment and a criminal background check. All volunteers should read this website and other related ones. Volunteers should ask questions and build a working relationship with the clients. All client information is to be kept confidential outside of the class. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the instructor listed at the site where you are interested in volunteering.
