Exercise Classes

Joyce Indelicato, MEd, MS, Clinical Exercise Physiologist leads an exercise class specialized for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The overall goal of the class is to help you move with more ease and confidence so you can continue to do what you enjoy. Working at your own pace, you will learn a variety of safe, simple exercises that you can do at home between sessions. Caregivers are welcome.

Location: Ashland Senior Center, 162 West Union Street, Ashland, MA 01721
Contact: Joanne Duffy at the Ashland Senior Center: 508-881-0140 ext. 1

Pedaling a bicycle may change the life of someone with Parkinson’s disease. Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35% reduction in symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace – optimally, 80-90 revolutions per minute.

Fast pedaling is not a cure of Parkinson’s disease and should not be touted as such, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference for many who try it. We do know that fast-paced cycling is changing the lives of increasing numbers of participants who, before this, had no hope beyond medication and eventually surgery to slow the progression of their disease.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Days & Times: MON & FRI, 11AM
Location: Attleboro Downtown YMCA – Cycle Studio, 63 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Contact: Nicole Szeliga, nszeliga@attleboroymca.org or 508-222-7422

The Attleboro YMCA now offers a new, life-changing fitness and mobility program expressly designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. Led by a certified instructor, Delay the Disease is an evidence-based fitness program designed to empower those living with Parkinson’s by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms and helping to restore an improved quality of life. Exercise plans are adapted to all stages and levels of the disease.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Days & Times: TUE & THURS; 11:00 am; Stretch & Mobility, WED at 11am (both in-person and via Zoom)
Location: Attleboro Downtown YMCA, 63 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Contact: Nicole Szeliga, nszeliga@attleboroymca.org or 508-222-7422

The YMCA Cape Cod hosts a Pedaling for Parkinson’s program. The program is free for YMCA members, $100 for non-members. The class meets 3 times a week.

Location: YMCA Cape Cod, 2245 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668
Contact: Junior Jones, jjones@ymcacapecod.org or (508) 362-6500 x 1250

The exercise selection is designed to gradually improve overall fitness level. Each participant can go at their own pace and modifications will be offered for each exercise.

Days & Times: WED; 2:15 – 3:15 PM; Contact Wellness Works for current session details
Location: **Currently meeting Online** Bodyscapes Gym, Longwood Medical Area, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115
Contact: Michelle Guo, mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu

Did you know there are many exercises you can do seated to improve/maintain strength, range of motion/flexibility, breathing and voice? Join Anita Luck, functional movement specialist and experienced PD exercise instructor for exercising seated in the comfort of your home. A few standing exercises will be suggested in each class, but are not mandatory.

Days & Times: TUE, 1:30 PM
Location: **Currently meeting Online**
Contact: Michelle Guo, mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu

The YMCA of Greater Boston is excited to offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond. This program is available free of charge thanks to our generous donors and includes a 12-week membership for the duration of the program.

Days & Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm *Attending all 3 classes each week is recommended to receive the most benefit from the program.
Location: YMCA Boston 316 Huntington Ave Boston, MA 02115
Contact: Murphy Coville, mcoville@ymcaboston.org, 617-272-8215

The Oak Square YMCA is pleased to offer this one-hour stationary bicycle class for people with Parkinson’s. This class will offer low resistance/high cadence cycling, which has been shown to help reduce motor symptoms in PD. No experience is necessary, but participants should be able to get on and off of a stationary bike and try to attend at least two classes per week.

Click here to see a flyer.

Days & Times: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays; 11 AM – 12PM
Location: Oak Square YMCA, 615 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135
Contact: Murphy Coville, mcoville@ymcaboston.org or (857) 319-0247

Join personal trainer Sandra Costello for this functional strength program in Brockton, MA! This free program will focus on improving strength, stability, gait, and balance. This group will meet every week on Fridays. Open to all people with Parkinson’s and care partners. Registration is required.

This program is supported by a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter.

Click here to see a flyer.

Days & Times: Fridays; Noon
Location: Brockton Council on Aging, 10 Father Kenney Way, Brockton, MA 02301
Contact: Sandra, 508-580-7811

Branches of the Hockomock Area YMCA are pleased to present pedaling for Parkinson’s in combination with a new Move Forward program. Move Forward is a 30-minute class for individuals with Parkinson’s combining strength training, balance and stretching for. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility.

All exercises are modified to accommodate all needs and abilities. This program is an add-on to the “Pedaling for Parkinson’s” (PFP) program. PFP is an evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being and is offered at all Hockomock Area YMCA branches.

This program is supported by the APDA Massachusetts Chapter.

Click here to see the current schedule and to learn more.

Location: Hockomock Area YMCAs in Foxboro(67 Mechanic Street, Foxboro, MA 02035), North Attleboro (300 Elmwood Street, North Attleboro, MA 02760), and Franklin (45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038)
Contact: Donna Higgins, donnah@hockymca.org or 508-643-5271

Days & Times: the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from 3 pm – 4 pm
Location: Callahan Center 535 Union Ave Framingham, MA 01702
Contact: 508-532-5980

The Metrowest YMCA is offers multiple classes each week for people with Parkinson’s, including a general exercise class, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) class, and Pedaling for Parkinson’s. These programs are free to the community.

Days & Times:
General Exercise – Mondays, 11 – 11:45 am
Virtual Exercise Class via Zoom – Thursdays, 11:45am – 12:30pm
Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) – Wednesdays, 11 – 11:45am
Pedal for Parkinson’s – Fridays 11am -12pm & Sundays 12 -1pm
Location: Metrowest YMCA, 280 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701
Contact: Jesse Potter, jpotter@metrowestymca.org or 508-879-4420 ext. 232

The YMCA Greenfield is excited to bring Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ to the Greenfield area. This one-hour class is free and open to new participants after an initial intake appointment. This program is supported by the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Dates and Times: Mondays & Wednesdays; 10:30 AM
Location: YMCA Greenfield, 451 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301
Contact: Jayne at 413-773-3646 ext. 448

Leah Halloran Fitness now offers group exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s! Classes include boxing/shadow boxing, resistance training, and adaptive yoga.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Locations, Dates, & Times:
Holden, MA (Shooting Stars Performing Arts 512 Main Street): Mondays and Fridays, 10 am
Southampton, MA (First Congregational Church): Tuesdays & Thursdays – First Session at 10 am & Second Session (Wheelchairs/Walkers) at 11:15am
Virtual: Mondays & Fridays (Boxing & Exercises) at 12:15 pm; Wednesdays (Chair Yoga) at 11 am
Location: Holden, MA, Southampton, MA, and Virtual – contact Leah for more information
Contact: Leah Halloran, leahhalloran@leahhalloranfitness.com, 774-633-6860

This movement-based exercise class, led by a licensed Occupational Therapist, is open to people with Parkinson’s of all ability levels. Registration is required.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Dates and Times: Mondays, 11 AM
Location: The Neurodevelopmental Institute of New Hampshire, 171 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett, NH
Contact: Janine, 508-685-9131

Dates and Times: Tuesdays, 10:40 AM & Thursdays, 1:00 PM
Location: Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Contact: Mike Bleecker, 904-502-5055

Experience a dynamic group fitness class using large movement patterns completed at different speeds with stimulating exercises designed to enhance cognition and sensory-motor skills.

Free for members/$25 per month for community. Registration is required for this classes. Participation in this class might also requires medical clearance from their doctor and fitness testing from the YMCA health and wellness team.

Dates and Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: The Greater Lowell Family YMCA, 35 YMCA Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: Karri Greenhalge at kgreenhalge@lowellymca.org or 978-45-7825 x820.

Lift weights in our small group training class. We combine traditional strength training with cognitive, mobility and balance drills. Instructor permission is required to participate.

Free for members and members only. Registration is required for this classes. Participation in this class might also requires medical clearance from their doctor and fitness testing from the YMCA health and wellness team.

Dates and Times: Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: The Greater Lowell Family YMCA, 35 YMCA Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: Karri Greenhalge at kgreenhalge@lowellymca.org or 978-45-7825 x820.

Discover gentle, yet powerful practices to enhance mind-body awareness. Slow and controlled movements will target specific muscles, allowing participants to improve posture and release pain.

Free for members and community. Sponsored by the American Parkinson’s Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter.

Dates and Times: Third Monday of the month, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Location: The Greater Lowell Family YMCA, 35 YMCA Dr, Lowell, MA 01852
Contact: Karri Greenhalge at kgreenhalge@lowellymca.org or 978-45-7825 x820.

**This class is currently meeting in-person**

A variety of customized exercises designed to improve balance and stability, cognitive awareness and strength-training.

Dates and Times: Fridays, 10:10AM
Location: Lynnfield Council on Aging, 525 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940 – call weekly to confirm with COA –781-598-1078
Contact: parkinsons.fitness2021@gmail.com

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Lynnfield Council on Aging, 525 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940 – call weekly to confirm with COA –781-598-1078
Contact: Dr. Katie Wadland, PT, DPT, GCS, AIB-VRC

Instructor Kim Crowley leads a combination of seated and standing stretching and strengthening exercises using weights and balls and bands. Participants challenge themselves through resistance training, obstacles and footwork set to a variety of music. Memory and movement exercises, and facial/vocal exercises round out this class.

Dates and Times: Mondays, 10AM & Wednesdays, 11AM
Location: Marblehead Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA – call weekly to confirm with COA –781-631-6737
Contact: Kim Crowley, strongerwithkim@gmail.com

This is a station based class for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It is modifiable depending on what stage and condition each member is in. The class focuses on balance, strength and coordination and ends with a stretching routine.

Dates & Times: Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Location: Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA, 40 Leggs Hill Road, Marblehead, MA 01945 – Studio 2
Contact: Jeff Hunt, huntj@northshoreymca.org, or 781-990-7023

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy offers a Physical Therapist-led weekly class designed for People With Parkinson’s Disease called POWER over Parkinson’s. By combining PWR! Moves, with Functional Strength, Core Stability, Balance and Breathwork, participants get a well-rounded hour of exercise and education each week. Exercises are performed sitting, standing, walking and do involve getting on and off of the floor. Though modifications will always be provided, participants should be able to safely participate in these activities without direct supervision, but are welcome to attend if they do need assistance, if they can bring a care partner along with them.

Click here to learn more on the Healthy Aging PT website.

Dates and Times: 2nd & 4th Mondays; 2 – 3 PM
Location: Milano Senior Center, 201 West Foster Street, Melrose 02176
Contact: Katie, Katie@HealthyAgingPT.com, or 617-851-5315

The Charles River YMCA is excited to offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond. This program is available free of charge thanks to our generous donors, and includes a 12-week membership for the duration of the program.

Dates and Times: Sep 30 – Dec 20. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. *Attending all three classes each week is recommended to receive the most benefit from the program.
Location: Charles River YMCA, 863 Great Plain Ave Needham, MA 02492
Contact: Contact: Murphy Coville, mcoville@ymcaboston.org or (857) 319-0247

The Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center in Newton is now offering several types of exercise classes for people with PD, including NIA (Neuromuscular Integrated Action), Parkinson’s Total Body Conditioning, and Parkinson’s Seated Strength.

Classes are currently being offered by Zoom and in-person.  Visit the JCC’s website here to learn more.

The Hampshire Regional YMCA offers a number of programs for people with Parkinson’s, including a cycling program, a small-group exercise wellness program, and a new High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) program.

Programs are free for Y members, or $30 per month for non-members.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Dates & Times:
Parkinson’s Cycle – Mondays, 2:30 – 3:15 PM
Parkinson’s Exercise Program – Thursdays, 1:15 – 2:15 PM
Parkinson’s HIIT – Wednesdays & Fridays, 11:45 AM – 12:40 PM
Location: Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Contact: Natalie Baker, 413-584-7086 ext. 140 or natalie.baker@hrymca.org

Based on research to date, large amplitude whole body movements, agility work for coordination and balance, spinal flexibility, cardio-vascular training, high effort/ rate progressive strengthening and dual task training all appear to be important activities for people living with Parkinson’s disease. This exercise program developed and run by 3 physical therapists from Spaulding Cape Cod addresses all of these areas in a fitness center setting.

For more information on HIT-PD, click here for a flyer.

Location: Nauset Fit Co, 21 Old Colony Way, Orleans, MA 02653
Dates: Contact Spaulding Cape Cod Orleans for current dates and times.
Contact: Spaulding Cape Cod Orleans, 508-240-7203

This one-hour exercise class for people with Parkinson’s Disease is held once a week. The exercises target those areas most affected by Parkinson’s disease, including posture, balance, and coordination, as well as strength and range of motion. Starting with deep breathing and muscles of facial expression and ending with ankle strength and flexibility, the exercises provide a full body workout. Many of the exercises are performed while sitting. Most of the standing exercises are done using the back of a chair for support. Modifications to the exercises are made for those who have difficulty standing.

This class is open to anyone with Parkinson’s disease. If a person requires assistance, we warmly welcome his or her family member or caregiver into the group. A small fee is charged. A script from a physician for Parkinson’s exercises is required.

Dates & Times: Mondays & Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: Berkshire Medical Center, Center for Rehabilitation Outpatient Department, Medical Arts Complex, 5th Floor, 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Contact: 413-447-3075

Join Janet Enos for this fun exercise program designed for people with Parkinson’s.

There is a fee of $10 per class to join this program. 

Dates & Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 – 2 PM
Location: Salvation Army Plymouth, 52 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA
Contact: Janet Enos, 508-728-2088

110 Fitness offers a number of exercise and wellness programs for people with Parkinson’s! Join 110 for Rock Steady Boxing, yoga, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and more.

Learn more about offerings at 110 Fitness on their website, here.

Dates & Times: Contact 110 Fitness for current schedule
Location: 110 Fitness, 200B Weymouth Street, Rockland MA 02370
Contact: Brett Miller, 781-616-3313 or bmiller@110fitness.org

Instructor Kim Crowley leads a combination of seated and standing stretching and strengthening exercises using weights and balls and bands. Participants challenge themselves through resistance training, obstacles and footwork set to a variety of music. Memory and movement exercises, and facial/vocal exercises round out this class.

Date and Time: Thursdays – 1:00 PM
Location: Salem Council on Aging, 401 Bridge Street, Salem – call weekly to confirm with COA – 978-744-0180
Contact: Kim Crowley, strongerwithkim@gmail.com

Healthy Aging Physical Therapy offers a Physical Therapist-led weekly class designed for People With Parkinson’s Disease called POWER over Parkinson’s. By combining PWR! Moves, with Functional Strength, Core Stability, Balance and Breathwork, participants get a well-rounded hour of exercise and education each week. Exercises are performed sitting, standing, walking and do involve getting on and off of the floor. Though modifications will always be provided, participants should be able to safely participate in these activities without direct supervision, but are welcome to attend if they do need assistance, if they can bring a care partner along with them.

Click here to learn more on the Healthy Aging PT website.

Dates and Times: Wednesdays, 11 AM – 12 PM
Location: McCarthy Senior Center, 30 Converse Street, Wakefield, MA 01880
Contact: Katie, Katie@HealthyAgingPT.com, or 617-851-5315

This class included exercises designed to help people with Parkinson’s stay active and help with their condition through cycling and chair exercises. The instructor is Pam Smith-Paquette. Classes are free with a membership, non-members can purchase a day-pass.

Dates & Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 12:00 – 1:15 PM
Location: Gleason Family YMCA, 33 Charge Pond Road, Wareham, MA 02571
Contact: 508-295-9622

CyclePD is an exercise class for people with Parkinson’s disease, that are community dwelling (not in a facility) and independent with walking (may use a device). The aim of the CyclePD group exercise class is to provide a safe, guided, high-intensity stationary cycling exercise class for people with PD. Contact Michelle Urbanski for more information.

Dates & Time: Every Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Contact: Michelle Urbanski, 413-568-8631 or murbanski@westfieldymca.org

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Fight PD is an exercise class specifically for people with PD which incorporates stretching, agility training, cardio, strength, and boxing. Participants must live in the community (not a facility), and be able to walk independently, with or without a device for assistance. Contact Michelle Urbanski for more information.

Click here to see a flyer with more information.

Dates & Time: Mondays & Fridays, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: YMCA of Greater Westfield, 67 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Contact: Michelle Urbanski, 413-568-8631 or murbanski@westfieldymca.org

The Scantic Valley YMCA is excited to offer this new program for people with PD in the Springfield area. The class will feature high intensity intervals, and exercises like boxing and cycling. The program is designed to help with numerous aspects of fitness, including strength, cardio, agility, and balance. Join today for this fun HIIT program!

Participants must be able to get up and down from the floor. A screening/intake is required prior to the program, and a medical clearance from a physician will be required.

Click here to see a flyer with more information. This program will be free to members, and $30 per month for non-members.

This program is supported by a grant from the American Parkinson Disease Association Massachusetts Chapter.

Dates & Times: Wednesdays & Fridays, 11:00 – 11:45 AM
Location: Scantic Valley YMCA, 45 Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA
Contact: Martha Cobb, 413-596-2749, x 3107 or mcobb@springfieldy.org

The North Suburban YMCA is excited to offer Pedaling for Parkinson’s (PFP) and support those living with PD in our communities and beyond. This program is available free of charge thanks to our generous donors, and includes a 12-week membership for the duration of the program.

Dates & Times: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM *Attending all three classes each week is recommended to receive the most benefit from the program
Location: North Suburban YMCA, 137 Lexington St Woburn, MA 01801
Contact: Murphy Coville, mcoville@ymcaboston.org or (857) 319-0247