Exercise Classes

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.

Please register on the website Parkinsonsfitness.org for our weekly newsletter with all class times and Zoom links (and in-person locations when they are available again).

Dates & Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays, contact Kim Crowley for more information
Contact: Kim Crowley, strongerwithkim@gmail.com

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.

Days & Times: MON & FRI, 11AM
Location: Attleboro Downtown YMCA – Augat Gym, 63 North Main Street, Attleboro, MA 02703
Contact: Lisa Vecchioli, lvecchioli@attleboroymca.org

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.

The class meets twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants may choose to continue the program beyond the initial 12 weeks.

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: Lisa Vecchioli, lvecchioli@attleboroymca.org

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: Elliot Sicard, esicard@ymcacapecod.org or (508) 362-6500

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: Mikayla Hyman; mhyman@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: Mikayla Hyman; mhyman@bidmc.harvard.edu

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, please contact Heather Merrill, MSPT, Dorian Robinson, PT at 508-240-7203, or Dawn Lucier, PT at 508-833-4165.

Location: Body Strong Fitness, 11 Chicks Way, South Chatham, MA 02659
Dates: Click here for 2018 dates

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

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

**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, 1PM
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

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.

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, 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

The Gleason Family YMCA offers a Parkinson Recovery exercise program with Instructor John on Mondays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. The class is free for branch members, and costs $8 per session for nonmembers.

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