Parkinson's Disease Wellness Programs are specifically designed to help individuals with Parkinson’s disease, MS, or any other neuromuscular conditions to maintain and improve their quality of life. All exercises can be modified to accommodate each individual’s needs and abilities. These programs are supported by a community grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Parkinson's Exercise
A class open to anyone with a neuromuscular or cerebrovascular condition such as Parkinson’s or Multiple Sclerosis. Each class will include a variety of exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility. Exercises are modified to accommodate everyone’s needs and abilities.
Day: Mondays
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
PWR!Moves
PWR!Moves is the core of our PD-specific functional exercise and physical therapy programs. The Basic 4 PWR!Moves are designed to each target a skill known to deteriorate in people with Parkinson's disease, which often leads to loss of mobility and function. The PWR!Moves can be practiced in multiple positions, made progressively more physically and cognitively challenging, and be used differently to target each person’s unique symptoms individually.
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Pedal for Parkinson's
The MetroWest YMCA offers this program because regular exercise is one of the key components in treating the many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Research conducted at the Cleveland Clinic showed a 35 percent 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 for Parkinson’s disease, but there is compelling evidence to show that it does make a real difference in many who try it.
Requirements to participate:
- Must be over age 30 and diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease or another neurological condition
- Physician approval is required, and we will have you sign a waiver
- A heart rate monitor and proper cycling equipment, including padded shorts, water, and sneakers or clip-in shoes, recommended
- Participants must not have cardiac or pulmonary disease, uncontrolled mellitus, uncontrolled hypertension or stroke, dementia, or other medical conditions for which exercise poses a risk
Days: Tuesdays/Fridays/Sundays
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Parkinson's Movement to Music Class
Participants move to music through rhythm and dance sequences, which help improve agility and mobility. All different types of music will be used and chairs are available.
Day: Thursdays
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Parkinson's Social Hour
Join us in Studio C for light refreshments and the chance to connect with other members and Y staff.
Day: Every second Friday of the month
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
PETE DONAHUE PARKINSON'S SCHOLARSHIP
The Pete Donahue Scholarship was established through the very generous gifts made by the family and friends of the late Pete Donahue. Pete was a long-time member and friend of the MetroWest YMCA who courageously fought Parkinson’s disease until his death in 2013. Regular exercise and his friendships with other Y members were very important to Pete. His family would like to help other individuals with Parkinson’s Disease access the programs and services that the MetroWest YMCA provides.
Through the Pete Donahue Scholarship, the MetroWest YMCA provides financial assistance to individuals with medically diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease. Individuals have the opportunity to exercise under the supervision of our Wellness staff up to two times per week. The program also includes membership benefits which provide access to our drop-in and specialty group exercise programs and aquatics programs.
To enroll in the MetroWest YMCA Pete Donahue Parkinson’s Scholarship program, please contact Lauren Hanley at Ext 239 or laurenhanley@metrowestymca.org