Exercise is a critical part of a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patient’s treatment since it helps with flexibility, posture, and overall movement. Research from Parkinson’s Foundation’s Parkinson’s Outcomes Project has proven that 2.5 hours of exercise per week has a significant difference in the quality of life for those with PD. Regular physical activity is linked to improved mobility and less cognitive decline.
MedStar Georgetown Movement Disorders Clinic and The Bender JCC are proud to offer the following classes for Parkinson’s Disease patients:
REGISTER FOR ALL PARKINSON’S CLASSES
Class Cost: $99 || Class Duration: 7 weeks
Chair Strength
Tuesdays 1 – 2 PM
February 4 – March 31
April 7 – June 2
Support Group for Caregivers
Support Group is $60 per session. Limited financial assistance is available on an as-needed base.
Tuesdays 1 – 2 PM
February 4 – March 31
April 7 – June 2
Yoga
Monday 1 – 2 PM
November 18 – January 27
Monday 1 – 2
February 3 – March 30
April 6 – June 1
Thursday 1 – 2
February 6 – April 2
April 9 – June 11
Punch for Parkinson’s
Fridays 1:30 – 2:30 PM
February 7 – April 3
April 10 – June 5
Hybrid Fitness
Wednesdays 2 – 3 PM
February 5 – April 1
April 8 – June 3
**NEW PARTICIPANTS: Call 301-348-3710 for more information on how to get started.
Class Descriptions
Chair Based Strength: NPF Chair Based Strength is designed especially for Parkinson’s patients to help them improve and maintain their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) and to help improve their quality of life by working on balance, strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Don’t let the chair fool you, come enjoy this full-body workout.
Hybrid Fitness: Come join in for a mix of strength, yoga, Pilates and balance work geared to help you improve your movement quality and overall performance in everyday activities. The goal of this class is to improve flexibility while enhancing your state of mind.
Punch for Parkinson’s: This is a boxing and strength class designed to meet the changing needs of Parkinson’s patients. You will learn how to use defense tactics and martial arts moves as a way to strengthen your body and improve balance and coordination. Punch your way to fitness and fun!
Yoga: Participants engage in meditation, breathing exercises and stretches designed to stretch and strengthen muscles. Every class begins with a meditative exercise, followed by a head-to-toe warm up. We continue with seated and standing stretches and strengthening exercises. Class concludes with a seated meditation or breathing exercise.
Caregiver Support Group: Join us for a caregiver support group led by Tova Rubin. Share experiences and find support with other caregivers while your family member attends a fitness class.
Info for Current Participants
CURRENT PARTICIPANTS can register online by clicking on the registration buttons or in person by visiting the Bender JCC Membership Desk. For more information, contact Rachel Ossman by email at rossman@benderjccgw.org or 301-348-3710.
Info for New Participants
New participants are required to complete an intake interview that can be done over the phone. Once this has been completed and their neurologist has given clearance, their information will be sent to the program coordinator who will call them to register them for classes.
