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Exercise for Movement Disorders

Current Class Offerings

Research has shown that exercise has helped to reduce the symptom severity and progress in those with Parkinson’s disease. The MAPC exercise classes are based on methods designed to improve the quality of life of those with Parkinson’s and meet the various levels of ability for those participating to ensure safety. 

All new class participants must have an assessment prior to starting any new exercise class. Registration is required for all classes. Scroll down the page to see our list of available classes and meetings times and locations.

Art of Moving

The exercises performed in this class are designed to help one anticipate, prevent, and delay symptoms. They are targeted toward symptoms that occur in most everyone with Parkinson’s disease, such as tremor, rigidity, uncertain balance, slowness, and incomplete range of movement

PWR!Moves

Participants will learn how to use high-effort muscle activation for bigger movements, better posture, better balance, and for improvements with everyday functions like walking, turning, rising from a chair or floor, and speaking.

PWR!Circuit

This class integrates skills learned in PWR!Moves™ into a more advanced gym workout. Participants are prepared for each station with a short warmup and then practice the station exercises more independently under the guidance of an instructor. Station activities include cardiovascular, strength, agility, coordination, balance, and flexibility exercises.

Mat Yoga

Yoga encompasses physical movement, breath development, and mental focus or mindfulness. This class includes breathing exercises, mindful awareness activities, and physical movement. Mat yoga is a more advanced yoga practice incorporating standing poses, balance and strengthening work. Participants are able to get up and down from the floor independently and follow verbal instructions independently.  

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a series of individual dance-like movements linked together in a continuous, smooth-flowing sequence. This mind and body workout is intended to stretch, tone, and relax the whole body instead of isolating parts. For people with movement disorders, Tai Chi can reduce stress and increase energy, as well as improve circulation, muscle tone, concentration and focus, and balance.

Contact Information

For additional information on these programs or to find out how to sign up, contact Patty Hatton at (602) 406-3840 or email Patrice.Hatton@DignityHealth.org

Location Details

Location
Date & Time

PWR!Moves 1
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
240 W. Thomas Rd, Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85013

PWR!Moves 1 is high intensity and fast paced, with exercises done from a standing and walking position.

Monday 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30 PM
Thursday 9:00 – 10:00 AM

PWR!Moves 1& 2
Fountain Hills Community Center
13001 N. La Montana Dr. Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Friday 9:00 – 10:00 AM (Level 1)
Friday 10:00 – 11:00 AM (Level 2)

Art of Moving
Virtual via Zoom

Tuesday 10:00 – 11:00 AM

PWR!Circuit
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
240 W. Thomas Rd, Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85013

Participants must be able to walk 150 feet on their own, with or without a cane or walker, and be able to get up and down from the floor on their own, with or without the use of a chair. Participants must also be able to get on and off equipment independently and follow group instructions independently.

Wednesday 9:00 – 10:00 AM

Mat Yoga
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
240 W. Thomas Rd, Suite 302 Phoenix, AZ 85013

Participants should be able to get up and down from the floor independently and follow verbal instructions independently.

Tuesday 10:00 – 11:00 AM

PWR!Moves 2
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
240 W. Thomas Rd, Suite 302 Phoenix, AZ 85013

Wednesday 2:00 – 3:00 PM

PWR!Moves 3
Virtual via Zoom
Exercises in this class are performed from a seated position.

Thursday 2:00 – 3:00 PM

Tai Chi
Virtual via Zoom

Wednesday 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 AM