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.

Chair Yoga

This is a chair yoga class that is designed for students of all levels who may feel more comfortable seated in a chair than on the floor. We will be using gentle yoga therapy techniques to move and strengthen the muscles and joints and increase mobility and strength in the core. This class can help decrease anxiety, and stress using breathwork to help promote a mind body connection.

Gym Rhythms

This high intensity course is designed to improve a variety of skills (such as balance, agility, reflexes, reaction time, coordination, speed, endurance, and more) through very specific routines. The different drills practiced in class will also benefit cognition while challenging neural pathways. Many of these exercises are inspired by boxing training and conditioning with rhythmic undertones. This class will be offered Tuesday’s from 9-10 AM at the MAPC.

Mat Yoga

This is a mat yoga class that is designed for all experience levels. We will use yoga therapy techniques to work with chronic pain, range of motion, increasing flexibility and strengthening the muscles to support stability and functional movement. We will also be using breath work to help decrease anxiety, stress, and tension as well as promote a mind body connection. Participants must be able to get up and down from the floor independently.

Mindfulness & Meditation

This virtual class is designed to introduce individuals with any experience level to the practice of mindfulness and meditation. These practices can help to decrease anxiety, depression, and stress. Clients can also experience improved sleep, emotional regulation, memory and much more! The tools you will learn in class you can take with you into your daily life. There will be discussion as well as a practice in each class.

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.

Stretching

Stretching helps you fight the muscle rigidity that comes with PD. It also helps your muscles and joints stay flexible. People who are more flexible tend to have an easier time with everyday movements. This class will tone your muscles, increase your range of motion and flexibility, and help you to relieve stress. Stretching will include mat floor work. Participants must be able to get on/off the floor without assistance.

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 Darolyn O’Donnell at (602) 406-6903 or email Darolyn.O’Donnell@DignityHealth.org.