Parkinson's Disease Programs

The Y offers several Community Health Programs to support individuals with Parkinson's Disease and their care partners. These programs aim to provide a supportive community and instill hope by optimizing function and restoring independence. Individuals can enroll in one or multiple of these Community Health Programs simultaneously.

Programs Include:

 

"The exercise and interaction with others dealing with Parkinson's is so important to me. I have never been someone that enjoyed exercise, but it is a must for those of us with Parkinson's. Parkinson's can cause so many problems that many people do not realize until it is too late, such as multi-tasking, balance issues and inability to communicate. The classes are designed to address these and many more. PLEASE join us as it is the best thing you can do to help yourself."

- Scott P., Total Parkinson's Participant

 

"The [Parkinson's] exercise programs have given me better balance, muscle strength and confidence. Being in a group of people who share the PD diagnosis has us moving, sweating and laughing as we fight back to maintain our wellness."

- Patricia M., Total Parkinson's Participant

 

Related Programs:
Enhance®Fitness | Heathy Steps for Older Adults

The two related programs listed above are certified Fall Prevention Programs, which can often be beneficial for those with Parkinson's Disease.

 

 

Total Parkinson’s

This evidence-based exercise program is designed by leading Parkinson's fitness specialists to retrain the mind and body. The program targets daily functional challenges and symptom-specific fitness agendas. Exercise plans are adapted to meet all levels of the disease, valuable to newly diagnosed and progressed states alike. Learn How to Enroll

Total Parkinson's

What to Expect 

  • Each class is 50 - 60 minutes long
  • Symptom-specific exercises, targeting altered balance, Bradykinesia (slowing of all movements), depression, diminished voice volume, freezing, masked facial expressions, stiffness, stooped posture, walking/gait
  • Practice fun brain teasers while exercising
  • Camaraderie and support from instructors and classmates

Class Variations

  • Mixed-Ability and Chair Level: This class offers a dynamic workout for all fitness levels, including those with Parkinson’s Disease. Exercises focus on balance, movement, vocal strength, heart health, posture, and cognitive function. Instructors provide a challenging yet achievable workout with modifications and seated options.
  • Cycling: This intermediate-level class includes stationary bike pedaling with increasing cadences between 80 and 90+ RPMs to increase heart rate.
    Cycling exercise can help to increase walking speed, which can improve the quality and balance of your gait.
  • Boot Camp Level: This class is a continuous circuit of rigorous strength and cardio exercises. Physical skills assessment required prior to participating; Physician clearance may be required.

Current Offerings

  • Bardmoor YMCA:
    • Cycling - Ongoing - Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
  • Jim & Heather Gills YMCA:
    • Boot Camp Level - Ongoing - Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30AM
    • Cycling Class - Ongoing - Fridays, 10:00 - 11:00AM
  • Speer YMCA:
    • Cycling Class - Ongoing - Tuesdays, Noon - 1:00PM
  • YMCA at Lealman Exchange:
    • Mixed-Ability and Chair Level - Ongoing - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:00AM

Contact us to Learn How to Enroll.

 

 

Mindful Movement

This therapeutic, adaptive yoga program includes individualized instruction that encourages awareness of movement, choice in action, and the reduction of anxiety for those living with Parkinson's Disease. Instructors teach movements and actions "grounded in real life," with the goal that participants can reenact these sequences outside of class to improve daily life skills. Learn How to Enroll

Mindful Movement

What to Expect

  • Each class is 60 minutes long
  • Bring a yoga mat
  • Chair modifications will be provided
  • Physician referral not required
  • Increased mobility and flexibility, posture and balance
  • Camaraderie and support from instructors and classmates

Current Offerings

 

 

Parkinson Care Partner Support Group 

In this group, care partners have the opportunity to meet in this supportive environment while their PWP is attending select fitness classes facilitated by the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburgin collaboration with Neuro Challenge. Held during the Thursday classes at YMCA at Lealman Exchange (listed above). For more information about this support group, please visit www.neurochallenge.org.

Current Offerings

 

 

Parkinson's One-on-One Personal Training

Personal training packages are available for our participants with Parkinson's Disease. Individual training with our nationally-certified personal trainers can offer an even more customized approach that can help you reach your fullest potential. Please contact us using the form below for details.

 

 

How To Enroll

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will reach out to you about enrolling in the program.

Alternatively, you can call the Enrollment Line at 727.235.6472.

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