About Us
Keith and Linda Hall – Co-founders
Our Story
At age 55, Keith walked down a neurologist’s hallway, touched each of his fingers to his thumbs in quick succession, held his arms outstretched at shoulder height as the doctor watched for tremor, and resisted the force of the doctor’s hand pressing on his leg as he tested Keith’s strength level.
In less than a half hour, Keith – the experienced Navy flight instructor, military reconnaissance and commercial airlines pilot, staunch fitness enthusiast and personal trainer, wage-earner husband and father of a then young baseball-playing son – struggled to comprehend what the doctor meant when he told him, “You have Parkinson’s.”
Following the initial diagnosis, as a husband-wife team knowing that their lives were forever changed, Keith and Linda Hall faced questions about future physical and emotional challenges. They joined the hundreds of thousands of other “PWPs” (people with Parkinson’s) who have:
learned to seek out physicians who will best listen and guide,
joined clinical trials,
researched the latest information,
considered the benefits of a support group,
participated in Parkinson’s assessment programs.
As a former pilot, Keith was always an exercise enthusiast, whether at the gym, instructing young baseball players, or perfecting workouts at home. His determination to not allow his Parkinson’s diagnosis to define who he was and what he chose to do has been a beacon for everyone who knew him. His fitness training experience and knowledge reinforced all aspects of the Parkinson’s Fitness concept. Keith’s personal guidelines for setting goals is found on our Resources page – Click here
Linda is trained in seniors’ group exercise, as well as yoga and Dance for PD. She tirelessly oversees the administrative functions of the organization and participated in clinical trials and specialized Parkinson’s physical therapy, exercise, and cognitive programs alongside Keith. Her ever-present smile, compassion and welcoming personality make her a special favorite with class members whenever she assists in program locations when needed.
Whether scheduling educational seminars for the local Parkinson’s community, interacting as class members, assisting as instructors, sharing their experiences as clinical trial participants, or creating innovative programming, Linda and Keith turned what began as a vision for an underrepresented Parkinson’s population on the Massachusetts North Shore area into an expanding reality.
Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive opponent that throws down an intimidating gauntlet. Keith and Linda have inspired others to create goals that provide a rewarding quality of life. Click here to meet our wonderful team of Parkinson’s Fitness instructors who help participants reach those goals!
