Linda and Dianna have really enjoyed welcoming a wonderful group of committed people into their class at the Rose Baker Sr. Center in Gloucester each Thursday afternoon!

One of the special joys of offering the program is having people who initially came out of a sense of curiosity now return weekly, as they build confidence in their abilities and work in community with one another.

Wouldn’t it be fun if one day in the future ALL the classes could gather for a one-time combined “meet-and-greet” class in one of the centers. Hmmmm…maybe we’ll think about that after the new Danvers group becomes more familiar with the program!

April 26, 2014

Keith, Linda and Marilyn met with a small but interested group of women at the Salem Senior Center last week. Three of the women were already familiar with one another, as they participate in some of the other excellent programs Salem offers its seniors…tai chi, yoga, strength maintenance, etc.

In the time available, Linda gave a great, albeit shortened, overview of the types of targeted exercises we offer. Keith explained the concepts behind keeping as active and goal-oriented as possible when faced with a neurological opponent as challenging as Parkinson’s. To demonstrate one of the points he was making, out came the unexpected boxing gloves and portable upright punching target.  With a little coaxing from Keith, each person was soon following his instructions about weight shifting and making jabs! Comments such as, “Oooh, I missed that time!” turned into determined cross-cuts and big smiles all around as they made contact with their targets!

Thank you, Salem! We hope to be with you on a regular basis in the near future!

April 21, 2014

Early last Thursday afternoon, Keith, Linda and Marilyn were joined by friend Dianna Daly and 20 interested people at the Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester, MA for a demonstration of our exercise program.

Center coordinator Lucy Sheehan graciously welcomed us, and a number of the people who came were pleased to learn that Dianna Daly is associated with our mission, as she is already a respected yoga instructor at the center.

After introducing ourselves, we presented an overview of what Parkinson’s Fitness offers as a means of empowering individuals living with Parkinson’s to maintain their healthiest, safest, and most fulfilling physical and emotional quality of life. Then, curious about the actual exercises, everyone joined in both seated and standing routines, as well as trying strength and agility movements.

After positive comments were made by many in the group to Lucy Sheehan and to us as the program ended, scheduling for a weekly program in Gloucester is being worked on. We’re excited to weave Dianna’s familiar presence and expertise into a leadership role for the classes.

We’ll keep you “posted” as plans progress!

April 5, 2014

We visited the Peabody Parkinson’s support group this week, courtesy of facilitator Rebecca Stewart, and had a great time demonstrating parts of our exercise program.

Now, we all realize that most audiences politely listen to new speakers, and the Peabody members were no exception. Their polite attention turned into enthusiastic participation as Linda led general warm-up stretching and then moved into more focused movements involving the entire upper torso and legs.

Our demonstration space was limited, so many of the exercises were done seated in chairs. But when Keith took over, we were up on our feet for boxing and trying the agility ladder. We had also added in some cognitive movements using our weighted balls.

We felt the group enjoyed trying the shortened sample program. There was certainly laughter, as well as lots of good-natured comments, shared. We believe everyone left with a healthy sense of personal accomplishment!

Thanks for being such great hosts, Peabody! Hope to have you join us when the Marblehead group goes bowling again soon!