Parkinson community fitness program targets specific needs of a movement disorder

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – People who participate in fitness, even when it’s tough to move, may find it benefits body and soul.

Physical activity has been shown to improve the symptoms of many neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. That’s one of the reasons Joe Schweitzer said he participates in a chair yoga class – but he has a few other reasons too.

“The casual atmosphere, the camaraderie,” said Schweitzer, who is living with Parkinson’s.

At Parkinson Community Fitness in Blue Ash, the program targets the specific needs of a movement disorder.

“They all have Parkinson’s disease or Parkinsonism. Some may have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease,” said Lisa Coors, co-founder of Parkinson Community Fitness.

That means stretching to fight rigidity, a focus on coordination for one-sided symptoms, breathing for voice improvement, even handwork for handwriting challenges.

“It’s honestly for any fitness level, and what’s great about it is they are working on symptom-specific exercises for Parkinson’s,” Coors said.

Class participants also have the option of balance partners. It’s why Rick Noelcke participates with his wife, Lynn.

“The exercise is great, and when we leave here, we feel not only physically but mentally refreshed and strengthened,” Noelcke said.

Coors said that’s exactly the point of the fitness program.

“Our three pieces are exercise, support and social,” she said.

Coors said often when people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, they become too shy to interact with others. But that’s not the case for Schweitzer.

“You work hard to get the most out of your workouts, and I try to keep a positive attitude about what’s going on,” he said.

Some of the benefit may be the power of togetherness.

“When she comes, she feels strengthened a lot,” Noelcke said of his wife.

For more information about Parkinson Community Fitness and its programs, call (513) 793-6683. The cost is $25 a month. Click here for more information.