WellnessWorks Parkinson's Exercise & Movement Classes

WellnessWorks offers a variety of exercise classes. If you have any questions about our classes, please email us.

Tai Chi

The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at BIDMC has developed a modified Tai Chi Wellness Program for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our instructors for this program teach our participants many of the traditional gentle movements and mind-body exercises associated with Tai Chi while also utilizing many specific movements focused on improving Parkinson's disease symptoms. The program features weekly individual classes that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease who will be able to stand for the entire 60-minute class. Classes take place Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Rock Steady Boxing

BIDMC is proud to partner with Rock Steady Boxing to provide this popular, high-energy wellness program.

We will use the team teaching approach offered by Cheryl Marconi, owner and coach of LIFT PERSONAL TRAINING, and her co-coach Max Marcoux. As an experienced Certified Rock Steady Boxing instructor, Cheryl understands Parkinson’s inside and out: her husband was diagnosed with PD and fights hard using fitness to hold back the disease. Cheryl and Max are inspired by helping one person at a time in their energized RSB classes with the philosophy that physical strength builds confidence and emotional resolve. To find out more about Cheryl and Max check out the news story “Meet Trailblazer Cheryl Marconi.” Classes take place Mondays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm; Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm; and Fridays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Yoga

Yoga is an adaptable practice, with both functional and psychosocial benefits that can be suited to a variety of abilities. Yoga moves all the joints and muscles in your body. It improves posture, balance and gait. Yoga deepens your breathing and your body awareness. It gives you greater physical confidence and peace of mind.

Dynamic Yoga

Classes are taught by a certified yoga instructor with special training in Parkinson’s disease. Yoga improves posture, balance and gait, in addition to providing greater physical confidence and peace of mind. Classes include seated options for those who prefer to use chairs for postural support, and standing options for those who are comfortable rising from the floor. Classes take place Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 11:00 am.

Community and Meditation: Self-Care for Care Partners

Reduce stress, build community and practice self-care. This class is part support group, part meditation practice, and is for anyone who identifies as a care partner for a person with PD. We begin each meeting with time to share experiences, challenges, and rewards of being a care partner. We end each session with a period of seated, guided meditation. The meditation practice is awareness based and requires no previous experience. Classes take place Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 am and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

Nia Moving to Heal: A Balanced Workout

This class will help you joyfully increase your strength, mobility, flexibility and balance. It is taught with seated and standing choices (50/50) and is set to upbeat music that you will love moving to. Modifications and movement suggestions are provided to help you to personalize your experience and feel your very best. Rosanne Russell, Nia and experienced Parkinson’s instructor, specializes in helping people move in ways that are just right for them. Classes take place Tuesdays at 1:30 pm.

These exercise programs are not included in a WellnessWorks membership. Contact us at wellnessworks@bidmc.harvard.edu so that we can connect you with the program facilitators for details.

Rock Climbing

WellnessWorks is collaborating with Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA. We are excited to announce that we will begin to bring indoor Rock Climbing to PWP and Care Partners! There is literature to demonstrate that this form of aerobic exercise may have benefits for PWP helping with symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. Safety of the climber is maintained by the use of the harness and belay system.

Importantly, rock climbing is fun and builds community; another way of “fighting back." The literature on Rock Climbing and PD has descriptions of the success of PD Rock Climbers who accomplished goals they didn’t think possible, building confidence. A WellnessWorks membership is not required for Rock Climbing, but there is a one-time fee.

Putting & Driving: PD Gulf

For those with a passion for golf, join us to learn techniques and improve your game! This program runs twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall. Clinics are taught by Bob Beach, PGA at the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course. Care partners are also welcome! A WellnessWorks membership is not required for PD Golf, but there is a one-time fee.

Pickleball

BIDMC collaborates with Longfellow Club to offer a safe, organized environment for people with Parkinson's to play pickleball. Clinics are held Thursdays at 2 pm, are $35 each and are supervised by professional coaches. Contact 781-705-2300 to participate.

Learn the Ropes

We provide this orientation session so you and your family can learn about the broad range of services and programs offered at the Parkinson’s Center of Excellence at BIDMC. The session is open to those with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners who are new to our center, as well as anyone else interested in learning more.

Caring social workers run these sessions.

Parkinson's: It's a Family Affair

This program is for adult children of a parent with Parkinson’s disease. We offer this educational opportunity for adult children to get to know the care team and other families:

• Meet the members of the Parkinson’s disease treatment team
• Ask questions
• Talk with other adult children

Calling All Artists

What sparks your artistic talent? How do you continue to express your creativity while managing Parkinson’s disease? Join us for virtual networking meetings to discuss art and creativity as a means of coping. Artists of all kinds are welcome (painters, musicians, photographers, poets, etc.).

See Our Work

Virtually Tour the Museum of Fine Arts

Join us for a free, virtual interactive tour and discussion of artwork currently at the Museum of Fine Arts. Space is limited.

For and About Women

For and About Women is a virtual networking group that brings together women with Parkinson’s. Some participants are newly diagnosed, while others have been living with Parkinson’s disease for longer.

The supportive environment of monthly meetings allows women to share experiences. Women within the group discover they share similarities as well as differences in terms of the impact of PD and how each member copes. Meetings promote learning about issues unique to women.

Participants share tips and strategies for daily living. You can provide your new and different perspective in an environment of understanding and a sense of humor. Periodically, we feature guest speakers who offer their expertise on relevant topics. Group meetings encourage and empower participants to live well with Parkinson’s disease and build community within a strong group of women.

Managing the Middle Years

This discussion group brings people with Parkinson’s and related disorders together to consider the challenges of the “middle years,” when medications may no longer be as effective, and new symptoms may mean additional lifestyle changes. These meetings take place every two-to-three months.

Young People with Parkinson's

Are you 50 years or younger and diagnosed with Parkinson’s or a related disorder? This collaborative program between BIDMC and Massachusetts General Hospital provides an opportunity to connect with others and discuss the unique challenges that come with a young diagnosis. Discussion is facilitated by Lissa Kapust, LICSW and Katrina Rudd, LICSW.

Contact wellnessworks@bidmc.harvard.edu to join any of our networking groups and for the next meeting date.