COVID-19 Update: Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program
The goal of the Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Program at the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease by improving their physical and emotional fitness in a fun and safe environment that encourages healthy choices and camaraderie. The program is a collaboration between University Hospitals Neurological Institute and the Fitness Center at University Hospitals Avon Health Center.
What Does This Program Involve?
Our exercise program includes:
- Delay the Disease: A fitness class designed to target symptoms and improve functional tasks for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Rock Steady Boxing: A "noncontact boxing style" fitness program for Parkinson's disease, specifically encouraging hand-eye coordination, footwork and memory recall. The program establishes rhythm, gait, balance, breathing, voice activation, posture awareness, fun and camaraderie.
- Cycling: Indoor cycling class designed especially for people with Parkinson's disease. It has been shown to manage symptoms associated with Parkinson's.
- Educational presentations: Experts in a variety of fields provide monthly educational presentations.
How Do I Get Started?
To get started with our program, follow these steps:
- Contact Jordan Smith, Jordan.Smith@UHHospitals.org; 440-328-3446 (voicemail line) to determine if there are openings in the program. Please allow two business days for a response.
- Provide a medical waiver signed by your physician allowing you to participate in the Parkinson’s disease exercise program.
- Schedule a free pre-program assessment by calling Dr. Camilla Kilbane’s office at 216-844-5752 and choose option 3 to schedule your pre-program assessment. Mention your request to participate in the Parkinson’s exercise classes.
- The assessment will take place at the University Hospitals Neurological Institute, 950 Clague Road, Building B, Suite 101, Westlake, OH. The assessment takes 30 minutes to an hour. Please allow us to determine the appropriate level of class for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Program
- Are there specific requirements for the program?
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A care partner is required to attend and assist if you require assistance with getting up from a chair, specific exercises, ambulation, using the restroom and communication.
- Do I need an ID or membership card?
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When you register for the program, you will receive a specific card for access to the classes held at the Fitness Center. You will be required to show your Parkinson’s program membership card every time you enter the Fitness Center for a class.
- When will the education sessions be held?
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We offer educational presentations covering various topics the second Thursday of each month. These sessions are from noon to 1 p.m. The education lectures are free and open to the public, but a RSVP is required to ensure we have enough space and materials.
- What is the cost of the program?
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Due to the generosity of donors, the fee is $20 to $35 per month. Recurring payment will be set up with a major credit card when you register for the program. The educational lectures are included with your fee. Cancellations of the program require contact to our Business Office before the 1st of each month.
- Is membership to the Fitness Center included in the membership cost?
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No. If you would like to take full advantage of the award-winning 60,000-square-foot Fitness Center and the 125 weekly classes, there is a separate membership fee. For more information on the benefits of Fitness Center membership, please speak with a membership representative for a full tour.