Blog
Continuing our look at exercise providers in the Greater Cincinnati area, we turn now to the Neurofit Gym, a non-profit organization in Northern Cincinnati specializing in helping those with neurological disorders, including Parkinson's Disease. Through exercise, education, community, and connection, their mission is to help these individuals live healthier and more independent lives.
Another in our review of exercise opportunities in the Cincinnati area is Alpha Neuro Fitness (ANF) located at 800 E. Ross Ave. in St. Bernard (just off the Norwood Lateral). Owner and trainer Adam Magee began his work with PD patients in 2012 when, as an undergraduate majoring in Exercise Science at NKU, he worked as an intern with a research study at UC involving exercise for Parkinson’s and multitasking. He was so intrigued and wanted to do all he could to help the patients. Ten years later, he now has a Masters in Healthcare Administration and his own gym where he works with patients one-on-one.
As part of our ongoing review of exercise programs available in our area, we turn this week to foreverfitness. This exercise organization was founded by Sarah Palmer, and she has a staff of four, all of whom are highly trained. (Several are physical therapists, all have PWR! Moves training and Sarah has a master’s in exercise physiology.)
Parkinson’s-specific exercise is very important in the treatment of this disorder, and one clinic in our area that works hard to provide opportunities for such exercise is Kettering Health’s NeuroRehab and Balance Center. Located in Centerville, just outside Dayton, the NR&BC offers classes of varying intensity (medium, high and mixed) each twice a week.
It is well known that exercise is beneficial therapy for those living with Parkinson’s disease. But in recent years, more varied kinds of physical activity are beginning to be researched and proven to help as well, and one of the most highly touted is dance. There are hundreds of dance programs for those in the Parkinson’s community throughout the world, but the headquarters for PD dance worldwide is the Dance for PD program in Brooklyn, New York.
The Coronavirus pandemic has required that we all stay at home a lot. And it is hard to participate in a group activity such as an exercise class in your own home. But thanks to the internet, the world can seem a lot smaller than it actually is, and that closeness can make exercising at home a real option. There are a number of Parkinson’s-specific exercise instructors who charge for their online services (as is appropriate if they are not separately funded). But since people with PD have limited funds, I am going to mention only those that are free.
So you have heard about the Parkinson Foundation recommendations for exercise. You know you need to do Parkinson-specific exercise. But how do you know which exercise class offers a PD-specific workout? Now the Parkinson Foundation (a national organization whose mission is to improve care for people with Parkinson’s and to advance research toward a cure) has started its program to accredit programs that train exercise instructors in PD-specific methods. Of the first three programs that achieved this accreditation, two are available in our area.
Sarah Palmer is an exercise professional who works with Cincinnati clients with Parkinson's both at her studio in Blue Ash and in their home through her firm foreverfitness. Sarah has recently been recognized nationally for her fine work, knowledge and experience in the PD field. She was invited to be on the faculty teaching the PWR! Training Course and she was invited to lead the first live Fitness Friday workout sponsored by the Parkinson's Foundation (PF). She also served the Parkinson’s Foundation on the committee to accredit training courses.
Exercise is so important for those with PD. "...most PD experts now agree that exercise is as beneficial for PD as any medication they can prescribe." Parkinson Support & Wellness Executive Director Chris Gaffney and Assistant Director Julia Burks have a conversation over Zoom with Elizabeth Grover, a Cincinnati PD exercise connoisseur.
Recently, one of the exercise opportunities supported by our organization has been getting a lot of media attention! Dancing with Parkinson’s added classes at the Cincinnati Ballet beginning in October as part of the Ballet company’s CBMoves Department.
In 1997 I noticed that, despite being right handed, I was using my left hand only to shampoo my hair and drink beverages. Hmmm, that’s odd. At the end of the year I made a New Year’s resolution to do something about it, and after my primary care doctor ruled out a brain tumor with an MRI, I was diagnosed by a neurologist with Parkinson’s in March of 1998. Since both of my maternal grandparents had PD, I thought I knew what I was dealing with.
Steady Strides 2021, presented by Supernus Pharmaceuticals is back at The Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason on October 2. Our race has become a symbol of the vibrancy of our region’s Parkinson community. Steady Strides has become an annual celebration of our community’s will and capability to do our best at living well with this difficult disease.
By this time, you have most likely heard how important exercise is for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Very important. In fact, it’s essential. Perhaps you have not been an exercise fanatic most of your life. Spending your weekends competing in athletic events or running marathons is just not your idea of a good time. And now your doctor tells you that you MUST exercise. Where to begin? I suggest you begin with walking.
In the Navy we had an acronym that was thrown around pretty commonly; K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple Stupid). Now let me start by saying I do not say this to my clientele but, I do use the same basis for my training and advice outside of my facility. “Keep it simple, Keep it safe” are words that come out of my mouth MANY times a day.
