By Elizabeth Grover
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. Adam says, “When you come here, you have the gym and all of my attention on you, so there's no way for you to blend in with the crowd like you could in a group setting. In addition to learning from that original research study and his many years of experience, Adam has completed the training for PD-specific exercise from the Brian Grant Foundation.
The main focus at ANF is gait and balance. Adam says, “By challenging those two cardinal symptoms we can prevent falls, eliminate bad habits, and battle symptoms with exercises that are catered to your needs.” He also works on cognition by challenging short-term memory, pattern recall and multi-tasking. He also tries to make the workout fun. “I like to think of it as a place people look forward to coming to, so it's not your typical ‘physical therapy.’ I include games, sports (such as basketball, golf, ring toss, and boxing), and a lot of hand-eye coordination tasks to make things fun and challenging at the same time.”
Jeannie Tobias has been working out with Adam since her diagnosis 8 years ago. Jeannie says, “Adam’s commitment to my physical well-being has kept me active well beyond what I envisioned. His focus on balance has given me the confidence to continue to hike and bike in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. Adam is the best at what he does.” Jeannie signs her comment “Faithful client.”
Ruth Wheatley also appreciates her work with Adam. “Working with Adam at Alpha Neuro Fitness has been a blessing to me. Adam is very patient, continually encouraging me to put forth my best effort. I am 84 years young, and I know I would not be as physically fit and mobile as I am if not for his 10 years of guidance, and knowledge on how to overcome the disease. We meet 3 days a week at my home, working on my walking and balance as well as how to overcome some challenges I face on a daily basis. He is always upbeat and positive, and I look forward to his visiting me every week. I would be more than happy to recommend Adam and his wealth of knowledge to anyone who has Parkinson's.”
Mike Manning has been attending Alpha Neuro for about 6 months, and he can honestly say, “It’s one of the most effective treatments I've had for Parkinson's.” Mike is 47 years old and 14 years into his PD, so quality of life is the most important thing to him. “Adam's approach to exercise and specifically PD exercise is a really good match for me, and I imagine [that is true for] a lot of folks in the middle stages of Parkinson's disease. His Parkinson's-focused training hits all the areas that seem to be important: balance, gait, boxing, and weight training.”
Mike also appreciates Adam’s colleagues who offer services at his location. These include a speech therapist, a massage therapist and an acupuncturist – all of whom are Parkinson’s specialists. Mike points out that ANF is truly a one-stop shop. To talk with Adam about his workouts and whether his gym might be the place for you, call or text him at 859-609-2155.