By Elizabeth Grover
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. The directors of the gym are Amy Bertram, PT, DPT, and Colleen Schuster, PT, DPT, both of whom are physical therapists with years of experience helping those with Parkinson's Disease.
The gym currently offers 13 classes each week, all led by licensed and trained instructors with backgrounds in PT, OT, athletic training, and personal training. Two well-known methods are Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) and Delay the Disease, but they also offer several unique classes, including Cog-Cardio, Neuro Bootcamp, and Neuro Strength. Amy and Colleen enjoy adapting exercises to the needs of every individual so that everyone feels successful, included, and fit! In addition to classes, NeuroFit provides individual therapy sessions and hosts educational opportunities quarterly and 2 monthly support groups for people with PD.
Ken Hintze has been attending RSB at NeuroFit twice a week since his diagnosis in 2019. To Ken, exercise is primary and necessary. Stretching before and after boxing helps with the rigidity that comes with PD, and there are cardio benefits, too. “The instructors always watch what we are doing and provide individualized comments to improve our efforts. Amy and Colleen are knowledgeable and compassionate leaders who ensure that we get the most out of our sessions,” he says. A class is also good for social interaction, and Ken has become good friends with his fellow boxers— they care about one another and support each other. In fact, they have formed a support group to share information and support which has been a great learning experience for all and continues to cement the social interactions. Ken feels that attending the activities at the NeuroFit Gym has made a major impact on slowing his disease and improving his outlook.
Mary Schroder started with NeuroFit when she moved to West Chester. She took RSB classes and really felt challenged by the cognitive skills— specifically memory and focus— required for boxing. She also tried Delay the Disease classes, which have a functional approach; the results of this exercise program can help participants:
Move around with ease and confidence in a crowd.
Get out of bed or rise from a chair independently.
Improve handwriting.
Dress independently.
Diminish worry that stiffness, slow steps, and other symptoms are obvious.
Regain a sense of moving with normality.
Because of her involvement with NeuroFit, exercise is now an important part of Mary’s day. She sleeps better, has more energy, and has a positive mood almost every day. Having Parkinson’s disease for 26 years— as Mary has— can easily dampen one’s enthusiasm for life. You need to consciously acknowledge the good moments and celebrate them. That is what the NeuroFit community has given to her. The teaching team demonstrates a sincere and genuine interest in how she is moving. They work with her, always encouraging her and pushing her just the right amount. Mary feels that Colleen and Amy believe in her and work with her to reach her goals. The NeuroFit Gym has made a gigantic difference in her life.
To learn more about the NeuroFit Gym contact Amy and Colleen at 513-207-0104 or info@theneurofitgym.com.