Parkinson’s Programs

Raise Your Voice – Group Speech Therapy Class:

This virtual class focuses on strength, loudness, and clarity of speech along with education and cognitive exercises. It is provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Instructor: Judy Koza, a licensed language speech pathologist. Judy is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and she is licensed in NJ, PA and DE.

Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Movement & Motivation (Drums):

This virtual exercise class uses simple foot movement patterns and rhythmic drumming to challenge the brain, building and strengthen neuropathways which in turn increases safety in movement. This class is a sit and stand format and can be adapted to individual needs. This class is provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Instructor: Parkinson’s Connection Head Coach Melanie Montana

Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Movement & Motivation (Dance):

This class is offered both in-person (J360) and virtually. Explore your body’s possibilities through music both old and new alike and improve your balance, flexibility, coordination, and gait. An ideal class for those with Parkinson’s and other chronic illnesses. This class is based on the National Program Dance for PD and provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Instructor: Patty Palese

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Two to Tango Ballroom Dance:

Learn ballroom and Latin dances have been shown to improve balance and movement.  Bring a loved one, a friend, or solo for a fantastic experience!
Taught by Lindsay & Justin David, MA CCC-SLP.

Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Laughter Yoga:

We’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine! The Laughter Yoga Method can reduce stress, anxiety and depression using laughter exercises that simulate laughter leading to a genuine laughter experience. Classes begin with a warm-up and breathing followed by laughter and traditional chair yoga exercises.

Benefits of Laughter Yoga include reduced blood pressure, increased circulation and strengthening of the immune system. Dr. Kataira, a medical doctor in India and creator of Laughter Yoga, claims laughter whether induced or spontaneous produces positive changes in physiology and neurochemistry of the brain leading to a heightened sense of well-being. Instructor: Melanie Montana, Certified Yoga Instructor, Chair Yoga Instructor and completed her Laughter training in NYC.

Cost to participate: FREE

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Yoga for Parkinson’s:

Regular practice of yoga is an effective way to increase flexibility, balance and improve overall fitness while minimizing the tremors, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s. All levels are welcome. The Tuesday evening session is provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. The Friday morning class is part of the Parkinson’s Class Pass*. Instructor: Suzanne Polikoff

Free virtual class through Zoom on Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Barre for Parkinson’s:

This class is offered both in-person (JFlow) and virtually. This unique fitness program for men and women includes elements of Pilates, ballet, and functional training. This low-impact workout allows you to move at your own pace as you find new ways to enhance your balance and endurance. Offered Saturday afternoon as part of the Parkinson’s Class Pass*. Instructor: Parkinson’s Connection Head Coach Melanie Montana

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Bring It Up:

Once a month, Parkinson’s Connection members are invited to assemble online for a unique community experience. With the help of facilitator Coach Melanie, members share thoughts, ideas, and information unique to the Parkinson’s experience. Members gain connection and support to fight back mentally as well as physically. This program is provided free of charge through a generous grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Cost to participate: FREE

Please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

Several programs of the JCC Parkinson’s Connection program are supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Monday, August 8 • 7-8pm via Zoom

Cost: Free

Register inthe Mindbody App

You will be guided in a project designed to be an emotional check-in and stress reliever. No skills are needed and this event is geared to support emotional regulation and creating neural pathways to greater cognitive learning, while practicing fine motor skills.

Instructor: Judith Murray Smith

Please gather a few collaging supplies prior to our class start time. You’ll need:
1. Heavyweight paper if possible but any paper will work.
2. Acissors (or we can also tear paper).
3. Glue stick (or tape, Elmer’s glue, etc. for adhesive).
4. Random pieces of colored paper, newspaper, greeting cards, flyers, magazines, stickers, photos or anything with pictures or words that you like.

Our instructor, Judith Murray Smith, will give us some directions and prompts for the first half of our class time. The second half she has reserved for us to share our thoughts and ideas as we create.

Questions? Contact Megan Matis at mmatis@jfedsnj.org or 856-424-4444 x1151

Our virtual RSB membership gives participants access to seven live Rock Steady Boxing classes each week AND a library of recorded classes that can be accessed any time. New participants will need to undergo a virtual assessment before participating in classes ($50). The virtual subscription fee is $19 for Katz JCC Full Facility Members and $29 for guests. Instructors: multiple

All participants, whether subscribed to the paid virtual membership or not, are invited to participate in any of the free live classes each week held through Zoom, including Speech Therapy group class on Mondays and Movement and Motivation on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Rock Steady Boxing:

This non-contact boxing program promotes fitness and function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. In addition to providing fitness, the program has been shown to improve confidence, quality of life and energy levels. A one-time $50 virtual assessment is required before participating. Participants can purchase boxing gloves for an additional $25 and they can be picked up at the Katz JCC.

Participants must also be enrolled in the Parkinson’s Connection virtual membership to participate. For more information about this program, please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org

For more information on any of the virtual Parkinson’s programs, please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org.

This indoor cycling class is specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Research has shown that cardio exercises, like cycling, can significantly slow the progression of Parkinson’s and even temporarily reduce symptoms. Pedaling classes are part of the Parkinson’s Class Pass*.

Wednesdays / Time: 11-11:30am

Mondays / Time: 12:30-1pm / Instructor: Melanie Montana

This class has a rolling admission – you may join in at any time.

Cost: $10/1 class, $40/5 classes, $60/10 classes / Purchase a class card for class through Mindbody.  Class card packages can be used for Pedaling for Parkinson’s or Yoga for Parkinson’s

Questions? Contact Jayne Miller-Morgan at 856-424-4444 x1140/jmorgan@jfedsnj.org

Learn ballroom and Latin dances have been shown to improve balance and movement.  Bring a loved one, a friend, or solo for a fantastic experience!
Taught by Lindsay & Justin David, MA CCC-SLP.

Cost to participate: FREE

Location: Richard M. Klein Center for Wellness

Contact Jayne Miller Morgan at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org to register.

Questions? Contact Jayne Miller-Morgan at 856-424-4444 x1140/jmorgan@jfedsnj.org

This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Regular practice of yoga is an effective way to increase flexibility, balance and improve overall fitness while minimizing muscle spasms, atrophy, and rigidity associated with Parkinson’s.

Regular yoga practice offers many benefits including: induces relaxation, lessens or alleviates tremors, reduces muscle tension and other pains, diminishes rigidity, improves balance and coordination, sleep, muscle strength and motor control, enhances focus, concentration and alertness, increases flexibility, creates deeper, easier breathing, provides tools to stand tall with great posture, balances emotions, calms the mind, creates a peaceful spirit. All levels are welcome.Taught by Sue Polikoff

Fridays starting May 6 / Time: 11:30am-12:30pm

This class has a rolling admission – you may join in at any time.

Location: JFlow Studio

Cost: $10/1 class, $40/5 classes, $60/10 classes / Purchase a class card for class through Mindbody. Class card packages can be used for Pedaling for Parkinson’s or Yoga for Parkinson’s

Questions? Contact Jayne Miller-Morgan at 856-424-4444 x1140/jmorgan@jfedsnj.org

This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

This class is specifically designed for those with MS, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. Benefits include improved strength, balance and flexibility. Basic Pilates positions will be taught using related apparatus in a supportive, gentle and fun environment.

JPilates Studio • $120/Full Facility Member, $150/Basic Member & Guest

Please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

This non-contact boxing program promotes fitness and function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.  Participants will train on boxing equipment including heavy bags, jump ropes, gloves and focus mitts.  In addition to providing fitness, the program has been shown to improve confidence, quality of life and energy levels.

Registration is through Mindbody.

An evaluation must be completed prior to entry into the program (Cost: $75). This includes an introduction, balance assessment and gloves. A reassessment is $25. To schedule your assessment, please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

Classes might be limited on size depending on class level.

Purchase an 8 class pass in Mindbody to participate!
JCC Members: 8 class pass/$120 • Guests: 8 class pass/$150

Please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

Movement & Motivation Drums & Dance classes are held on a weekly basis virtually through Zoom.

Explore your body’s possibilities through music both old and new alike and improve your balance, flexibility, coordination and gait. An ideal class for those with Parkinson’s and other chronic illnesses. This class is based on the National Program Dance for PD.

Cost: Free and open to the community

This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

Select private training for Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Tai Chi for Wellness, Movement and Motivation, Raise Your Voice or personal training in our Fitness Center.

Dates and times will be set by your trainer.

One-on-One Half Hour Training: 1 session: $40 • 5 sessions: $190 • 10 sessions: $360 • 20 sessions: $680
One-on-One Hour Training: 1 session: $55 • 5 sessions: $260 • 10 sessions: $495 • 20 sessions: $935

For more information, please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

The Parkinson’s Connection needs volunteers for various programs such as Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s and more. Training is provided and volunteers will need to attend a brief 15 minute orientation prior to starting.

Various dates and times are available

Please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.

Are you looking for a service or mitzvah project? The Parkinson’s Connection program at the Katz JCC offers a great opportunity for your teens to volunteer, raise funds or donate funds and equipment to our programs.

For more information, please contact Jayne at jmorgan@jfedsnj.org for more information.