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Raise Your Voice – Group Speech Therapy Class (free virtual 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 donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Instructor: Judy Koza, a licensed language speech pathologist certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; licensed in NJ, PA, and DE.
Virtual Yoga for Parkinson’s (free virtual class)
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. Modifications provided for all levels. Provided free of charge through a generous donation from the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. Instructor: Suzanne Polikoff: certified in Chair Yoga, Power Yoga, Yoga for Parkinson’s, PWR! Moves (Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Moves) and Rock Steady Boxing.
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)
RSB class is much more than just boxing. This first of it’s kind fitness program for people with PD has grown into a community fighting back together against Parkinson’s disease. This one-hour small group training is specifically designed to address Parkinson’s symptoms such as slow or small movements, imbalance, stiffness, flexed posture, and respiratory weakness. Our scientifically based curriculum can be adapted to any level of Parkinson’s. We work to increase endurance, agility, strength, and coordination. Classes are offered at four levels of intensity, with your personal level determined as part of your initial assessment. No boxing experience necessary, all ages and fitness levels are invited to participate.
Hybrid Rock Steady Fitness Monthly Subscription (RSF)
Based on the RSB curriculum, RSF classes combine physical and cognitive exercises using shadowboxing, agility work, strength training and a variety of other drills (no bag contact). Classes are safe and appropriate for all levels and are taught modifications for a variety of needs. Subscriptions include five weekly live classes that you can attend in person at the Katz JCC or over Zoom and an online video library of classes available anytime.
Martial Arts for Movement
This non-contact martial arts class focuses on movement, balance, coordination, memory, and confidence. Participants learn self-defense, weapons and kicking/punching technique while improving cardio, cognition, balance, and more. Perfect for anyone seeking to improve mobility in an accessible and encouraging environment. Created and taught by fifth degree Taekwondo blackbelt and Rock Steady Boxing instructor, Master Chrissy Parkhurst.
PWR! Moves + Yoga Flow
PWR! Moves are Parkinson’s-specific exercises that help maintain and restore skills that aid everyday movements. We combine these movements with a Parkinson’s specific Yoga Flow improves balance, reduces anxiety, builds strength, and creates a sense of wellbeing. Combining these two practices gives you a truly unique class experience that will aid your physical and mental wellbeing. Currently supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation so that participants pay a reduced cost.
Pedaling for Parkinson
Research from Cleveland Clinic has shown that cardio exercises, like cycling, can significantly slow the progression of Parkinson’s and even temporarily reduce symptoms. This low-impact workout with great music and energetic instruction will enhance mobility while reducing swelling, stress, and inflammation. Enjoy a unique indoor cycling experience tailored to the needs of those with Parkinson’s. Currently supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation so that participants pay a reduced cost.
Neuro Reformer
This Pilates Reformer-based class is specifically designed to aid those with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, MS, and stroke recovery. Participants report improved strength, balance, and flexibility. Classes move at an adjusted pace and instruction is supportive, gentle, and fun. Limited to 5 participants/class; offered in six-week sessions.
Tai Chi for Balance
Research shows that practicing Tai Chi can improve balance, stability, and flexibility in older adults, including those with Parkinson’s disease. Practiced regularly, it can also help reduce pain and fibromyalgia. This beginner-level Tai Chi class of slow-flowing movements is designed for those who wish to address balance impairments while also improving mobility and overall wellness. Movements are taught with seated and standing options and modifications are always available from our expert instructor. Currently supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation so that participants pay a reduced cost.
The Richard M. Klein Center for Wellness is the hub for all your movement and wellness needs for living with Parkinson’s Disease. When you live with Parkinson’s Disease, exercise is not only healthy but vital in maintaining balance, mobility, gait, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination.
“I’m really hooked on boxing and movement being used to combat Parkinson’s. This type of exercise should be strongly recommended by MD’s to their Neuro patients.
My wife has noticed a positive change in attitude since starting the program. I’ve noticed that I’m taking on the dreaded motor symptom problems (pain, shaking, muscle locking, poor walking to name a few) with hard work and humor.
Thanks for making exercise for Parkinson’s patients very tough and challenging. We need it. But most of all, thanks for making it FUN.”
- Rock Steady Boxing participant
To register as a member, please reach out to Megan Matis at mmatis@jfedsnj.org or by calling (856) 424-24444 extension 1151. She can help answer any questions and schedule times for tours, assessments and classes once you are ready to begin.
At this time, there are 20 live classes each week along with an online video library of classes for access at your own convenience. We hope to have it up and running within a month with a nice selection of boxing, dance, drums, meditation, introduction videos and tutorials.
Assessments are one-hour appointments to meet, one-on-one with our program’s head coach, Melanie Montana, MSW. During this appointment, Melanie briefly assesses basic mobility, balance, and strength, as well as discusses your personal journey with PD, specific challenges you want to address and symptoms you would like to target. This allows us to provide personalized recommendations for classes that best fit your needs. We also use this first meeting as a chance to connect you with local resources such as transportation, medication assistance programs, educational resources, clinician recommendations, etc. Our assessments are currently covered by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation and are required before beginning classes.
Yes! We have two free weekly classes funded by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation: Raise Your Voice Group Speech Therapy and Yoga for Parkinson’s. We also have several grant subsidized classes running at various times throughout the year which provide significant savings to our members. Our support and education groups are also free of charge thanks to the continued support of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey.
