The Katz JCC’s Parkinson’s Connection program has a new virtual membership available. Enrollment in the virtual membership gives the participant access to both weekly live Rock Steady Boxing classes and a library of recorded classes through Mindbody. New participants will need to undergo a virtual assessment before participating in classes. The monthly membership fee is $19 for Katz JCC Full Facility Members and $29 for guests. The one-time virtual assessment fee is $50.

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.

For more information on any of the virtual Parkinson’s programs, contact Stacey Macaluso at [email protected].

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 virtual assessment is required before participating. Participants must also be enrolled in the Parkinson’s Connection virtual membership to participate.

Raise Your Voice Speech Therapy Class:

This new speech therapy class will help strengthen your voice. No prior individual therapy is required to participate. These classes are great for those with Parkinson’s Disease and will be conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist who has completed LSVT training, Loud for Life and Loud Crowd programs. Cost to participate: FREE

Movement & Motivation (Drums & Dance):

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. This program is supported by a community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation. Cost to participate: FREE

NEW! 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.

4 Week Virtual Session: Sundays, 11-11:45am •  Session 1: October 18-November 8 • Session 2: November 29-December 20.
To register, please contact: Jayne Miller-Morgan at [email protected] or Amanda Halliwell at [email protected].

Cost to participate: FREE

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

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.

There are 10 classes running every week at various times and days. All levels are welcome. 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. To schedule your assessment, please contact Stacey Macaluso: [email protected].

In-Person Cost for 8 classes: $90/JCC members, $125/community

In-Person Cost for 16 classes (attending 2x a week): $135/JCC members, $187.50/community

A cycling class designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Heart rate monitors will be used to keep track of working heart rate to improve symptoms of the disease and increase cardiovascular strength.

In-Person Cost: $80/Full Facility Member, $100/Basic Member & Guest

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.

Participants with Parkinson’s Disease will receive encouragement from peers, practice daily exercises, functional movements and walk BIG. It’s fun, challenging and will provide you with an opportunity for social interaction while exercising.

Class requirement: Must have previously completed individual LSVT Big treatment protocol with a PT or OT.

Led by Dr. Dan Pinto, OCS from Breakthru Physical Therapy + Fitness

POSTPONED until further notice.

Cost: $80/Full Facility Member, Basic Member & Guest

This class is specifically designed for neurological conditions, such as MS and those recovering from a stroke. Pilates for Neurological Disorders can specifically help with improving strength, balance and flexibility. Basic Pilates positions will be taught using related apparatus in a supportive, gentle and fun environment. Emphasis on breathing and body alignment to connect with and control body movement.

In-Person Cost: $100/Full Facility Member, $120/Basic Member & Guest

Combine the three basic forms of Tai Chi along with Qigong methods to help improve daily activities and life skills for those with chronic conditions. Both seated and standing positions will be taught.

In-Person Cost: $60/Full Facility Member, $80/Basic Member & Guest

This speech therapy class will help strengthen your voice. No prior individual therapy is required to participate. These classes are great for those with Parkinson’s Disease and will be conducted by a licensed speech-language pathologist who has completed LSVT training, Loud for Life and Loud Crowd programs.

In-Person Cost: $80/Full Facility Members, $100/Basic Members and Guests

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 Stacey Macaluso: [email protected].

The Parkinson’s Connection needs volunteers for various programs such as Rock Steady Boxing, Tai Chi for Parkinson’s, Pedaling for Parkinson’s and Raise Your Voice Speech Therapy Group Class. Training is provided and volunteers will need to attend a brief 15 minute orientation prior to starting.

Various dates and times available

Please contact Stacey Macaluso for more information. [email protected] / 856-424-4444 x 1151

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 Stacey Macaluso for more information. [email protected] / 856-424-4444 x 1151