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Parkinson’s Wellness Programs

Adults Ages 18+

Whether you’re looking for a chance to share your experience with others, or simply a compassionate place to find comfort, you’ll find strength and resilience in our Parkinson’s Wellness programs.

A woman exercising using dumbbells.

Empowering Our Parkinson’s Community

We are dedicated to supporting both adults living with Parkinson’s Disease and their families with our Parkinson’s programs in Boston.

To achieve this mission, we offer a range of exercise classes, support groups, and educational events to help those with Parkinson’s slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives. With the guidance of the medical community, local organizations, and experienced instructors, we strive to help our Parkinson’s community lead their best, fullest lives in the spirit of overall health and wellness. We are also proud to partner with the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to provide a caring and nurturing space where families can come together and learn from one another.

Join us and take control of your Parkinson’s journey. These programs are open to all individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Let’s empower our Parkinson’s community, together.

Benefits of Exercise for Parkinson’s Disease

Regular physical activity is a vital component of managing Parkinson’s disease (PD). According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, engaging in consistent exercise can lead to:

  • Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Exercise helps maintain and enhance movement, making daily activities easier.
  • Enhanced Balance and Coordination: Physical activity can reduce the risk of falls by strengthening muscles and improving stability.
  • Better Mental Health: Regular exercise has been shown to alleviate depression and anxiety, common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
  • Slowed Disease Progression: Some studies suggest that consistent physical activity may have neuroprotective effects, which can potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

Safety Considerations

Before starting any exercise program, it’s important to consult with healthcare providers to tailor activities to individual abilities and needs. Safety considerations include:

  • Supervision: Participating in supervised exercise programs ensures exercises are performed correctly and safely.
  • Progression: Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercises can help prevent injuries.
  • Adaptations: Modifying exercises to accommodate symptoms like freezing of gait or balance issues is crucial.

Upcoming Classes and Events

Meet the Instructors

Todd Paris

Group Fitness Instructor/Boxing Instructor

Meet Todd, a USA Boxing Certified Boxing Trainer/Coach and USA Boxing Amateur Athlete in the Master Boxer Division. Todd holds a certification in Rock Steady Boxing (our Parkinson’s boxing program) and created a boxing program for children and adults on the autism spectrum. Todd is also a certified Movement Intelligence Coach, an Animal Flow Instructor, as well as a Metabolic Conditioning Coach. Todd has an absolute love and passion for boxing training as a form of fitness and as a sport, and feels that boxing has something for everyone. Todd says whether you’re looking to hone the skills you already have, aspire to be the next Rocky Balboa, and/or just want to have FUN while getting a great workout, boxing is the perfect opportunity!

Paul Rosalie DiCrescenzo Headshot.

Paul & Rosalie DiCrescenzo

Group Fitness Instructors / JCCGB+ Instructors

Paul and Rosalie are highly experienced martial arts instructors and two of the few who are authorized by the Wudangdao Cultural Institute to teach Tai Chi and Qigong in the United States. Rosalie holds the rank of Jiaolian (Professional Trainer/Coach) and Paul holds the rank of Shifu (Master/Teacher). They have been studying and practicing martial arts since the ’70s, studying Korean swordsmanship, open hand fighting, and Japanese classical weapons. They have devoted themselves to Chinese martial arts for decades and are currently students of Master Zhong Xuechao, a 15th generation Wudang Sanfeng Kungfu Master from Wudang Mountain.

“I am so fortunate to be a participant in this incredible Wellness program. We have become a family, confiding in each other, exercising together and most importantly, caring about each other.  Thank you for providing this gift to us.”

Debbie Parkinson's Wellness Participant

Explore Virtual Parkinson’s Wellness Classes

Not able to come to any of our Parkinson’s programs in Boston? Our virtual library has pre-recorded classes for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home.

Explore Video Library

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Support our Parkinson’s Wellness Programs

Thanks to your support, we can continue to enable people with Parkinson’s to stay active and socialize while helping their caregivers learn and connect.

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Get in Touch

wellness@jccgb.org

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