Parkinson’s Wellness Programs
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.
Empowering Our Parkinson’s Community
We are dedicated to supporting both adults living with Parkinson’s Disease and their families.
That’s why 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.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!
JCC Greater Boston, in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JF&CS), is pleased to honor Parkinson’s Awareness Month, raising awareness about Parkinson’s Disease with classes, challenges, speakers, workshops, and more.
Workshops, Classes, and Challenges
Find Your Beat: Drumming For Parkinson’s Disease | Tuesday, April 16 I 2–3:15pm
- FREE event for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners; registration required
- Meets both in-person (space is limited) and online; call 617.558.6459 to register
Celebration of Movement & Exercise
We are celebrating Movement and Exercise to stay healthy in mind, body and soul. The classes listed here are open to JCC members, whether they are living with Parkinson’s Disease or not. Enjoy the Group Fitness classes you have grown to love or get out of your comfort zone and try something new including this month’s special “Pop-Ups”! Reserve on the My J app up to 2 days before the class.
- Nia – Joy of Movement for Everyone w/ Rosanne I Wednesday, April 24 I 12-1pm (Mind Body Studio & JCCGB+)
- SHiNE Dance Fitness™ w/ Alli I Sunday, April 28 I 11am-12pm (Group Fitness Studio)
Cycle Challenge for a Cause | Sunday, April 28 | 8:45–11:45am
As part of our celebration of Movement & Exercise for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, gear up for this exhilarating Cycle challenge led by our fabulous instructors – Petra, Janis & Jay. Reserve your spot on the My J app for one (OR MORE!) Cycle segments starting at 8:45am. Each segment will be taught as a regular class to maximize your workout, so pace yourself accordingly. There will be a 15-minute transition between segments for riders to join and exit the Studio OR enjoy a flat road for the next segment to begin.
Suggested $18 donation (optional) cash or check at the door supporting JCC Greater Boston’s Parkinson’s Wellness Programs. Or, donate online and select “Annual Campaign” and “Apply My Donation To” Parkinson’s – FY24 from the drop-down menu.
Cycle Schedule:
- Petra I 8:45-9:30am
- Janis I 9:45-10:30am
- Jay I 10:45-11:45am
Calling All Artists
“Calling All Artists” is a group of artists who meet regularly at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) to provide networking and support for talented artists with PD. Initially funded with a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the group has continued to meet for over 5 years. For the past 3 years, they have collaborated with Jay Dobek, from “Last Minute Productions” to produce a video shown at the annual PD Symposium at BIDMC. Each video showcases the artists and provides inspiration for those living with PD. Their art gives meaning to the idea that art is medicine for those with PD.
Any interested artist can join the group and should contact Lissa Kapust at lkapust@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Check out this video, “This Is The Me I See”, performed by members of “Calling All Artists”!
Upcoming Classes and Events
Parkinson’s Cycle
Research has found that cycling, especially when pedaling at a rate faster than your own voluntary cadence, may allow…
Meet the Instructors
Group Fitness Instructor/Boxing Instructor
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!
Group Fitness Instructors / JCCGB+ Instructors
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.
Explore Virtual Parkinson’s Wellness Classes
Tennis Camp
Camp Registration is OPEN! Spend your summer playing tennis outdoors and splashing in our beautiful pool! Tennis…
All-Star Swim Camp
Camp Registration is OPEN! Join us for a week-long intensive program to help young swimmers refine the four…
Pre-Swim Club
Get your skills in shape with our Pre-Swim club! Kids ages 6-10 who love to swim and want to have fun can join our…
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.
