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 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.
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month!
JCC Greater Boston is here to support those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones through specialized fitness programs, educational workshops, and community resources. Explore opportunities to improve mobility, build strength, and enhance well-being with expert-led classes like Rock Steady Boxing and Tai Chi. Whether you’re looking to stay active, connect with others, or learn more about living well with Parkinson’s, this month is the perfect time to take the next step. Discover all the ways you can get involved by visiting our Parkinson’s Awareness Month page today!
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 you perform exercises 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
Rock Steady Boxing
Fight back against Parkinson's disease in this non-contact boxing-style fitness class to feel your best inside and out!...
Parkinson's Cycle
Research has found that cycling, especially when pedaling at a rate faster than your own voluntary cadence, may allow the...
Care Partner Support Group
This biweekly group for care partners is led by a clinical social worker who specializes in Parkinson’s. Group meetings...
Rock Steady Boxing
Fight back against Parkinson's disease in this non-contact boxing-style fitness class to feel your best inside and out!...
Basic Tai Chi Movement for Parkinson's
Improve your balance and strength with the flowing movements found in the Tai Chi style from one of China's major...
Rock Steady Boxing
Fight back against Parkinson's disease in this non-contact boxing-style fitness class that will leave you feeling your...
Table Tennis for Parkinson's
Experience the benefits of this physical and mental sport while having fun with members of the Parkinson's community....
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
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.
Swim Programs
Welcome to JCC Greater Boston's Swim Programs! Dive into a world of aquatic fitness, skill-building, and fun at...
Private Adult Swim Lessons
Discover personalized adult swim lessons in Newton at JCC Greater Boston! Build confidence, improve skills, and...
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.
