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.
FREE Week of Parkinson’s Exercise & Movement Classes
Experience the benefits of exercise and community with JCC Greater Boston’s Parkinson’s Wellness Programs. From Basic Tai Chi Movement and Cycle to Rock Steady Boxing, we have classes for everyone and every body to support both adults living with Parkinson’s and their families.
- Cycle with Nicole and Bob I Monday, April 1 I 11-11:45am (In-person only)
- Rock Steady Boxing with Todd I Tuesday, April 2 I 1-1:50pm (In-person & Zoom)
- Basic Tai Chi Movement with Paul & Rosalie I Wednesday, April 3 I 12-12:50pm (In-person & Zoom)
- Rock Steady Boxing with Todd I Friday, April 5 I 11-11:50am (Zoom only)
To attend one (or more!) Parkinson’s class, contact Heidi White at 617.558.6459 or wellness@jccgb.org. Care Partners are also welcome to participate. Love the demo? Spring session classes start April 8.
JF&CS Music and Movement Therapy Demo Classes
Arts-based therapy providing physical benefits, offering strategies for symptom management, and nurturing a committed, supportive community, offered as part of the Charlotte & Richard Okonow Parkinson’s Family Support program. Care Partners are also welcome to participate.
- The Tremble Clefs I Monday, April 1 I 10:30am-12pm (United Parish of Auburndale, 64 Hancock Street, Auburndale & Zoom)
- Therapeutic Movement & Dance I Wednesday, April 3 I 10:30am-12pm (Zoom only)
To reserve your spot in a demo class below, email Anne Muskopf at amuskopf@jfcsboston.org.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Demo Classes
BIDMC has experienced and enthusiastic instructors offering a variety of classes for different mobility levels to engage people with Parkinson’s. Register HERE!
- Nia® Moving to Heal: A PD Seated Workout I Tuesday, April 2 I 1:30-2:30pm (Zoom only)
- Tai Chi I Tuesday, April 2 I 7-8pm (Zoom only)
- Chair Yoga I Wednesday, April 3 I 10-11am (Zoom only)
- Boot Camp I Wednesday April 3 I 2-3pm (Zoom only)
- Rock Steady Boxing I Monday, Wednesday, Friday April 1, 3, 5 I 11-12pm (Zoom only)
- Dynamic Yoga I Friday, April 5 I 10-11am (Zoom only)
For more information about BIDMC’s spring session which is currently ongoing, contact Michelle Guo at mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu or click HERE for class descriptions.
Workshops, Classes, and Challenges
Strategies to Maintain Brain Health & Prevent Memory Loss | Thursday, April 4 I 7–8pm
- FREE Online event; Registration required to receive private Zoom link, open to all
- Part of the Wellness Speaker Series with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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
Stand Up to Parkinson’s | Thursday, April 11
JCC Greater Boston is pleased to be part of this global movement to slow the progression of Parkinson’s through exercise. On Thursday, April 11, join individuals and organizations from around the world in the commitment to stand up to Parkinson’s by collectively completing 2,000,000 Sit to Stands within 24 hours! Visit the Stand Up to Parkinson’s website to log your sit to stands on April 11 (form will be visible on April 11). Our JCC instructors and trainers plan to get in on the action and will be incorporating sit to stands during your workout!
Share on the JCC Greater Boston Fitness Facebook Group page: #standuptopd and #sittostand.
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”!
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.
- Yoga Sculpt w/ Petra I Tuesday, April 2 I 12-1pm (Mind Body Studio)
- POUND® w/ Stephanie I Sunday, April 7 I 11am-12pm (Group Fitness Studio)
- LaBlast® w/ Karen I Sunday, April 14 I 11am-12pm (Group Fitness Studio)
- 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
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…
Parkinson’s Care Partner Support Group
This biweekly group for care partners is led by 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…
Find Your Beat: Drumming For Parkinson’s Disease
Are you ready to find your beat? Join experienced musicians and teachers, Monique Morimoto, MS, CPCC and Stephen Whitney,…
Meet the Instructors
Explore Virtual Parkinson’s Wellness Classes
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.