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Parkinson's Exercise Program
WHAT WE OFFER
We offer Parkinson's specific classes at the Mark Green Sports Center. These classes address the different needs of someone with PD and can help improve symptoms, quality of life, and movement. We also offer support groups and caregiver/partner support groups. The Mark Green Sports Center began offering these programs in 2016 with the support of a Parkinson's Foundation Community Grant Award. Since then the Parkinson's Foundation has continuously supported this program in so many ways. We are proud to continue the fight against Parkinson's through exercise and movement. Classes require a medical release waiver to be signed by your physician prior to registering. Call the Fitness Coordinator - Robert Magbanua (510) 675-5600 or email robertmagbanua@unioncity.org for more information on how to register.
If you would like to join our email list, and get updated about our program, events, and support groups. Click here to submit your email and be added onto the list. Click the images shaded in light purple below to sign-up for one of these FREE Caregiver programs. The image shaded with green are video explanations of the exercise classes we offer, and the images shaded with light-blue are flyers with more information. You can also find descriptions for all free programs and exercise classes below this section. Testimonials are at the bottom of this page.
PROGRAM TESTIMONIALS
Powerful Tools For Caregivers 6-Week Workshop - Free To Sign-Up. Next Session: January 2023
Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a proven six-week program to reduce stress and improve caregiver health. The course is taught by trained class leaders and enables caregivers to develop their own self-care tools that: reduce stress, help change negative self-talk, communicate needs to family members and healthcare providers, and develop a process for making tough caregiving decisions. Program materials focus on the current and ongoing caregiver principles to help caregivers thrive, even while caring for their loved one. The program consists of 6 weekly sessions meeting for 90 minutes. The Caregiver Help book will be provided to all participants. This program has been offered for over 10 years at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence and served over 10,000 caregivers. We are excited to begin the new year with another offering of this great program. To sign-up, please click the appropriate image down below. You can also find Testimonials below this section from past participants.
Mindfulness Self-Compassion 8 Week Workshop - Free to Sign-Up. Next Session: February 2023
Mindfulness is the first step in emotional healing—being able to turn toward and acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings (such as inadequacy, sadness, anger, confusion) with a spirit of openness and curiosity. Self-compassion involves responding to these difficult thoughts and feelings with kindness, sympathy and understanding so that we soothe and comfort ourselves when we’re hurting. Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional wellbeing. It boosts happiness, reduces anxiety and depression, and can even help maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise. Being both mindful and compassionate leads to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives.The course will meet weekly for 8consecutive weeks. Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) is an opportunity to explore how we typically respond when difficulties arise in our lives and to learn tools for becoming a warm and supportive companion to ourselves. Although MSC offers conceptual learning it is designed to be more experiential than theoretical. MSC is therapeutic, but it’s not therapy. The emphasis of the program is on enhancing emotional resources to meet emotional challenges, old and new. MSC is also not primarily a type of mindfulness training; MSC is mindfulness-based compassion training in which the quality of warmth is emphasized more than awareness itself.
** Certain classes such as Dance for Parkinson's and Yoga for Parkinson's are offered at specific times throughout the year. Please see the current schedule above for our offerings. For more information, please contact the Fitness Coordinator. **
Mindful Movement
A special class for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or a related neurological condition. This class will help you maintain fluid motion, physical strength and flexibility. No previous yoga experience is required. Join us for an exploration of the possible, in a safe and supportive atmosphere.
Dance for Parkinson’s
Participants are challenged and empowered to explore movement and music in creative and stimulating ways that address balance, cognition, motor skill, coordination, and physical confidence. Led by trained dancers, this class will share their knowledge by using movement sequences that can be done with or without chairs, and will engage each person and provide a refreshing social environment.
PWR! Moves
This program created by Dr. Farley, a physical therapist, aims to maintain and restore skills that deteriorate and interfere with everyday movements. The 4 main movements of this program can be adapted and progressed into multiple postures (floor, all 4’s, sitting, and standing). Research has demonstrated that the movements in this program as well as the manner in which they are performed can translate into everyday activities, essentially improving overall quality of life. This class will help train those affected with PD to get better with exercise.
Rock Steady Boxing
Fight back against the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s by training like a fighter. By nature, boxing is a workout that demands the body to move in all planes of motion and challenges the mind and body to adapt to every stimulus. In this boxing class you will be able to build strength, power, speed, and endurance, all of which improve quality of life outside of the gym.
Virtual Caregiver & Care Partner Support Group Meetings:
Are you a partner or a caregiver for someone with Parkinson's Disease? Join us for a free support group meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. Led by Yoga for Parkinson's instructor Nancy Flores, this group seeks to share experiences, empower, and lend support to fellow caregivers. This support group is also guided through mindful meditation techniques and Yoga techniques that can be done with their partners or loved ones with Parkinson's. - Please contact the Fitness Coordinator for access.
FREE ONLINE EXERCISE VIDEO COURSES
Union City Community & Recreation Services is pleased to announce the creation of the Parkinson’s Exercise Program – Online Course Series of classes. Specifically, 3 courses are available for the following classes: PWR! Moves, Boxing for Parkinson’s, and Mindful Movement. Each course was developed with the intention of developing a mastery of movements before progressing to more challenging positions and exercises. All together, over 60 videos will be released over the course of 2023. You can take any combination of the three classes, or you can take all of them. This program is supported by a grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation.
*New Classes Available Now~ Click Below
