Frequently Asked Questions

The Parkinson's Exercise and Wellness Center is a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing an array of exercise programs that target motor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s Disease.

The PEWC offers classes in Rock Steady Boxing, Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR! Moves), Parkinson’s—Art of Expression (PARTE), Movement & Mobility, Spinal Roll & Release, Weights, Mat Fusion, Urban Poling, Movin' & Shakin', Combo, Ataxia Attack, and Fit2Care. Who is eligible to participate? Anyone with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Ganglionic Degeneration (CBD) & Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) can join the PEWC family. We also offer a Fit2Care class for caregivers and loved ones.

Exercise has been shown to improve gait, flexibility, stability, and reduce symptoms in people with Parkinson’s Disease. Not only is it important to get your blood flowing and body moving in ways that build balance and coordination, but exercise can also help maintain neuroplasticity. Read more from these sources:

Harvard Health

Parkinson’s Foundation

We can set you up to observe a class so that you have a better idea what to expect out of your time here. While here, a coach will be glad to answer any questions and then set up a time to perform an assessment to determine what classes will be the most beneficial for you.

Please note: assessments are not typically performed the same day as an observation.

We offer an unlimited monthly membership, which includes access to over thirty classes per week. If you are only looking to attend a handful of classes per month, we also offer drop-in rates. Because we are a nonprofit organization with a vast, supportive community, we are able to subsidize memberships for those who would otherwise be unable to afford one.

If you are concerned about the cost of a membership, please reach out to us at info@thepewc.org or call us at (913) 276-4665 for information about subsidized memberships.

The exercise format is adjusted for the needs of those in the class. Modifications are given so that you still get the exercise within your abilities.

Yes! Our Urban Poling classes take place at Meadowbrook Park, weather permitting, two times a week. This take on Nordic Walking is especially beneficial because, unlike regular walking, this form of poling activates the majority of your body's muscles. It is not necessary to bring or purchase your own poles for this class.

Rock Steady Boxing is a fitness program dedicated to fighting against the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease such as rigidity, freezing gait, falls, etc. The goal is to improve quality of life through a non-contact boxing-based fitness curriculum through forced, intense exercise. This can reduce, reverse, and delay Parkinson’s symptoms. 

Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery is a Parkinson's Disease-specific training program that maintains or restores deterioration and interference with big movements through sports, fitness and more traditional gym activities. Based on the principles established by LSVT Big and Loud, PWR! Moves encourages problem solving, fast processing and sequencing, challenging the participant with different techniques. 

While exercise targets the physical aspects of Parkinson's Disease, recent studies have shown that expressive arts (like theatre) target the non-motor symptoms by accessing the centers of the brain, rewiring neuropathways, lowering stress, improving mood and motivation and helps with voice inflection and volume. PARTE is not only a fun and energetic class but also impactful in helping your Parkinson’s symptoms. Learn more about PARTE here.

Movin' and Shakin' is a dance class that class utilizes the philosophies of dance to delay the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease through confidence, rhythm, creativity, self-expression, extension and flexibility by moving the body in a conscious way. 

Pilates is a low-impact exercise that focuses on strengthening the body through a series of precise movements and breath control. It has a positive impact on fitness, balance and physical function in PwPD.

This class combines methods of yoga, martial arts and the human anatomy to create a well-rounded form of exercise. While improving physical and mental faculties, it increases agility, flexibility and range of motion while toning and improving posture. Learn more about Mat Fusion here.

We understand the special challenges involved with caregiving and offer multiple support groups including, PD Partners and PD Related Dementia Support Group. These groups meet on a monthly basis. We also offer social work information if you should need additional support navigating care for your loved one. For complete information on support group meetings and times, head to our PD Support page.

In addition to support groups, we also offer Fit2Care™, a unique fitness and therapy-based program created specifically for caregivers of people living with Parkinson's Disease.