FAQ
What is the Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center?
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.
What programs do you offer?
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 (DLB) can join the PEWC family. We also offer a Fit2Care class for caregivers and loved ones.
Does exercise really help mitigate the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
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:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/exercise-helps-prevent-fight-parkinsons-disease
https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-Parkinsons/Treatment/Exercise
How do I join The PEWC?
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 level of boxer you will be. Assessments are not typically performed the same day as an observation.
How much does it cost and what if I can’t afford it?
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 a membership. If you are concerned about the cost of a membership, please reach out to us at info@thpewc.org or call us at (913) 276-4665 for information about subsidized memberships.
Our Programs
What if I can't do everything as shown in class?
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.
What about outdoor classes?
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.
What is Rock Steady Boxing and why do you offer it?
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.
What is PWR! Moves and why do you offer it?
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.
What is Parkinson's and the Art of Expression?
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.
What is Movin' and Shakin'?
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.
What is Mat Fusion?
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.
Do you offer any classes for caregivers or loved ones of people with PD?
F2C is a unique fitness and therapy-based program created specifically for caregivers of people living with Parkinson's Disease. It is designed to build mentally, emotionally, and physically strong caregivers who can confidently perform the demanding tasks of caring for their loved one.