Adirondack Health launches Parkinson’s Disease fitness program
SARANAC LAKE — Adirondack Health’s Lake Placid Medical Fitness Center is now offering Parkinson’s-specific fitness programming to the community.
Several of Adirondack Health’s exercise specialists are now certified as Parkinson’s fitness specialists through the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Program, PWR!Moves.
The goal of this program is to better the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease, PD, through exercise. Adirondack Health recently announced the introduction of specialized Parkinson’s Wellness Coaching by its PWR!Moves certified exercise specialists. These professionals are uniquely trained to integrate PD-specific functional skill training into personalized fitness coaching sessions, aimed at improving overall fitness levels and reducing PD symptoms.
PWR!Moves certified exercise specialists have skills designed to incorporate evidence-based research on exercise and brain change into practical, effective programs for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Their expertise spans a spectrum of fitness components including aerobics, flexibility, strength, balance and agility, tailored to address the specific needs and challenges posed by PD. These exercise specialists follow Parkinson’s Foundation exercise recommendations, which ensure that individuals with Parkinson’s receive safe and effective exercise programs designed to optimize their health and wellness.
The PWR!Moves approach emphasizes neuroplasticity-principled therapy and exercise plans that are adaptable to varying disease severities. Each coaching session is designed not only to enhance physical fitness but also to promote cognitive engagement, creating a supportive environment where participants are encouraged to surpass their own expectations, while also having fun.
Key benefits of working with a PWR!Moves-certified exercise specialist include the following:
¯ Specialized understanding: Professionals who comprehend the nuances of Parkinson’s Disease and its impact on physical capabilities.
¯ Personalized support: Guidance from experts skilled in helping individuals navigate exercise routines amidst the challenges of a chronic disease.
¯ Research-backed programs: Access to exercises supported by scientific research, aimed at alleviating symptoms including freezing, tremors, or stiffness during movement.
“Implementing Parkinson’s-specific coaching has been a goal of mine for many years,” said Traci Marie Wagner, director of the Medical Fitness Center. “I’m proud of my team for pursuing this training.”
Wagner’s passion for providing PD-specific programming came from a personal experience.
“My grandmother passed away this year with Parkinson’s Disease and she suffered for a long time without having the guidance and tools that a fitness professional can provide to help navigate the disease with more ease,” she said.
Medical Fitness Center Exercise Specialist Mike Leggett, who is now a Certified Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Specialist, said he’s had the opportunity to meet many people with PD and their family members, who are also affected by the disease.
“I have heard their stories and listened to the hardships they face,” Leggett said. “When the opportunity arose to attend the Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery course and become certified as a Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Specialist, I jumped at it. What I learned while attending the course both encouraged and inspired me. I look forward to bringing the skills and knowledge I have attained to anyone who wishes to learn, to fight against the symptoms that Parkinson’s afflicts on their body.”
Andrea Chamberlain, manager of Fit for Life and Cardiac Rehab, has been working closely with this program and the exercise specialists.
“Our team has been working with our Parkinson’s coaching patients for over a month and the positive feedback I am receiving from our patients and their caregivers validates the need for this programming in our community” she said. “The interest from our community has been overwhelming and we are excited to be able to help those diagnosed with PD continue to lead active lives.”
For more information on Parkinson’s Wellness Coaching, visit AHMedicalFitness.org or contact Andrea Chamberlain by email at achamberlain@adirondackhealth.org.