In-Person Exercise Classes
The APDA partners with places in the community to bring classes closer to you. Funding for the classes is provided by the APDA so they are free to people with Parkinsons. Classes require registration which can be completed below by clicking on “Register Now”. Contact the APDA or local YMCA for more information.
| Belleville, Downtown Belleville YMCA – Kern Center 200 S Illinois St. | Mon/Wed 11:00 am | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Belleville, East Belleville YMCA 2627 Carlyle Ave | Tues/Thurs 11:00 am Begins 4/2/24 | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Breese, Clinton Co. YMCA 14160 Jamestown Rd. | Tues/Thurs 12:30 pm | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Carlinville Area Hospital 20613 N. Broad St. | Tuesday 10:00 am | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Champaign, Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Dr. | Monday 1:00 pm | Strength and Balance | Register Now |
| Champaign, Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Dr. | Tues/Thurs 1:00 pm | Functional Chair Fitness | Register Now |
| Champaign, Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Dr. | Wednesday 1:00 pm | Seated Yoga | Register Now |
| Champaign, Stephens Family YMCA 2501 Fields South Dr. | Friday 1:00 pm | Standing Functional Fitness | Register Now |
| Decatur Family YMCA 220 W McKinley Avenue | Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00 am | Pedaling for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Decatur Family YMCA 220 W McKinley Avenue | Tues/Thurs 9:00 am | Parkinsons on the Move | Register Now |
| Edwardsville YMCA 1200 Esic Drive | Tues/Thurs 11:00 am | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| O’Fallon YMCA 284 North Seven Hills Road | Tues/Thurs 12:00 pm | Exercise for Parkinsons | Register Now |
| Quincy YMCA 3101 Maine Street | Tues/Fri 10:30 am | Fit to Fight: PD Boxing | Register Now |
Springfield, IL (Sangamon County)
The Joy of Movement – a dance class for people with PD and their care partners. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm in person.
**Temporarily meeting at The Grant Conservatory 501 W Elliott Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
Wednesdays at 10:30 am – 11:45 am online on Zoom. The instructor will gladly assist you in learning to use the zoom platform to participate in online classes.
There is no fee to participate in the class, but registration is required. Due to the progressive structure of the class, no new registrants will be accepted after the first two weeks of class.
To register or obtain further information, contact Eve Fischberg, at 217.494.4961 or joyofmovement2@gmail.com
www.thejoyofmovement.org
In case of inclement weather, the Joy of Movement class will follow the Springfield School District closure schedule.
At-Home Activities
Tips For Safe At-Home Exercise
If you have not been exercising regularly, please consult your healthcare provider before doing anything new.
• Choose a space where you’ll have enough room to move around
• If using a chair or other furniture for assistance, make sure it’s sturdy and isn’t going to slide around
• If exercising by yourself, make sure you have access to a phone just in case
• Make a plan: schedule fitness into your day and week
• Consult your physician if you have any health concerns or are just getting started
Our number one tip for at-home exercise is to TAKE A WALK if it is a safe option. There simply is no replacement for the outdoors, the fresh air, the movement, and it is free!
Want to create a great and safe home exercise space? Watch this short video or view our Setting Up for Success: Safe Exercise at Home Guide HERE
Note: We know many live exercise sessions are offered through Zoom. Click Here, if you would like to know a little more about how to use Zoom.
YouTube Classes
Our sister chapter in Missouri has many exercise classes on YouTube which you can follow along at your convenience. They add new classes every week. Check out their new classes or watch a previous class. You won’t get bored with the number of classes available to you. Click here to watch a class now.
Additional APDA Resources
Order the APDA “Be Active & Beyond Book.” You can call us at 800-223-2732 and we will mail it to you. You can also download it here.
Watch the Webinar “Getting Motivated to Move” here.
Watch the Let’s Keep Moving Webinar Series. Watch recorded versions on APDA’s YouTube Channel.
More APDA classes can be found on the APDA Greater St. Louis Chapter’s YouTube Channel. They have a variety of recorded classes catered to varying abilities that can be accessed.
Need some expert advice? Call the APDA Exercise Helpline! 888-606-1688 or email: rehab@bu.edu
Video and Live Classes Options
APDA’s FREE Virtual Classes
Visit our Virtual Calendar for the most up to date registration information regarding the below.
Registration is required. Registration links and more information about the program can be found after each class description below.Yoga for PD: Join Elizabeth Durnin, a certified Yoga Therapist, CIAYT, for this program designed to help people with PD, family members, and care partners.
Every Thursday at 1:00 pm ET
Dance for PD: People living with Parkinson’s and their families are invited to explore elements of different dance styles from the safety of their home with energizing and inspiring music themes.
Sessions held on various days and times throughout the week.
Body Moves: A movement class designed to increase your strength and balance, improve your posture, and engage your brain. Whether seated, standing, or lying on the floor, you will learn how to move with greater ease and comfort. (Brought to you by APDA Northwest)
Every Wednesday and Saturday at 1:30 pm ET
Find out more about Body Moves through this video
Chair Yoga: An alignment-focused, fun, mindful class with adaptations offered to dial-up or down your need for a challenge. Increase your strength, flexibility, and creativity while learning and practicing yogic principles with Jenn. (Brought to you by APDA Northwest)
Every Tuesday at 4:00 pm ET
DANCE for Body, Mind & Spirit: Join Chris Daigre, dancer, teacher, and person with PD for a fun and inclusive dance experience. Move to the music and learn movements that support postural stability, increased range of motion, and fluency. (Brought to you by APDA Northwest)
Want a taste of the class? Check out this video! Questions? Email Chris: daigre.chris@gmail.com
Every Sunday at 3:00 pm ET
Rock Steady Boxing: Rock Steady Boxing gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through non-contact boxing inspired fitness curriculum. This small group training consists of exercises largely adapted from boxing drills that focus on agility, speed, muscular endurance, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength. Our friends at Pavitt Fitness in Juneau, AK are now bringing non-contact boxing to your own home! (Brought to you by APDA Northwest)
You can also check them out at gopavitt.com/rocksteady/ and on Facebook facebook.com/JuneauRockSteady.
To participate in this class you must have a virtual pre-program assessment with the coaches. Please email Keegan@gopavitt.com to get set up with class!
Space Limited and starts on October 3.
EMAIL Keegan
Sing Loud for PD: A chorus for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. No previous musical experience is required and all lyrics will be provided! (Brought to you in collaboration with APDA, Guild Hall, and Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease and supported by the New York Foundation for Eldercare.)
Every Wednesday at 3:30 pm ET.
Yoga for People with PD: Join longtime Yoga for PD instructor Peter Lynch (all levels and abilities welcome). From novices to experienced yogis, there is something for everyone. Gain a greater sense of well-being and movement through increased flexibility, strength, breathe, and balance. (Brought to you by APDA Northwest)
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 pm ET
Visit our Virtual Events Calendar for a complete list of virtual programs.
Rock Steady Boxing
They offer short classes posted regularly on YouTube.
Boomerang Therapy Works
They offer both Facebook Live classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and have an archive of previous classes available to view anytime.
Silver Sneakers
Although not Parkinson’s-specific, Silver Sneakers is a specialty program designed for those 65+. They will be doing some Facebook Live classes and have an archive of previous classes available to view anytime.
The generosity and creativity of both local and regional Parkinson’s exercise specialists have truly been an inspiration. We will continue adding to this list, and encourage you to check back frequently when you want to change things up!