Community Activity & Exercise Groups

Community Activity & Exercise Classes in Rhode Island and Southern MA


Boxing Programs

East Greenwich- Rock Steady Boxing, East Greenwich, 2240 South County Trail, East Greenwich, RI. Certified RSB trainer Carolyn Kosiba-Quiterio. For more information please call Carolyn at 401-203-5133

Pawtucket, RI – P.D. Fight Club LLC, 545 Pawtucket Ave. Pawtucket RI 02860

Class schedule: All classes are held M-F 10am – Boxing with Functional training run M,W,F and Tuesday & Thursday are strength training days. Coaches: Mary Del Pino & Kendra Nadeau – For more information contact: call (508)-254-9122 or (401) 714-4876 Email: pdfightclubattleboro@yahoo.com Website: pdfightclubattleboro.com

Newport, RI – PWR!Moves® Parkinson’s Boxing Fusion Class, 1 Casino Terrace, Newport RI 02840

This class combines PWR!Moves® Parkinson’s specific exercises and functional movements with classic boxing training to improve Parkinson’s Symptoms. Classes will offer large amplitude moderate intensity exercise and focus on posture, agility, balance, strength, and cardio training. People with Parkinson’s Disease who are able to walk independently, with or without an assistive device, are invited to take control of their PD symptoms with PWR!Moves® Boxing Fusion!

Classes are lead by Kristin Matteson who is PWR!Moves® certified fitness trainer and Jesse Macrae from Newport Boxfit. Classes take place at Newport Boxfit studio every Thursday from 1-2pm. If you have any questions, please email info@NewportBoxfit.com or call 401-743-6183. Visit the website here.

North Attleboro, MA – Beauties & Beasts, Beauties & Beasts Rock Steady, 18 Church Street, North Attleboro MA. Certified RSB trainer Dena Paolino. For more information please call 617-201-1868

North Attleboro, MA- Elite Boxing and Fitness, 184 Orne St, North Attleboro MA 02760 Certified RBS trainer Tracey Pierce.   For more information please contact Tracey at 401-617-9826

Peace Dale – South County YMCA, 165 Broad Rock Road Peace Dale, RI 02883. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at two times:  11-12:15 and 12:30-1:45. For more information please contact Jenny Gallagher at jgallagher@gpymca.org or 401 783 3900.

Smithfield – Manfredo Boxing Sports Fitness, 55 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917. Certified RSB trainer Maria Kishfy. For more information please call 401-440-8136

Westerly – Punch Back at Parkinson’s, Westerly YMCA 95 High Street, Westerly RI 02891

Learn more about this new program in Westerly by calling 401-596-2894


 Delay the Disease Programming

Attleboro YMCA- The Attleboro YMCA now offers a new, life-changing fitness and mobility program expressly designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. Led by a certified instructor, Delay the Disease is an evidence-based fitness program designed to empower those living with Parkinson’s by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms, and helping to restore an improved quality of life. Exercise plans are adapted to all stages and levels of the disease.

Tuesdays at 11:00 am – Delay the Disease at the Downtown Branch in the Fuller Gym

Wednesdays at 11:00 am – Stretch & Mobility at the Downtown Branch in the Fuller Gym and via Zoom:   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85753938636

Thursdays at 11:00 am – Delay the Disease at the Downtown Branch in the Carpenter Gym

For more information email Lisa Vecchioli: at lvecchioli@attleboroymca.org


Dance

Dance For PD, Dance for All People (DAPpers)-Scandinavian Communities, CareLink, Brown University

Dartmouth, MA– Dance for PD- Every Monday 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dartmouth Senior Center, 628 Dartmouth St. Dartmouth. For more information, please contact Rachel at 401-261-7062 or email her at Balaban.Rachel@gmail.com

Scandinavian Community– Dance for All People (including Parkinson’s), Monday 2:00-3:00 pm at Scandinavian Community in Cranston RI, under the direction of Rachel Balaban, in person and via zoom. To inquire about in-person attendance, contact Balaban.Rachel@gmail.com

To register for Zoom contact Justin Erban at jerban@carelinkri.org
Zoom Link:
https://carelinkri-org.zoom.us/j/82405977011
This program is brought to you in part through the generosity of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association

No experience is required. Caregivers welcome

Middletown, RI– DAPpers Dance for All People- On Zoom- These classes are under the direction of Rachel Balaban, Regional Coordinator for Dance for PD. The class is designed for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement challenges. No experience is required. Caregivers and partners are welcome. Newport Country YMCA, 792 Valley Rd., Middletown, RI. The cost is set by the YMCA. Classes are currently offered via zoom. For more information, please contact Rachel at 401-261-7062 or email at: Balaban.Rachel@gmail.com 

New London- Dance For PD- On zoom (and occasionally also in person). Wednesday 10:30-11:45. These classes are under the direction of Rachel Balaban, Regional Coordinator for Dance for PD. The class is designed for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement challenges. No experience is required. Caregivers and partners are welcome. These classes are sponsored by Neighborhood Music School and are currently offered via zoom. For more information, please contact Rachel at 401-261-7062 or email at: Balaban.Rachel@gmail.com

balaban.rachel@gmail.comProvidence– DAPpers Dance for All People. In Person and on Zoom at Ballet Rhode Island, 825 Hope Street, Every Thursday 10-11:15 am. These classes are under the direction of Rachel Balaban, Regional Coordinator for Dance for PD often assisted by Brown University medical students. The class is designed for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement and cognitive challenges. No experience is required. Caregivers and partners are welcome. For more information, please contact Rachel at 401-261-7062 or email at: Balaban.Rachel@gmail.com

  • Enhance your physicality — increase coordination and flexibility, strengthen your core, and improve balance while releasing body tension
  • Increase your bodily awareness
  • Grow your support network — feel encouraged as you explore movement and socialize within a safe and comfortable Zoom community
  • Explore your creativity and have fun


Loud Crowd

Kingston-URI Speech & Hearing Clinic- The “LOUD CROWD” at the University of Rhode Island is a group to support people with Parkinson’s Disease in their goals to be understood and maintain the best quality of life possible. Each session consists of activities to increase speech amplitude including; sustained vocal phonation, high and low exercises, functional phrases, automatic speaking tasks, and conversation. In addition, there are monthly educational sessions and meetings of care partners of people with Parkinson’s Disease to address their concerns. Call for dates and times.  For more information call Dr. Leslie Mahler at 401-874-2490 or by email at lmahler@uri.edu


Drum for Parkinson’s

Warwick- Kent County YMCA Drum for Parkinson’s. Classes are held on Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. This class is seated and uses stability balls and weighted drumsticks, improve motor skills while drumming to the music. Registration is required for this class. The community is encouraged to tour the facility and see what the YMCA has to offer! Call: 401-828-0130 for more information, this program may be on hold currently.


Pedaling For Parkinson’s

Attleboro/Norton MA YMCA Pedaling for Parkinson’s classes are available. For information contact Nicole Szeliga at 1-508-222-7422

Lincoln, RI – MacColl YMCA (32 Breakneck Hill Road) Classes are offered every 8 weeks, next session will begin on  October 21 through December 13th. Parkinson’s classes will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12pm to 1pm. Our Pawtucket branch will be offering a Saturday class from 10-11. Some studies show, riding an indoor bike can reduce Parkinson motor symptoms up to 35%. 

For more information call 401-725-0773 or email Selena Scott sscott@ymcapawt.org

Warwick- Kent County YMCA Pedaling for Parkinson’s. Classes are held Tuesday & Thursday at 11:30 a.m. The intake process includes a medical history questionnaire and approval from the physician. The community is encouraged to tour the facility and see what the YMCA has to offer! Call: 401-828-0130 for more information.

Westerly- YMCA Pedaling for Parkinson’s is a cycle class at the Westerly YMCA geared to improve movement quality and posture. It is a vigorous exercise program requiring participants to pedal a stationary bike at 80-90 revolutions per minute at heart rates between 60% to 80% of their maximal heart rate. For more information call: 401-596-2894


Cycling

Newport- Parkinson’s Cycling Program These classes are under the direction of Kristin Matteson who is a CMES (Certified Medical Exercise Specialist), Parkinson’s Cycle Coach, and PWRMoves! Certified Exercise Instructor.   Participants must be able to mount and dismount a stationary bike with minimal assistance and have trunk control sufficient to sit unsupported for 20 minutes. Classes are held at Renaissance Fitness, 221 Third St. First Fl North,  Newport, RI.  The cost is $15.00 per 45-minute class. For more information, please contact Kristin at 401-743-6183 at kmatri@hotmail.com or https://www.specializedri.com/


PWR- Parkinson’s Specific Exercise Classes

PWR!Moves is an evidence-based PD-specific skill training program designed to maintain or restore skills that deteriorate and interfere with everyday movement.

PWR!Moves Circuit ClassRenaissance Fitness with Kristin, This class integrates PWR!Moves into strength, agility, balance, coordination, and flexibility training. (45 Minutes)

PWR!Moves Small Group Class: (2-3 participants) Smaller group for those requiring more individual attention or assistance and a slower-paced class. (45 minutes)

Classes are held at Renaissance Fitness 221 Third St. First Fl North, Newport RI. For more information on PWR classes please contact Kristin Matteson Certified Medical Exercise Specialist and Certified PWR!Moves Instructor at (401) 743-6183 kmatri@hotmail.com   https://www.specializedri.com/

Parkinson’s Power, with Michelle Hatzberger at Healthtrax, Warwick RI. This class is appropriate for anyone working to improve stability, balance, and range of motion! It incorporates all of the PWR!Moves training methods described above, and this class is very welcoming and in a wonderful facility at Healthtrax. Caregivers are always welcome!

Classes are held every Tuesday morning at 9:15 at Healthtrax on 2191 Post Road in Warwick RI.

Membership at Healthtrax is not needed to join the class, but registration in advance is required. For more information on registering for this class, please reach out to Michelle Hatzberger at mhatzberger@healthtrax.net

Newport, RI – PWR!Moves® Parkinson’s & Boxing Fusion Class, 1 Casino Terrace, Newport RI 02840 This class combines PWR!Moves® Parkinson’s specific exercises and functional movements with classic boxing training to improve Parkinson’s Symptoms. Classes will offer large amplitude moderate intensity exercise and focus on posture, agility, balance, strength, and cardio training. People with Parkinson’s Disease who are able to walk independently, with or without an assistive device, are invited to take control of their PD symptoms with PWR!Moves® Boxing Fusion! Classes are led by Kristin Matteson who is PWR!Moves® certified fitness trainer and Jesse Macrae from Newport Boxfit. Classes take place at Newport Boxfit studio every Thursday from 1-2pm. In 2024 this schedule will switch to Wednesdays at 1:00pm. If you have any questions, please email info@NewportBoxfit.com or call 401-743-6183.

PWR MOVES!® at the YMCA Newport County YMCA, Middletown 792 Valley Road Middletown, RI

This is a class for Individuals with Parkinson’s disease that provides specific, research-backed movements that target the primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. This class will include endurance, strength, and balance components to challenge individuals in a safe way.

Classes are led by Dr. Jordan Juzwiak, PT, DPT who is certified in PWR! Moves Therapist and is passionate about working with people to achieve their goals. The class takes place on Mondays from 1:30-2:30 pm. Please contact Dr. Jordan for more information and current schedule at drjordan@newportRIPT.com or call at 616-916-2751

Newport RI PWR!Moves® Exercise Class at Newport Healthworks, 13 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI 02840 

This takes place on Tuesdays 2:15 -3:15 at occur weekly. Call/text Jordan at 616-916-2751 Or email @ drjordan@newportript.com

Mission for the class: To provide an environment for people with Parkinson’s disease to participate in specific exercise, socialize, educate, and empower individuals to improve functional movement and quality of life. This class is for people with Parkinson’s disease who are able to walk independently with or without an assistive device, are invited to take control of their PD symptoms with PWR!Moves® for Parkinson’s at NPT Healthworks

Class description:

  • 6-week program led by a PWR!Moves® certified physical therapist
  • Pre and post fitness testing to measure progress throughout the 6-week session
  • Learn the key fundamental and functional PWR!Moves®
  • Will be progressively challenged cognitively and physically, in a fun and supportive environment.

Personal Fitness Training (In-Home)

Why personal training? The best time of day to exercise varies depending on your schedule, medication, and symptoms. In-home training allows you to select the best time to exercise at your fullest potential for optimum results.

Maria Kishfy, B.S. is a fitness professional with specialized training in chronic conditions including APDA Parkinson’s Disease Training for Fitness Professionals.  For more information, please contact Maria at 401-440-8136 or email at mariakishfy@gmail.com Please Note: Maria may not be taking new clients for at home training at this time.

Carolyn Kosiba-Quiterio is a fitness professional with specialized training in chronic conditions including APDA Parkinson’s Disease Training for Fitness Professionals. For more information please call Carolyn at 401-203-5133.


Yoga Classes

Yoga for People with Parkinson’s, Sangha, 693 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA

This class in New Bedford on Friday mornings at 10:30 utilizes functionally based movement experiences, selected yoga postures and practices on and off the floor, breathing exercises and more. Experience the joy of movement while learning ways to navigate common challenges as they arise. This program is supported by the APDA MA Chapter. Instructor: Nanci Winterhalter, Certified Yoga Therapist, MS, PT at: Sanghanewbedford.com or call 508-990-0178.

Chair Yoga for People with Parkinson’s, Dartmouth COA, 628 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, MA

This class at Dartmouth COA on Tuesdays at 1:00 utilizes functionally based movement experiences in seated and/or standing as able, selected yoga postures, breathing exercises and more. Let’s experience the joy of movement together while we navigate challenges as they arise.  With Nanci Winterhalter, Certified Yoga Therapist, MS, PT. Call Nancy Miller at 508-999-4717 for details.


Personal Training

Kristin Matteson is a Certified Medical Exercise Specialist and Certified PWR!Moves Instructor. Kristin offers personal training in a small gym setting in Newport RI.

 For more information please  contact Kristin Matteson at (401) 743-6183 kmatri@hotmail.com  https://www.specializedri.com/