Parkinson's Fitness Classes & Cargiver Support Classes |

Fitness Classes

Rock Steady Boxing
Tuesdays, 1:30 PM / Emily Rzonca
(BGF – in person only)

Wednesdays, 10:00 AM / Raeann Wright
(Virtual)

Wednesdays, 11:00 AM / Raeann Wright
(Cohn – in person only)

Fridays, 1:30 PM / Sarah Flook
(BGF – in person only)

A fun activity that focuses on building strength in the core. Rock Steady Boxing conditions for agility, speed, endurance, hand-eye coordination.

Stretch & Strengthen
Mondays, 1:30 PM / Sarah Flook
(BGF + Virtual)

Thursdays, 2:00 PM / Theresa Martinez
(Cohn + Virtual)

This class addresses flexibility and neuromotor functions such as balance and gait, coordination, and agility. The class encourages muscular strength and muscular endurance. It is designed to enhance physical and mental balance and coordination.

Let’s Move with Jerry Simon

Mondays, 11:00 AM / Jerry Simon
(Cohn + Virtual)

Just the right amount of challenge with weights, bands, and stretching

Brain Games: Jeopardy, Word Find, etc.

Thursdays, 11:30 AM (Virtual)

A fun morning of games and puzzles to engage the brain and sharpen the mind.

Tremble Clefs Singing Group
Mondays, 3:00 PM
(Cohn + Virtual)

Addresses voice projection, breathing and posture. Tremble Clefs is voice therapy and mutual social support through singing, performance and the power of making music together.

Fine Motor Skills & Handwriting Workshop with Cathy Daumen

Fridays, 10:30 AM (Virtual)

Helps reinforce the brain signals to improve eye and hand coordination.

This is a 3-step approach: exercising the large arm/hand muscles, working with the fine motor skills, and exercises to improve handwriting.

All 3 areas need to work together for success.

Thoughtful Breathing & Meditation with Linda Klug

Tuesdays, 2:30 PM
(BGF + Virtual)

Introduction to breath awareness techniques and mindful meditation to reduce stress and encourage relaxation.

Tai Chi with Charlie Zayas

Fridays, 2:15 PM (Cohn + Virtual)

Tai Chi has been shown to be one of the most effective exercises for improving balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease by using gentle, flowing movements with the breath to improve balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and motor control. Tai Chi calms all the systems of the body, targeting the nervous system, which helps relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

Cardio Drumming with Michelle Hubbard

Wednesdays, 2:00 PM (BGF + Virtual)

Cardio Drumming is a fun exercise program where participants exercise to music using drumsticks (or pool noodles) to challenge their cardiovascular system as well as their neurological system by learning sequences to engage their brains.

Zumba Gold with Maria Montero

Tuesdays, 2:30 PM
(Cohn – in person only)

This energetic form of dance has been modified specifically for Parkinson’s to help improve gait, coordination, and mobility. The session will cover Parkinson’s-specific movement elements using a wide variety of dance styles, including salsa, tango, cumbia, mambo, rumba.

Support Groups

Facilitated by
Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
Mindy Bursten.

Care Partner Support Groups exclusively for newly diagnosed caregivers
Monday 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM every other week

Exclusively for caregivers
Friday 1:30 – 2:30 PM every other week

Patient Support Groups exclusively for newly diagnosed patients
Monday 10:00 – 11:00 AM every other week
Monday 12:30 – 1:30 PM every other week

Exclusively for patients
Friday 12:00 – 1:00 PM weekly

Support groups allow participants to develop peer support and exchange information with others struggling with similar challenges.

In group meetings, participants confront difficulties, share thoughts and feelings, as well as resources.

In our Parkinson’s support groups, we aim to develop self-efficacy and provide the opportunities for emotional adaptation. We provide a safe space where peers may express themselves, their struggles and triumphs, and have the opportunity to help other by sharing their own experiences.

Joining a support group is a great way to obtain further resources by hearing the experiences of others.

Social Mixers

As participants have come to feel increasingly at ease and at home in the program, they realized the added benefit of mutual support through social interaction and we are continually providing more opportunities to socialize.

Educational Events

Monthly Lunch & Learn events Anual Community Education Forum

Opportunities to learn from specialists about a variety of topics of interest to the Parkinson's community.

Other Parkinson's Resources at the JCC

ART LOOKING:
THE COGNITIVE POWER OF ART (virtual)

Led by facilitators from the Tampa Museum of Art
First Tuesday of the month, 11:00 AM

Art looking can affect brain wave patterns and the nervous system, raise serotonin levels, and enhance brain function. Tampa Museum of Art educators lead participants through the exhibit and discuss the artwork. Docents utilize guided looking techniques to inspire conversation and reflection amongst the participants.