Fitness

So Many Benefits From Movement Classes

Steve Walsh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014 while living in Michigan and ready to retire. Shortly after his diagnosis, he moved back home to Kentucky to be near family, but did not waste any time making movement a priority, becoming a regular class participant at the Norton Neuroscience Institute (NNI).

The NNI Resource Center provides exercise, education, and therapeutic classes for individuals with any neurological disease, including movement disorders, according to NNI Program Coordinator, Heather Osborne.

Steve participates regularly in the Rock Steady Boxing classes and Tai Chi. With Tai Chi, “I benefit from improved control over balance and walking. Definitely better than sitting on the couch for an hour!” Steve shares. “The boxing class requires more elements of cardio and strength training. Improving and maintaining strength and muscle mass is required for balance.”

The NNI Resource Center offers many classes, including Tai Chi, Yoga, and Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement. In addition, individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease have tailored classes, including yoga, fitness, movement and mobility, creative dance, and boxing classes. While each of these classes offers a different approach, each has an intentional focus on mobility and control.

Extensive research has been done in the realm of movement disorders and show that Tai Chi and Yoga, when practiced consistently, have shown improved balance, spatial awareness, reduced fall risk, improved management of stress and anxiety, as well as improved cognitive function, according to Natalie Vance, a physical therapist with Norton Healthcare.

Steve includes not just the exercise classes as part of his proactive approach to his diagnosis, but also monthly support groups and educational programs offered through the Parkinson’s Support Center. The Parkinson’s Support Center is a resource offered free of charge to anyone diagnosed with the disease. Other NNI programs are available free of charge to any Norton patient.

“It’s easy to become isolated. In support groups and exercise classes, there is a sense of community,” Steve says. “Every exercise class I go to, I see people that inspire me to keep doing what I need to do.” An unofficial advocate of the many programs offered through the NNI, Steve says he attends as many classes as he can and tries to help others find classes that will help them through their everyday challenges.

Tai Chi consists of slow, intentional movements that combine mind and body, with an emphasis on control of movement and breathing. Yoga practice works with breath and meditation, and may increase body awareness, release of muscle spasticity, and improved coordination and balance. The Feldenkrais Method uses gentle movement intended to increase your range and ease of movement, flexibility, and coordination.

By Meredith Walston | Photo by Patti Hartog