NEWS & UPDATES

Posted on: Friday, March 21st, 2025

Parkinson’s Programs at the Y

Parkinson’s Disease Programs at the Hockomock Area YMCA are evidenced informed program to help PD patients achieve an improved sense of well-being alongside others experiencing similar challenges, in an supportive atmosphere that meets the emotional, physical and socialization needs of its participants.

Our programs:

Pedaling for Parkinson’s is designed to help improve overall endurance, gait and balance. The program is held 5 times a week for 60 minutes and is taught by certified Indoor Cycle Instructors. This includes a 10 minute warm up at 60 RPM, followed by 40 minutes at 80 to 90 RPM, and a 10 minute cool down, with resistance. Class session will also include tracking heart rate, exercise frequency and cadence/intensity.(Participants are encouraged to attend 3 times a week for maximum program benefit but not required.)

Offered the following days/times:

Mondays at 11:00am at our Foxboro Y

Tuesdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 11:00am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 6:00pm at our North Attleboro Y

The Move Forward program is a 30-minute class for individuals with Parkinson’s combining strength training, balance and stretching for. Each weekly class will include various exercises to help improve balance, mobility, strength, endurance, cognition, and flexibility.

Offered the following days/times:

Tuesdays at 5:30pm at our North Attleboro Y

Wednesdays at 10:30am at our North Attleboro Y

Thursdays at 10:30am at our Franklin Y

The Yoga for Parkinson’s program improves balance, reduces anxiety and depression, builds strength and stability, strengthens the mind-body relationship, loosens tight muscles, and creates fluidity of movement.

Offered the following day/time:

Wednesdays at 10:30am at our North Attleboro Y

The Aquatics for Parkinson’s Program focuses on improving balance, gait and flexibility while increasing muscular strength and endurance as well as cardio-respiratory strength and endurance.

Offered the following day/time:

Tuesdays at 11:30am at our North Attleboro Y

Programs supported by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

• 30-75 years old
• Have a clinical diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease
• Complete and submit a signed consent
• Obtain clearance from a medical provider
• Be willing to take part in monitoring and data collection
• Wear wrist heart rate monitor (Provided by YMCA) to every class

When there’s the Y, there’s a way to learn about healthier living.

Inspiring Stories from participants and staff

To enroll or for more information, please contact Donna Higgins at donnah@hockymca.org or 508-643-5271.