WellnessWorks
Our PD and Movement Disorders Center is proud to be on the leading edge, not only in diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's and similar illnesses, but in the study of new ways to help patients manage their disease. Our WellnessWorks Program consists of movement classes and educational/support programs intended to help those with Parkinson's live a healthy life.
WellnessWorks Exercise Classes
Some research suggests that many patients with movement disorders benefit greatly from practicing what is so difficult for them — movement. Over the past five years, we have developed specialized online classes with instructors trained in the needs of PD to bring high-level exercise programs to both patients and their care partners. Most classes are taught online with live instructors.
It is always important to consult with your healthcare team before beginning any new physical activity, including online exercise classes and programs.
When signing up for WellnessWorks, participants can choose between a 3 month or 1 year membership. However, we recognize that the situation is changing, meaning we may make adjustments to the plan depending on how many people sign up for these classes. For any questions related to WellnessWorks memberships or classes, please contact mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Class Descriptions
Wednesdays, 10:00 - 11:00 am
This class is designed for people who need more postural support and may use walkers and wheelchairs to get around. The class will include many of the same movements as the Monday class but at a slower pace and with more support. Students will begin class on the floor but will need to be able to come to a standing position during the class utilizing the support of a chair. Partners and care givers are encouraged to take the class also.
Fridays, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Students in this class need to feel comfortable standing and getting up and down from the floor. We will practice standing poses to strengthen legs and spinal support along with twists, gentle back bends and balancing poses. Class will begin and close with awareness practices and time to rest and integrate the movement.
Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
This class focuses on the four components of fitness: cardio, strength, flexibility and balance. Exercises are specifically designed to gradually improve your overall fitness level and improve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Each participant can go at their own pace, and modifications are offered for each exercise. The program is hosted by Anita Luck, a Movement Specialist working in fitness since she stepped off the stage as a professional ballet dancer in 1988. She joined Wellness Works as a Boot Camp instructor in 2016 and is happy to share her knowledge in working with people who have PD.
Tuesdays, 1:30 pm
Joyfully increase your strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance in this Nia® Moving to Heal class. Join Rosanne Russell, Nia® and experienced Parkinson’s Instructor who specializes in helping people personalize their movements in ways that are just right for their own bodies. Class is taught seated with optional standing choices and is set to fun and engaging music.
Wellness Works is collaborating with Central Rock Gym in Watertown, MA. We are excited to announce that we will begin to bring indoor Rock Climbing to PWP and Care Partners! There is literature to demonstrate that this form of aerobic exercise may have benefits for PWP helping with symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. Safety of the climber is maintained by the use of the harness and belay system. Importantly, rock climbing is fun and builds community; another way of “fighting back." The literature on Rock Climbing and PD has descriptions of the success of PD Rock Climbers who accomplished goals they didn’t think possible, building confidence.
Please note: Rock climbing is not included with a WellnessWorks membership. These sessions require individual sign-up and have an additional cost. Email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to learn about the next session.
Thursdays, 9:00 - 10:00 am | Wednesday 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Reduce stress, build community and practice self-care. This class is part support group, part meditation practice, and is for anyone who identifies as a care partner for a person with PD. We begin each meeting with time to share experiences, challenges, and rewards of being a care partner. We end each session with a period of seated, guided meditation. The meditation practice is awareness based and requires no previous experience.
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
The Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at BIDMC has developed a modified Tai Chi Wellness Program for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our instructors for this program teach our participants many of the traditional gentle movements and mind-body exercises associated with Tai Chi while also utilizing many specific movements focused on improving Parkinson's disease symptoms. The program features weekly individual classes that are designed to meet the needs of individuals with Parkinson's disease who will be able to stand for the entire 60-minute class.
Mondays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Fridays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
BIDMC is proud to partner with Rock Steady Boxing to provide this popular, high-energy wellness program. We will use the team teaching approach offered by Cheryl Marconi, owner and coach of LIFT PERSONAL TRAINING, and her co-coach Max Marcoux. As an experienced Certified Rock Steady Boxing instructor, Cheryl understands Parkinson’s inside and out: her husband was diagnosed with PD and fights hard using fitness to hold back the disease. Cheryl and Max are inspired by helping one person at a time in their energized RSB classes with the philosophy that physical strength builds confidence and emotional resolve.
$45.00 per month
This allows access to ONE class per week (so 4 or sometimes 5 classes in a month). It can be the same class each week, or you can try different classes each week. Email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to learn more about a Basic Membership.
$85.00 per month
This allows access to any of our classes each week. No limit to the number, except that there is a possibility that we may have to limit new enrollment of IF any of the classes become too large. Email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to learn more about a Full Membership.
$125.00 per month
This allows the same options as the full membership but provides much needed additional funds to cover other expenses for our educational and wellness programs. We hope that anyone who can generously be in the role of a "sponsor" will consider doing so. Those who sign up to be a "sponsor" will be recognized by name in our newsletter and on our website, unless they prefer to remain anonymous. Email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to learn more about a Sponsor Membership.
WellnessWorks Support Programs
In addition to movement classes, WellnessWorks offers a variety of free support programs for those living with Parkinson's. Most of our programs occur monthly or bi-monthly. However, we also offer stand-alone programs and events throughout the year. View our recurring programs below. Currently, all programs take place over Zoom.
Support Programs
For and About Women is a virtual networking group that brings together women with Parkinson’s. Some participants are relatively newly diagnosed while others have been living with PD for longer. The supportive environment of monthly meetings allows women to share experiences. Women within the group discover they share similarities as well as differences in terms of the impact of PD and how each member copes.
Meetings promote learning about issues unique to women. Participants share “life hacks” and strategies for daily living. They provide new and different perspectives with understanding and a sense of humor. Periodically guest speakers are featured who offer their expertise on relevant topics. Group meetings encourage and empower participants to live well with PD and build community within a strong group of women. To join this group, email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu.
This discussion group brings people with Parkinson's together to consider the challenges of the “mid years,” when medications may no longer be as effective and new PD symptoms may mean additional lifestyle changes. This group is facilitated by Lissa Kapust, LICSW, Wellness Works program coordinator, and two people with Parkinson's who are in the “middle years." Together, we share ideas about how to make needed accommodations and maintain wellbeing. To limit the size of this well-attended meeting, we ask that participation is limited to people with PD only. Email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to join!
Young People with Parkinson's is a networking and discussion group for those 50 and younger; many of our group members are still working, and some have not shared their diagnosis with others. Our goal is to young people with PD with an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about the unique challenges that come with a young PD diagnosis, such as caring for yourself while also balancing work and family. Occasionally, meetings feature a movement disorders specialist who addresses medical issues specific to young onset PD. Please note: While there may be some flexibility in the age requirement, these meetings are geared toward patients under 50. To register for an upcoming meeting, email hbabcock@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Calling All Artists (CAA) has been bringing artists together for 4 years to facilitate support, discussion and networking. Virtual group meetings are open to new members: artists of all kinds and varying skill levels. In addition to meetings, curators of the Museum of Fine Arts host private virtual tours for the group. CAA is a “beyond the pill box” way to maintain wellness and continue to enjoy your artistic pursuits. To join our next CAA meeting, email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu.
Being an adult child whose parent has PD can be challenging and rewarding. This program provides adult children an opportunity to connect with others, share resources, and discuss planning for current and future needs of their parents. Past meeting topics include:
- The Skillful Juggling Act: Balancing the Needs of Your Parent with Your Needs
- I Have a Parent with PD: Do I Think Ahead or Stay Focused on the Present?
- My Parent has PD and I Have Questions
Adult children can email mguo1@bidmc.harvard.edu to learn more and join our next meeting.