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Parkinson’s Disease – Beyond The Shakes – York JCC Momentum Program
Parkinson’s Disease – Beyond The Shakes supports the York, PA JCC Momentum Program. Momentum is a science-based movement class for those with neurocognitive conditions, including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Brain Trauma, and more.
Momentum accommodates participants’ abilities and improves their mental, social and physical well-being.
My Momentum Experience
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 46. After doing extensive Research on Parkinson’s, I knew it was important to exercise. I exercised faithfully everyday doing a variety of activities including cycling, swimming, walking and weightlifting. However, it was until I joined the Momentum program as it was being launched did I truly realize the benefits it could provide.
I’ve been in the program for 6 years and Momentum has helped me in every aspect of my daily living with Parkinson’s. It has greatly improved my flexibility and balance, which are key exercises that we do in every class,
Secondly, it has helped with my cognitive skills because the program incorporates cognitive exercises into each class. we do dual exercises which include a physical component and a cognitive component. For example, when we are doing Squats, we will also include counting by 3’s to thirty or spelling words forward or backward. This enables us to get our physical exercise while at the same time getting the cognitive challenge. These exercises also require us to yell out the numbers or letters as we say them to help us with projecting our speech.
Finally, Momentum has enabled me to meet and interact with others going through the same struggles and challenges I go through on a daily basis. This social interaction was an added bonus. I consider the people in the program my second family. We do activities outside the program including monthly breakfast and lunch meetups. The program supports a monthly social activity as well including painting, pottery and candle making sessions.
Each instructor is not only skilled and knowledgeable about Parkinson’s, but are also caring and empathetic individuals. The develop sessions that challenge us to be our best and live our best lives. The also challenge us when they see that we are not giving our full effort. The want us to be our best and live a great quality of life. I can’t say enough about the character of the instructors.
The inclusion of physical exercise, cognitive exercises, social interaction and a group of knowledgeable, caring instructors makes this program special. I would highly recommend if your community is looking for a way to help improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease, that they evaluate the Momentum program as an option.
Parkinson’s Disease Beyond The Shakes – Steps to Join The Momentum Program:
The free screening is required before the start of class.
- Call the York JCC at (717) 843-0918 to register for your free screening. Momentum is free to both members and non-members.
- A JCC trainer will contact you to schedule your screening.
- Go to class regularly.
Susannah Gillespie
Jen Landis
Listed below is the current Momentum Schedule:
- Monday – 2 p.m. with Chris
- Tuesday – 11 a.m. with Craig
- Wednesday – 2 p.m. with Meg
- Thursday – 10 a.m. with Susannah
- Friday – 2 p.m. – Jen
York JCC Momentum Registration Link
The York JCC Momentum program would love to share their results with your organization to see if it is a good fit for you community. to learn more about the program please contact the York JCC at (717) 843-0918.
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