A Holiday Positive Approach to Care
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Parkinson’s Cafe: Rock Steady Boxing and Movement for Parkinson’s Classes With The Kensington White Plains

We are excited to present the upcoming “The Kensington’s Parkinson’s Café,” a dynamic series of three free programs designed to empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.

These engaging sessions include the following components:

  • Parkinson’s Communication Club: led by Certified Speech Language Pathologists from Burke Rehabilitation Hospital on the first Friday of each month. Specializing in LSVT LOUD® techniques, these experts will guide participants through exercises designed to improve vocal strength, volume, and articulation. This interactive and enjoyable class is perfect for individuals with Parkinson’s looking to enhance their speech in a supportive environment.
  • Rock Steady Boxing: Led by Toni Mafes, Certified Rock Steady Boxing Instructor, on the 2nd Friday of each month. This non-contact boxing program incorporates exercises to improve balance, coordination, and motor function without physical impact. Whether you’re working on agility, mental sharpness, or building strength, Rock Steady Boxing helps participants feel empowered while fostering a sense of community. Adaptable for all stages of PD, this program also focuses on reducing the risk of falls, enhancing cognitive function, and boosting self-confidence.
  • Movement for Parkinson’s Class: led by Mindy Erber, M.S., OTR, CAPS, CDP, LSVT-BI, on the 3rd Friday of each month. This class focuses on the LSVT-BIG principles and other beneficial exercises tailored to people with Parkinson’s. Learn how to incorporate large, exaggerated movements to combat the mobility challenges of PD. The class also offers tips and tricks for managing gait freezing, handwriting, and more. Participants will leave with practical ideas to apply these techniques in daily life.

This series creates a welcoming space where participants can connect, stay active, and engage in purposeful movement. 

Whether improving balance, refining speech, or boosting physical confidence, “Parkinson’s Café” is designed to meet the unique needs of those with Parkinson’s.

RSVP today to join us and experience the difference that specialized Parkinson’s exercises can make.

Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.

What is the best thing to do for Parkinson’s disease?

Staying active is one of the most important things individuals with Parkinson’s disease can do to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. 

Consistent physical activity can slow the progression of motor symptoms, boost mobility, and enhance overall well-being. 

Regular exercise strengthens muscles, improves coordination, and helps with non-motor symptoms like mood, sleep, and cognitive function. 

A well-rounded exercise routine addresses both physical and mental challenges.

For individuals with Parkinson’s, a variety of exercises can offer substantial benefits:

  • Aerobic activities like brisk walking or cycling improve cardiovascular health and endurance. 
  • Strength training using resistance bands or weights helps build muscle, while balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, increase stability and reduce the risk of falls. 
  • Stretching is equally important for maintaining flexibility and easing stiffness.
  • Boxing, in particular, has gained popularity for its ability to improve coordination, strength, and reflexes. 

The boxing classes in the Parkinson’s Café series offer participants an engaging way to stay active and improve motor skills. 

Additionally, speech and vocalization exercises, like those offered in the communications club, help individuals maintain and strengthen their voices, addressing common non-motor symptoms like speech difficulties.

What is the best exercise for Parkinson’s?

There is no single “best” exercise for Parkinson’s disease, as each individual’s needs and abilities are unique. 

The most important factor is finding enjoyable, sustainable, and suitable exercises for the person’s specific physical capabilities. 

Whether it’s a structured program or a favorite activity, maintaining consistency is key to experiencing the full benefits of exercise. 

A balanced routine that incorporates various types of exercise can help manage both motor and non-motor symptoms, improving mobility, strength, and overall well-being.

The most effective types of exercises for those with Parkinson’s include:

  • Boxing and its cognitive benefits: Boxing has become a popular exercise for Parkinson’s due to its ability to enhance coordination, reflexes, and strength. It also provides cognitive stimulation by requiring quick thinking and precise movements. Boxing classes, like those offered at the “Parkinson’s Café,” combine physical activity with mental challenges, making it a well-rounded option for both body and mind.
  • Aerobic exercises: Brisk walking, swimming, or stationary cycling improve cardiovascular health and stamina. Aerobic exercise helps increase oxygen flow, strengthens the heart, and can improve overall energy levels. For maximum benefit, sustain these activities for at least 10 minutes at a time, repeated throughout the week.
  • Strength training: Maintaining muscle strength is essential for balance and mobility, reducing the risk of falls. Exercises using resistance bands or light weights can help keep muscles strong, which is especially important for posture and movement control in Parkinson’s. Depending on individual ability, these exercises can be done in both standing and seated positions.
  • Balance exercises: Practices such as tai chi, yoga, or dance help improve stability, coordination, and overall balance. These exercises are critical for reducing the risk of falls. They can be adapted for varying levels of mobility, making them accessible to all individuals, even those who need to exercise while seated.
  • Stretching and flexibility: Stretching exercises, such as yoga or mat-based stretches, can help alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility. This is particularly important for individuals with Parkinson’s who may experience rigidity in their muscles and joints. Regular stretching can increase the range of motion and ease discomfort, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

Parkinson’s exercises and their role in well-being

A well-rounded Parkinson’s exercise routine incorporates four key elements: aerobic activity, strength training, balance training, and stretching. 

These exercises help maintain physical health by improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and stability, but they also enhance mental well-being.

Activities like boxing or tai chi engage the brain by requiring participants to learn new motor skills, which can slow cognitive decline. 

Regular exercise can elevate mood, boost motivation, and foster independence, contributing to a higher quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s.

5 exercise tips for seniors with Parkinson’s disease

  1. Start slow with seated exercises: If you’re just beginning or having mobility challenges, start with seated exercises like leg lifts or arm circles. These can help build strength without putting too much strain on your body.
  2. Mix in different activities: For variety, try combining activities such as walking for aerobic fitness, light weight lifting for strength, and tai chi or yoga for balance and flexibility. This variety keeps your routine engaging and covers all key areas of fitness.
  3. Aim for 10-15 minute sessions: Rather than pushing for long workouts, do shorter sessions more often. For example, try walking for 10 minutes twice a day or practicing chair yoga for 15 minutes in the morning.
  4. Exercise with a partner: Join a Parkinson’s-specific class, like boxing or dance, where exercises are adapted to your needs. Having a workout buddy or joining a group can keep you motivated and make the experience more enjoyable.
  5. Focus on “big” movements: Exercises that encourage exaggerated or “big” movements, such as the LSVT BIG program, can help counteract the tendency for smaller, slower movements caused by Parkinson’s. For example, practice reaching your arms out wide or taking large steps when walking.

How The Kensington White Plains provides support for Parkinson’s 

The Kensington White Plains is an assisted living and memory care community located in White Plains, New York, which also offers a dedicated program for residents with Parkinson’s called THRIVE

THRIVE is designed to support residents with movement disorders and their families through a holistic and therapeutic approach, inspiring independence and promoting vocal vibrancy. 

In partnership with Theradynamics Rehabilitation, The Kensington White Plains delivers personalized physical, occupational, and speech therapies to enhance strength, balance, and overall quality of life. 

Contact The Kensington White Plains today to learn more, schedule a tour, and learn more about our Promise to love and care for your family as we do our own.