Monday, May 6, 2024
Hood County YMCA hosts a free 12-week program known as Pedaling for Parkinson’s. This program allows for those with Parkinson’s Disease to be active for 45 minutes in spin/cycling sessions to help reduce their symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. It’s best-known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more. The disease can’t be cured but there are many medications that can help control symptoms drastically.
In 2003, Dr. Jay L. Alberts, a neuroscientist at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institution in Ohio got the idea that cycling may help people with Parkinson’s while at a fundraising event. Alberts rode tandem with a Parkinson’s patient whose handwriting improved after their ride. Later, a research study was conducted with two groups of Parkinson’s patients cycling on stationary bikes three times a week for months. The study found the group that pedaled at a more vigorous rate had a greater improvement in regions of the brain that deal with movement.
Hood County YMCA’s program was founded in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. The hour-long sessions on Monday and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. are guided by a trained group exercise instructor. The instructor encourages the members to start with a ten-minute warm up followed by pedaling for 40 minutes on either a tandem or stationary bike and ending with a ten-minute cool down and stretch.
During the last program, there were three participants, and five the time before.
Tracy Scroggins is a group exercise instructor at the Hood County YMCA. She loves being a part of the program because, “it gives back to a community while also helping connect community members.”
To sign up for the program visit the Hood County YMCA located at 1475 James Road, fill out a packet located at the front desk and obtain a doctor’s release to join the class. The next session begins Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. For more information or to submit required documentation, email communityhealth@ymcaw.org or call 817-624-9791.
