LEBANON, Ind. — As you enter the workout room at Witham Health Services in Lebanon, you can hear classic rock and your favorite oldies blasting. But the people in that class aren’t just there for fun and games.
“What are we pedaling for?” yelled spin instructor Erin Schwin.
“Parkinson’s,” yelled the group of participants through their masks, as they pedaled on socially-distanced stationary bikes.
Research shows that exercise can reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by up to 35 percent. That’s why Witham Health Services wanted to offer “Pedaling for Parkinson’s.” It’s a new, free class being offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Anyone can sign up.
“It’s hard, but it’s a good workout,” said Jimmie Cook, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He attends the class with his wife Judy, who said cardio is beneficial for everyone as they get older.
“You work at your own pace. It’s a good class for anyone,” added Jimmie.
The class was launched last week and already Jimmie said he’s noticed a difference.
“I’m able to move more because the stiffness is gone,” Jimmie said.
He said he also has less pain because of the class and more energy.
Jerry Fuelling participates in all of Witham Wellness Center’s fitness classes, including Rock Steady Boxing, which is a non-contact boxing class for people with Parkinson’s, Tai Chi For Health, a strength and balance building practice centered in mindfulness and deep breathing, and Silver Sneakers, an exercise program for senior citizens.
The lockdown has meant isolation for many and as a result, less physical activity. Fueling said he was able to keep up his tai chi but this new class allows him to continue to engage in more cardio and strength building. For anyone living with Parkinson’s, physical activity can be life-changing.
“It can actually slow down the progression (of Parkinson’s disease),” Schwein said.
She said that a lot of the class participants weren’t getting as much exercise in during the pandemic lockdown and as a result “their progression got worse.” But she said as soon as they engage in exercise like Pedaling for Parkinson’s, they can regain whatever loss they may have acquired during the lockdown.
“For a lot of ‘em, it gets better,” Schwein said.
Participants go through a health screening before each class. Masks are required. The Cooks said it does make class harder but it’s worth it for them.
Fuelling said the class is about far more than just physical activity. He said the instructors motivate and create a positive atmosphere, and that can help counter some of Parkinson's emotional toll.
“A hinderance in Parkinson’s is depression, and if you can take control (you can) make yourself feel better about yourself,” Fuelling said.
Schwein said hearing that this class improves people’s quality of life decrease the symptoms of Parkinson’s “means the world” to her.
For more information on Witham Wellness Center classes, contact Trina Rose at 765-485-8126 or click here to send an e-mail.