Medford, Ore. – Superior Athletic Club in Medford is offering a unique range of fitness classes aimed at individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The gym recently expanded its offerings with a new Pedaling for Parkinson’s cycling class, complementing its established Rocksteady boxing program. These classes are designed to help those affected by the disease improve their mobility, strength, and overall health.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor function, speech, and balance, currently impacts nearly one million people across the United States, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Superior Athletic Club’s new cycling class offers an essential tool for managing the disease, providing low-impact exercise that can improve cardiovascular health and joint mobility.
“Pedaling for Parkinson’s” coach Ben Rumel explained the importance of exercise in slowing the progression of the disease. “They’re fighting back, you know? They ain’t letting nothing stop them, which is inspirational,” Rumel said, referring to the class participants who show determination despite the challenges posed by Parkinson’s.
Exercise is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods to help manage Parkinson’s disease. Glenn Thoroughman, a participant in the class, highlighted the critical role of physical activity. “The only thing that’s proven to slow or reverse the progression of the disease is exercise,” he said.
The cycling class, which takes place Monday and Wednesday mornings at 11:30, focuses on improving knee and hip mobility while providing a safe, cardiovascular workout for participants who may not be as steady on their feet. The added resistance and strength components help build endurance without putting too much strain on the body. Rumel noted that for many participants, cycling allows them to engage in crucial cardiovascular exercise in a way that might be challenging with other forms of movement.
Following the cycling class, participants join the Rocksteady boxing class, another vital part of the program that helps them continue their fight against the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The Rocksteady program, which focuses on intense boxing drills tailored to people with Parkinson’s, has been shown to improve coordination, balance, and overall physical health.
Kim Adams, Superior Athletic Club’s boxing coach, described the sense of community fostered in the classes. “They’re all fighting the same fight, and it hits your heart. For me, this is a family. It’s a family for me, and they’re a family for each other. They’re a wonderful group of people,” Adams said.
Superior Athletic Club is also looking to expand its offerings by adding a dance class tailored for those with Parkinson’s disease, giving participants even more options for maintaining physical activity and improving their quality of life.
For more information on the programs offered, visit the Superior Athletic Club website.