SESSION INFORMATION
CURRENT SESSION – February 2026
Offered 3x a year in Winter, Spring and Fall
- Two (2) 75-minute classes each week
- Small group setting (8-10 Participants)
- For ages 18+
- Includes free, 12-week YMCA Membership and full access to WWFY Facilities
- Designed for adults who are undergoing or who have completed their cancer treatment
- Participants must consult with their physician prior to joining the program as medical clearance is required
REGISTRATION
After submitting the required medical forms, we will contact you to confirm your medical clearance (must be approved by a physician). Once approved, you will complete an intake process, which includes a health questionnaire, PROMIS-29 profile, consent form, and an in-person physical assessment.
For registration and enrollment details or to learn more about our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Program, please contact Judy Samuels, Healthy Living Manager at 203-635-1955 or jsamuels@westporty.org.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to offer a comprehensive range of programs that support individuals in our community living with Parkinson’s disease. Through evidence-based exercise, wellness, and community engagement, our programs are designed to help participants improve strength, mobility, balance, and overall quality of life in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Our Parkinson’s programs include Boxing, Indoor Cycling, and Dance Jam, all led by YMCA instructors, certified trainers, and dedicated volunteers. Classes are open to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Depending on a participant’s mobility and balance needs, an aide may be required to attend.
These programs are free for Westport Weston Family YMCA members. Non-members may participate for $125 per month, which includes registration in one, two, or all three classes (based on availability). Please see our current offerings below.
PARKINSON’S BOXING & CONDITIONING
A class for all levels that combines strength, balance, and cardio training for an all-around workout. Bring your own boxing gloves & wraps. Caregivers are encouraged to attend as needed.
SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: MONDAYS & THURSDAYS
TIME: 12:30-1:30 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.
PARKINSON’S INDOOR CYCLING
Cycling on stationary bicycles may provide symptomatic relief for people with Parkinson’s Disease, especially if they cycle using what’s described as Forced Exercise, i.e., pedaling at a rate faster than their voluntary cadence; this appears to make regions of the brain that deal with movement connect to each other more effectively. Instructors are Certified Parkinson’s Cycling Coaches. Caregivers are encouraged to attend as needed.
SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: WEDNESDAY
TIME: 12:30-1:15 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.
PARKINSON’S DANCE JAM
Join the fun in this high-energy class that consists of simple dance sequences set to the music that you all know and love!
SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: THURSDAY
TIME: 11:50 AM-12:30 PM
AGES: 18+
M: $0 | CM: 125/month*
*Monthly fee allows for registration in one, two or all three classes offered, space dependent.
PARKINSON’S VOICE CLASS
For people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) exercise is just as important as medicine, and this includes exercising the muscles involved in speaking and swallowing. Daily exercise of these muscles through singing and speaking can help those with PD improve volume, voice quality, articulation, intonation, and breath support for speech.
Come join Meghann as she leads you through vocal exercises that will strengthen your voice and songs that will lift your spirit! In this class we will sing a wide variety of songs together and use our speaking voices during FUNctional activities! All are welcome. No need to read music or have prior singing experience.
Meet our Instructor:
Meghann Olive is a speech-language pathologist who specializes in voice and upper airway disorders. With a background in classical singing and music teaching, Meghann loves using music to help others rehabilitate their voices, especially those with Parkinson’s. She is certified in the two gold-standard speech therapy programs for PD, LSVT LOUD and the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program.
SESSION DATES: ONGOING
DAY: MONDAY
TIME: 11:45 AM-12:30 PM
AGES: 18+
2024 PARKINSON’S UNITY WALK
In April 2024, our amazing and inspiring group of members from the Parkinson’s Boxing & Conditioning Class organized a bus trip with family and friends from Westport to attend the 30th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk in Central Park. This event hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation raises funds for Parkinson’s research and public policy priorities, and is recently celebrating the foundation’s progress in finding a new biomarker that could transform diagnosis and treatment providing hope for patients and families. #knockparkinsonsout
GET INVOLVED
Become a Parkinson’s Boxing & Conditioning Class volunteer and make a difference by helping knock Parkinson’s out!
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to partner with Parkinson’s Body & Mind (PB&M) as an affiliated program site. This partnership strengthens our ability to serve the Parkinson’s community by connecting participants with additional education, resources, and support opportunities.
For resources and more information about Parkinson’s Body and Mind, please visit www.parkinsonsbodyandmind.org
