Parkinson's disease
FIND YOUR STRENGTH. FIND YOUR COMMUNITY.
Our Parkinson’s Program is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease with flexible and customizable options. Participants can choose from a variety of classes tailored to improve physical function, strength, balance, and coordination while addressing cognitive and emotional well-being. The program fosters a sense of community and provides therapeutic exercises aimed at delaying the progression of symptoms.
Choose from packages that offer 1-5 classes per week. Sessions run in consecutive 8-week blocks.
All registered participants will receive a FREE Ridgewood YMCA membership for the duration of their program participation.
Program typically runs year-round.
Participants can choose from the following classes:
Parkinson’s Support Group
Mondays | 11:30AM-12:30PM
This support group is designed to help individuals cope with the day-to-day challenges of living with Parkinson’s. Participating in this support group can help alleviate the burden of frustrations that are often hard to express to loved ones or while living alone. This support group is an opportunity to exchange experiences, stories, and share resources and education with like-minded people and can be truly restorative.
The Art of BIG: BONGO by Simona
Mondays | 12:45-1:45PM
The Art of BIG: BONGO is an uplifting new program designed especially for people with Parkinson’s. Rooted in research, this class combines the joy of rhythm with BIG movements to support coordination, dexterity, and balance while also reducing stress and enhancing mood. Participants will play bongos while seated, standing, and in circles, allowing the body to move freely and align with rhythm and emotion. No musical experience is needed; just come ready to tap, move, and connect.
- Improve functional mobility, balance, and dexterity
- Ease stiffness, pain, and discomfort often associated with Parkinson’s
- Enhance quality of life and emotional well-being
- Foster joy, confidence, and community connection
You Move BIG
Tuesdays + Thursdays | 11:45AM-12:45PM
A fitness program designed to empower people living with Parkinson’s disease by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. The goal is to motivate participants to develop a habit of consistent exercise routines best suited to their individual needs. Recommended for anyone with limited mobility. Includes weight training, balance and gait work, along with gentle cardiovascular exercises.
Core Balance Coordination for Parkinson’s
Wednesdays | 1:30-2:30PM
This moderate-intensity core strengthening, balance, and coordination class offers significant benefits to people with Parkinson’s. These targeted exercises help improve posture, enhance stability, and reduce the risk of falls—key concerns for those managing the condition. Strengthening the core muscles promotes better movement control and functional mobility, making everyday activities easier and more enjoyable. Coordination exercises can also support improved motor skills, helping to counteract the effects of tremors and stiffness. Beyond the physical benefits, such classes can foster a sense of community and empowerment, providing a supportive environment to maintain independence and overall well-being.
Box Out Parkinson’s
Fridays | 12:00-1:00PM
Box Out Parkinson’s is a full-body workout exercise regimen where you perform non-combat boxing exercises. This class will include stretches and warmup exercises to prepare the body for the workout and to avoid injury. Participants will use heavy punching bags to build strength and muscle. Vocal exercises are incorporated into the workout to help with any voice disorder symptoms of Parkinson’s while footwork and other agility exercises will be used to help improve balance.
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.
Free program. Open to Ridgewood YMCA members and non-members.
Program typically runs year-round.
PingPongParkinson
PingPongParkinson (PPP) is a global sports organization dedicated to empowering individuals with Parkinson’s disease through table tennis. By combining sport and therapy, PPP creates an inclusive and supportive community where participants can enhance movement, coordination, and develop neuroplasticity. Through weekly sessions, players engage in table tennis as a fun and effective form of physical therapy, helping to improve motor skills and overall well-being. Whether playing recreationally or training for international competition—including the World Championships—PPP offers opportunities for all skill levels.
Visit the PingPongParkinson website to learn more about the program.
Love to play table tennis? We’re also looking for volunteers to join and serve as practice partners!
To volunteer contact Megan Nayden at [email protected]
Program typically runs year-round.
Parkinson's Support
Our Parkinson’s Program is designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease with flexible and customizable options. Participants can choose from a variety of classes tailored to improve physical function, strength, balance, and coordination while addressing cognitive and emotional well-being. The program fosters a sense of community and provides therapeutic exercises aimed at delaying the progression of symptoms.
Choose from packages that offer 1-5 classes per week. Sessions run in consecutive 8-week blocks. Participants are given a complimentary Y membership with enrollment. Any questions or need for additional information, please reach out to [email protected].
View full program details here
1 class per week
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1/25 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 99.00 | $ 99.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
08/31/26 - 11/01/26
FALL 1
|
Register | |
|
11/02/26 - 01/03/27
FALL 2
|
Registration will open on 10/05/2026 |
2 classes per week
3 classes per week
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1/25 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 215.00 | $ 215.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
08/31/26 - 11/01/26
FALL 1
|
Register | |
|
11/02/26 - 01/03/27
FALL 2
|
Registration will open on 10/05/2026 |
4 classes per week
5 classes per week
Registration Information
| Open | Close | Register At | Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/1/25 | 12/31/26 | Online / Front Desk | $ 310.00 | $ 310.00 |
Available Sessions
| Date(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
08/31/26 - 11/01/26
FALL 1
|
Register | |
|
11/02/26 - 01/03/27
FALL 2
|
Registration will open on 10/05/2026 |
For questions and more information, please contact Megan Nayden at [email protected]
Financial Aid
We believe the opportunity to gain personal growth from our programming should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. Our Membership for All program ensures that nobody is turned away because of inability to pay.
Download our application here.