Salem Health educator Erin Clubb said during the pandemic, she was looking for new ways to connect and assist people with Parkinson’s disease.

“My passion for helping the Parkinson’s community came out of COVID when we were all locked down, and I wanted to find a way to help people delay the disease because it is progressive,” she said.

Clubb, a Certified Personal Trainer and Orthopedic Exercise Specialist, received additional training through the Brian Grant Foundation. The result was Move to Improve, a series to improve endurance and flexibility. What started as an online class is now in person, often hosting about 15 people at a time.

Slowing progression through movement

The class is geared towards anyone with a movement disorder, such as Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis.

Physicians can refer patients directly to these classes through EPIC, often on the tail of physical therapy sessions to bridge the gap.

The class is also for “anybody who wants to improve the brain-body connection” Clubb said.

The health educator said the goal is full-body improvement for mood, sleep, flexibility, coordination, agility, gait and strength, training the brain to recognize good posture and proper alignment.

“It’s a fun class to address symptoms, even if someone isn’t experiencing a specific one, they’ll still benefit,” Clubb said.

Connecting exercise to purpose

One of those symptoms is rigidity. Clubb said she demonstrates big, over-the-top movements to combat it. She also makes sure the exercise is connected to things people do in their daily lives.

“A dramatic knee drive and hip opener, activating their glute… that’s training them to stabilize as they step over obstacles or avoid their pet who may be laying in the middle of the room,” Clubb said.

The educator said the idea is also to have fun. She works to gear the music to the population of the class and takes requests for her playlists.

“They’re singing along while they’re exercising,” Clubb said. “People who enjoy their exercise are more likely to stick with it.”

Accessibility in this environment is key. A chair is always available, so people can move between sitting and standing.

“Some people come in using mobility devices, some come in with their care partner, and we encourage that,” Clubb said.

Creating community

At the end of a class, participants will often visit Creekside for coffee and social connection. Clubb also shares resources to connect attendees to support groups.

The educator said it’s always rewarding watching people leave with a smile.

“They feel accomplished and empowered,” she said.

How to sign up

The six-week series meets from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday starting on Nov. 4.

The class takes place at Salem Hospital in the Community Health Education Center, Building D, Room D2-2.

Interested in signing up? Click here to register and learn more.