The Greater Scranton YMCA will offer a 12-week, group-based cycling class that may help in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This class is coached by a certified Parkinson’s Cycling Coach.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s is an aerobic exercise program for adults with Parkinson’s disease. Adults ages 30 to 75 years and diagnosed with Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease can participate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rated complications from Parkinson’s disease as the 14th cause of death in the United States. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “Exercise is an important part of healthy living for everyone, however, for people with Parkinson’s disease exercise is not only healthy, but a vital component to maintaining balance, mobility and daily living activities, along with a potential neuroprotective effect.”

“Approximately 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease and about 60,000 people are newly diagnosed each year,” said Shadia Lahlou, Senior Director of Chronic Disease Prevention, Greater Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs.

“Currently there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, however, research has shown a 35 percent reduction in symptoms by the simple act of pedaling a bicycle at a rapid pace – optimally, 80-90 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Session 1 of Pedaling for Parkinson’s will begin in February. The program is held weekly, Saturdays from 11 a.m. through noon, for 12 weeks. The program is free for Greater Scranton YMCA members and costs $10/class for non-members. Once interested participants have provided a complete Medical Screening and Consent Form to the Greater Scranton YMCA, a Y staff member will be in contact to schedule an orientation session.

To learn more, please contact Shadia at 570-828-3230.