Exercise for Parkinsons
Come along and have some fun whilst improving your general well-being, balance and co-ordination.
Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Meryl and I have been involved in ballroom and Latin dance since childhood and teaching for over 20 years.
After a career in the City of London and having brought up my daughter, I decided to concentrate on the things I loved most, dancing and music. I worked for many years at a dance studio as a teacher for all age groups and abilities but now I mainly focus on my ReadySteadyMove classes for those with Parkinsons.
The ReadySteadyMove story all began with an enquiry from the Chelmsford Branch about the possibility of movement/dance classes suitable for their members. This rang a bell with me! My mother-in-law (Daphne) had Parkinsons for over 15 years and through my firsthand experience with her, we as a family had recognized the benefits of moving to music and rhythm.
Over a period of 6 months I talked to occupational and physiotherapists as well as researching the internet and talking to my local Parkinsons group. From this early enquiry I have put together an hour long class which features a mixture of balance, coordination, stretching and movement, all done to a broad selection of music.
ReadySteadyMove classes have been specifically designed for people with Parkinsons and have now been running in Essex and surrounding areas for over 7 years.
The emphasis in all my classes is for all participants to have fun, whilst improving their general mobility and wellbeing. Many of the activities can be done seated or in a wheelchair and I actively encourage the participation of partners and carers. This involvement improves understanding of the aims and benefits of these sessions.
There are currently 8 groups enjoying the benefits of ReadySteadyMove, some running weekly, others monthly. Click here for details.
Many of the groups have a “tea and biscuit” session following the class to enable everyone to have a chat with others who will have an understanding of the difficulties encountered on a day to day basis.
Some groups also hold singing sessions which are an invaluable aid for both improving voice control and lifting the mood. The Chelmsford group have recently started a singing group. Click here for details.
N.B. To attend classes it is recommended that participants and their carers are members of Parkinson’s UK. The current cost of membership is £4 per person per year.
To join Parkinson’s UK please ask Meryl for an application form or go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/membership.