“READY STEADY MOVE” – SUMS UP OUR CLASSES

Over the last 5 years I have encouraged people from local Parkinson’s groups to come along and have some fun whilst improving their general well-being. The hour long class incorporates activities to help with coordination, balance, posture and confidence in a friendly and non-demanding session. Everything is done to music; from classical pieces in our stretching and relaxation periods to the Beatles and Neil Diamond for our more upbeat moves. Classes cater for all abilities with many activities being possible from a seated or standing position. Partners/carers are encouraged to come along, as the sessions can be as much fun and benefit for them. In addition the “tea and biscuit” get together, that many groups have after a class, are invaluable for swapping information or just enabling everyone to have a chat with others going through the same difficulties.

Here is what the organisers of the North Hertfordshire and Hitchin branch have written on their website – “Step Out for Parkinson’s is no ordinary dance group. Accompanied by appropriate lively music we step, clap, move, dance, giggle and laugh our way through an hour which leaves us feeling fitter and happier than at the start. Meryl, a professional ballroom and Latin dance teacher, has put together hour-long classes which incorporate movement, co-ordination and balance exercises specifically to help people with Parkinson’s.”

There is no pressure to “do it right”, only my desire that at the end of the hour you have laughed at least once and sung along to a tune or two!

Read what our participants’ have to say about the classes:-

Apprehensive at first, but now thoroughly enjoying the sessions at ReadySteadyMove for anyone who has Parkinson’s and their carers.No pressure to do any of the exercises, just enjoy doing what you can. The music makes you feel good.

Gladys from the Chelmsford Group

I find it is a great help.You can feel some of the exercises making various muscles work. This makes such a difference and wakes me up!

Alan and Louise from the Chelmsford Group

The class has been very helpful in assisting my movement. The class is pleasant to attend and the instructions very easy to follow.

Shirley from the Chelmsford Group

A good exercise for body and soul and something to look forward to each week. Teacher very bubbly and a great group of people to be with in the class. The class is for all abilities whether sitting or standing.

Veronica from the Chelmsford Group

We always look forward to our class on Wednesday mornings. The exercise is very good for us and we enjoy the social side as well.

Wendy and Len from the Billericay Group

Meryl’s classes are fun and friendly, working at our own level sitting or standing. We work on physical movement, dance movement and brain training/memory stimulation exercises. All this causes great hilarity! All the exercises improve our co-ordination and movement and we can continue to carry out the exercises at home. I have a lot to thank Meryl for as her classes have improved both my physical co-ordination as well as my mood. We socialise after the class which gives an opportunity to talk to other Parkinson’s sufferers and their partners.

Linda from from the Billericay Group

Meryl who takes our Clacton Branch for a Music and Movement Class has a wonderful bubbly personality and makes us all have a great time.

Clive from the Clacton Group

These classes are beneficial, enjoyable and great fun for all including carers.

Jenny and Ed from the Clacton Group

My husband suffers with Parkinson’s. We have been attending classes for some time now and this has helped my husband with his movement. I have seen a big improvement in him! Meryl is a good teacher. She is very kind with a good sense of humour. Please go along to a class. I’m sure you will enjoy and benefit from attending.

Pauline and Bob