Our Classes
We strive to abide by the motto "we leave no-one behind" so that all People with Parkinson's, whatever stage they are at in their journey with PD, can depend upon the provision of some PD-specific exercise.
MAY WE RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU DO NOT ATTEND OUR CLASSES WITHOUT HAVING CONTACTED US FIRST? THANK YOU.
PD Challenger
Mondays (Essex)
1-2pm (PDC 1 lower intensity) and 2.15-3.15pm (PDC 2 higher intensity)
Memorial Hall,
Manor Rd,
Little Easton, Dunmow, CM6 2JR
Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Cambs)
1-2pm (PDC 1 lower intensity) and
2.15-3.15pm (PDC 2 higher intensity)
Shelford Rugby Club,
Cambridge Rd Davey Field,
Shelford, CB22 5JU (entrance opposite Scotsdale's Garden Centre)
Thursdays (Essex)
1.30-2.30pm (Seated/PDC 1 lower intensity) and 2.45-3.45pm (PDC 2 higher intensity)
Newport Village Hall
Station Rd
Newport
Saffron Walden
CB11 3PL
Our instructor, Paul Goddard, delivers his own unique and specific exercise regime called PD Challenger, which was the name devised by one of our members who said "This name is, to me , the meaning of the exercises . They help an individual take control of the condition and help them cope with all the many challenges that PD brings".
Devised from his extensive experience as a neurological rehabilitation therapist, it's a tailored exercise programme which works on mind and body co-ordination. It can help improve the symptoms of PD.
Penny, AwP Chairperson, commented "PD Challenger conveys the diversity of what Paul does: physical challenge including challenges of speed, balance and control and also cognitive challenge including complexity of movement, sequencing and concentration. It is such a holistic programme that addresses the wide range of challenges encountered by People with Parkinson's".
Seated
Tuesdays - 12-12.45pm
Shelford Rugby Club,
Cambridge Rd Davey Field,
Shelford, CB22 5JU (entrance opposite Scotsdale's Garden Centre)
This class is provided for those with more advanced PD and/or mobility issues and just "goes with the flow" - meaning that each week's activities will depend on who turns up and how they are feeling. Sometimes it will include complex cognitive exercises such as counting backwards and repeating times tables while exercising. There will be elements of strength and stretch with some weights, bands and ball work. On the days when the group is feeling lower energy, the focus will be on motivation and Tai Chi Movements for Wellbeing. It is a fully interactive class, working with what the individual needs are for each person
Nordic Walking
Fridays - 2-3.15pm
The Jubilee Pavilion
Gog Magog Way
Stapleford
CB22 5BQ
Nordic Walking for People with Parkinson's focuses on the correct gait so improves walking, stride length, co-ordination and balance.
https://nordicwalkingforparkinsons.org.uk/
When the weather is bad, Paul provides an indoor alternative with Smoveys .
Smoveys are corrugated plastic tube rings which contain steel balls. As one swings the rings, the balls move up and down the tube, and the resulting vibrations stimulate the body and mind to provide an exercise free from heavy lifting or impact training. Smoveys can help improve core strength, balance, co-ordination, posture and gait.
https://wisinger.co.uk/smovey/
ParkinSing
Third Thursday of the month
10.30-11.30am
The Jubilee Pavilion
Gog Magog Way
Stapleford
CB22 5BQ
19th March 16th April
21st May 18th June
16th July 20th August
17th September 15th October
19th November 17th December
Come and join The Songbirds! An enjoyable and fun session with Voice Coach Linda Bance who uses a variety of facial and vocal exercises, followed by a good old singalong, to help maintain voice volume and projection.
She will look at how you can project your voice, play around with tongue twisters, rhythm, expression, movement and more.
As a musician and singing leader Linda will listen to the challenges you might have with your voice and will guide you through some voice warm ups and exercises leading on to familiar songs that might help but will certainly lift the heart and mood.
If you fancy a cuppa and chat beforehand please arrive 20 minutes early when Sarah will provide both a warm welcome and drink.
Carers/Spouses Get Together
18th May
2-4pm
Strawberry Fields Retirement Village
Stapleford
CB22 5BX
Recognising the crucially important role carers and spouses play we arrange a get together for them every 3 months just so they can have some 'down time' and an opportunity to 'compare notes', share experiences and provide some mutual support to each other.