JCC Rockland Fitness Programs for Those Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

JCC Rockland provides a warm, welcoming community for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Take charge of your Parkinson’s with fitness that is
  • Interactive and fun
  • Accessible to all fitness and mobility levels
  • Modified for seated or standing exercises
  • Evidence-based and Parkinson’s symptom-focused
  • Led by Certified Fitness Professionals

Studies show that exercise can help slow down or even reverse the effects of PD. Consistent exercise helps prevent the depression and isolation that often accompanies the disease because it promotes an overall sense of well-being. Fitness is also fun!

JCC Rockland’s Russin Fitness and Wellness Center is part of your continuum of care that aims to nourish your physical, emotional, and spiritual self. Together, this improves quality of life.

Fitness membership includes various options for those diagnosed with PD, including group fitness classes, fitness center workouts, and working one-on-one with a certified personal trainer or Pilates coach.

JCC Rockland’s Russin Fitness and Wellness Center Includes

Classes for Those Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Diseases

These classes are held weekly, and are included in your JCC Rockland Fitness Membership. These are appropriate for anyone who has PD, regardless of when they were diagnosed.

Based on the Power for Parkinson’s guidelines, all classes are led by group exercise instructors with extensive experience in working with people living with PD. These classes also meet the guidelines set by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.

These classes begin the week of October 6th, 2025, and are held in our Aerobics Studio (first floor).

Fit and Steady

Mondays, 12:15 pm with Christine

An easy-to-follow, head-to-toe workout designed to improve strength, mobility, and gait. Weights and bands will be used.

Rhythm and Balance

Tuesdays, 12:15 pm with Theresa

A class focused on enhancing balance, flexibility, and coordination that’s fun! Experience music and movement creatively to build confidence and combat depression.

Tai Chi for Parkinson's

Wednesdays, 12:15 pm with Barrie

This mind and body exercise improves motor and cognitive function, and posture, while  decreasing rigidity and risk of falls.

Spacious Russin Fitness and Wellness Center

  • Seated cardio machines – Including NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainers, endorsed by the Parkinson’s Foundation
  • Balance Training Stations
  • Boxing
  • Pin-select strength circuits
  • Core Stretch Studio
  • Women’s Functional Fitness Studio
  • Basketball gymnasium
  • Pickleball
  • Racquetball
  • Locker rooms with full amenities including towel service, steam, and sauna
  • Warm, welcoming team of fitness professionals and a vibrant community

Traditional Group Fitness Classes

We have dozens of weekly group fitness classes, in addition to our Parkinson’s classes. These include: indoor cycling, circuit training, barre, yoga, and boxing.

We offer two specialty tracks of classes:

Seated Classes: Strength Circuit, Yoga, and Zumba. A chair is provided during these classes, intended for members who may find it challenging to stand and exercise for a 45-minute class.

Active Classes: These are low impact classes without any transitions from standing to the floor. Examples include Active Functional Training, Standing Therapeutic Yoga, Timeless Movement, and Active Strength and Balance.

One on One Training *

Personal Trainer or Pilates coach can work in partnership with your medical care team to provide a customized program to meet your specific needs, goals, and interests.

Personal trainers can guide you through workouts on our fitness equipment, including free weights, kettlebells, strength machines, cardio, balance stations, etc.

Our Pilates Coaches can work with you in our Riley Family Pilates Studio which includes Pilates reformers and other equipment that encourages mindful movements while improving strength, mobility, and posture, and overall well-being.

*There is an additional fee for one-on-one training, which is sold in packages. We offer an introductory Fit Start Package at $189, which can be

  • 3 x One-hour Personal Training or Pilates Sessions
  • 4 x 45-minute Personal Training sessions
  • 5 x 30-minute Personal Training Sessions

Beyond Fitness

We are so much more than a gym! JCC Membership includes access to the Chazen Center for Adult Life cultural & social opportunities. This includes adult classes, discussion groups, card games, lectures, trips, and more.

Everyone is Welcome at JCC Rockland

At JCC Rockland, we are proud to be the heart of Jewish life in our community, fostering an environment where everyone is welcome. We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that embraces all backgrounds.

Take the First Step

Request a 7-day pass to experience the JCC.

If you are interested in our Parkinson’s Fitness Program and would like to learn more, please fill out and submit the form below. 

For questions and more information, contact our Membership Office at membership@jccrockland.org or 845.362.4400.

Fitness & Wellness Center Staff

Fitness & Wellness General Manager

Fitness & Wellness

Melanie Schatten

Melanie Schatten

Membership Director

Membership

Fitness Manager

Fitness & Wellness

Group Exercise Coordinator

Fitness & Wellness

Sophia Attebery

Pilates Studio Manager

Fitness & Wellness

Marjorie Kornblau

Membership Advisor

Fitness & Wellness

Eve Catsaros

Customer Relations Manager

Fitness & Wellness

If you are interested in our Parkinson’s Fitness Program and would like to learn more, please fill out and submit the form below.