Moving forward with Parkinson’s

Participants in the YMCA's Peddling for Parkinson's class gain more than physical fitness.

“We’re giving them a place of hope where Parkinson’s is not in control, they are.”

A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can change nearly every aspect of daily life, making even simple movements more challenging. Staying active, however, is essential. Exercise is a proven way to manage symptoms, maintain independence and build confidence.

“We know that exercise is medicine, making a positive impact on both physical and mental health,” said Wendy Parlmer, Health Interventions Director for the YMCA of the Chesapeake. “The more blood you push to the brain, the healthier the brain is for all, but specifically for Parkinson’s.”

With the assistance of a 2026 grant from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES), more individuals across Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore have access to specialized programs, at no cost, designed to do exactly that.

The $5,000 grant is supporting the expansion of Parkinson’s programming at the Richard A. Henson Family YMCA in Salisbury, bringing additional evidence-based fitness opportunities, like Rock Steady Boxing (a non-contact boxing inspired exercise program nearing its 18^th month anniversary) and the new Pedaling for Parkinson’s, to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease throughout Wicomico County and neighboring communities.

“Everything starts with one small seed. The Community Foundation helped us to plant that seed, and these programs are already changing lives,” added Palmer.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s, an innovative cycling program the Salisbury Y will launch this fall, uses existing stationary bicycles to help participants manage symptoms. Across the nation, and as close as the YMCA in Easton, Md., the program has proven to significantly improve motor function while increasing strength, endurance and confidence and reducing symptom severity through regular, high-cadence cycling.

The YMCA hopes to enroll 30-50 individuals in Pedaling for Parkinson’s, drawing from its existing Rock Steady Boxing program and its 35 participants, plus newcomers. “I can’t wait to see the benefits gained by our athletes,” added Faron Burns, Health Intervention Director for the Henson YMCA. “We’re determined to ensure they get what they need.”

Athletes. The Y says participants are never referred to as patients. “They’re athletes, boxers, cyclists…we don’t have patients in our programs,” said Palmer. “They’re athletes coming here to strengthen themselves and their communities.

And not always in the wellness center.

The socialization and comradery from the boxing program have already sprung a bible study class, led by the brother of one of the boxing athletes, that meets at the Salisbury Y before each session. “It’s a community they bring to each other,” added Burns. “I’m extremely grateful that I get to take this journey with them.”

The YMCA's grant was part of the $346,263 distributed this year by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore’s Community Needs Committee to organizations addressing critical needs across the region.

"When people have access to programs that help them stay active, connected and independent, the entire community benefits," said Erica Joseph, President, Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. "We're pleased to support the YMCA as it expands these proven evidence-based Parkinson's programs that can truly make a difference in their daily lives."

In addition to launching the new cycling class, the YMCA will continue building on the success of Rock Steady Boxing.

The goal is the same for both.

“We need to train everything,” said Palmer. “It’s not just the strength and endurance components, its things like voice, too. Parkinson’s will try to steal their voices, which in turn impacts speaking, eating and swallowing. We work on voice every session.”

For years, the Richard A. Henson Family YMCA has served as a gathering place where people come to strengthen not only their bodies but also their connections with others.

“Every little win is a win, and they get so much more from our programs than just exercise. This is a community where athletes learn to lean on each other for guidance and support,” added Burns. “We all know the unfortunate end result of this disease, but when we’re in the classes together, that’s not what we’re thinking about. We’re focused on what we can all do to fight back and to make life better, right now.”

To learn more about the YMCA’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s or Rock Steady Boxing programs, please contact Faron Burns at 410-749-0101, ext. 3609 or by email at fburns@ymcachesapeake.org.