Our Story
At LiftPD we recognize the importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Exercise is perhaps the most evidence-based treatment for maintaining and improving strength, balance, and mobility. Disease-specific exercise training can also improve mood, help with sleep quality, improve cognition, and help with other non-motor symptoms of PD.
Our team came together from mixed backgrounds, all based in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. We developed a plan to recruit existing RVA Performance Training coaching staff and healthcare professionals to provide training and competencies related to working with people with PD, and together built a unique exercise class for this community.
// Testimonials
“I’m stronger emotionally, physically, and much happier. This would be a benefit to anyone with Parkinsons who is trying to keep their quality of life as long as possible.” - Jayne
“The unique thing to me, one thing about the class is that everybody in it has Parkinson’s and you’re sort of amazed to see people with Parkinson’s doing some of the exercises.” - Steve
“This keeps me right on the edge of my comfort zone. It’s strenuous, when we get to the last round, I’m glad of it because I don’t know if I could do another round a lot of the time. But it’s a good match for doing all you can do.” - Frank
Methodology
Our Vice President has extensive experience in the Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation space. We have come together around this keen understanding of disease-specific exercise application to develop functional fitness training routines for small groups of people with PD. Our experiences in both the formal medical space and fitness industry allow for a unique final product: LiftPD!
We maintain smaller class sizes to give each participant the attention they require, while also respecting personal space within the training facility. Our team develops training content with specific goals in mind. We test, train, and retest our participants to measure progress and work toward healthier, independent lives.
// Donate
We rely on donations in order to fund our program and continue to offer exercise classes for those with PD at no cost. Our board takes no salary, instead using 100% of donations to pay for operating expenses to run classes and produce educational content. Donate through the button below, where you can make a one-time or recurring monthly donation. All donations are tax deductible.
Join our exercise classes for Parkinson's Disease
Prior to joining a group class, our coaching staff offers a free evaluation and training session. This allows you to see the space and gain an understanding of the training style and expectations within our program. You will meet with a coach and go through a meeting and workout with your coach to determine your initial exercise intensity. While no two participants are the same, here are some general descriptors our Heroes Warriors and Champions.
Heroes
- Physically independent
- Able to get on and off the floor without assistance
- Little-to-no cognitive impairments
- Little-to-no physical impairments
Warriors
- Physically independent but may use an assistive device (cane, walker, etc.)
- May require assistance with daily activities and routines
- May require increased instruction or attention
- On occasion, can get on and off the floor with assistance
Champions
- Physically dependent on a walking device, wheelchair or care partner.
- Requires assistance with daily activities and routines.
- Requires cueing, instruction, and 1 on 1 attention
- Is unable to get on and off the floor without significant difficulty
All participants must complete a waiver and have received prior authorization to exercise from their
licensed medical provider.
REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST
Unfortunately, our classes are currently full. While we are working to increase our capacity, please fill out the waitlist through the button above. When we have room in the program, we will contact you to schedule your one-on-one evaluation to get you started.
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// Contact
Email us at Info@liftpd.com
// Address
Hosted at RVA Performance Training
2522-D Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA 23220