Berkeley Heights YMCA adds Parkinson’s wellness classes

The Summit Area YMCA is expanding Parkinson’s-specific exercise at the Berkeley Heights YMCA to three weekly classes starting in September, with new PWR!Moves sessions and a continued Atlantic Health-sponsored Friday class. The update aims to give people living with Parkinson’s more access to structured exercise, screening-based participation and community support.

Why it matters: - The Berkeley Heights YMCA is adding more Parkinson’s-specific exercise options, which can help people living with Parkinson’s maintain mobility, balance and daily function. - The expansion also gives participants more chances to join a consistent community program that supports social and emotional well-being.

What happened: - The Summit Area YMCA is expanding Parkinson’s wellness programming at the Berkeley Heights YMCA to three classes per week beginning in September. - Two new PWR!Moves® classes will run on Mondays and Wednesdays. - The existing Parkinson’s Exercise class on Fridays will continue and is sponsored by Atlantic Health. - The new classes are scheduled from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. on Mondays starting September 14 and Wednesdays starting September 16.

The details: - PWR!Moves® stands for Parkinson Wellness Recovery. - The program is designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s and focuses on motor skills that often become harder with the disease. - The exercise movements are intended to translate directly to activities of daily life. - Participants must complete a wellness screening, a health history screening and a physician release before attending their first class. - Prospective participants should be able to climb a flight of stairs without assistance, stand from a chair without assistance and tolerate about 40 minutes of activity. - Parkinson’s exercise classes are open to YMCA members and the broader community. - New participants may attend one class at no cost before registering. - Non-members can drop in for $10 per class, paid at check-in. - Financial assistance is available for YMCA membership and programs. - Through Aug. 31, new members can join the Summit Area YMCA with a $0 join fee. - More information is available in the program details or by contacting Elisa Bowser at elisa.bowser@thesay.org.

Between the lines: - The YMCA is pairing a medically screened exercise program with a community setting, which suggests an effort to make Parkinson’s support more accessible without turning it into a clinical-only offering. - The continued Atlantic Health sponsorship signals outside support for a program that blends wellness, education and social connection. - The expansion may also reflect growing demand for specialized exercise options as Parkinson’s care increasingly emphasizes movement and function.

What’s next: - The expanded class schedule begins in September. - Interested participants can schedule a complimentary trial class, register through the Y or ask about financial assistance before joining. - The $0 join fee offer for new members runs through Aug. 31.

The bottom line: - The Berkeley Heights YMCA is widening access to Parkinson’s-focused exercise with more weekly classes, screening-based participation and low-cost entry options.