There are approximately 90,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed in the U.S. each year. The condition can affect balance, strength, and mobility, and nearly one million Americans are currently living with it.
At Greate Bay Country Club, a new program is proving that movement is medicine for this disease. The team there hopes to reach and support as many members of the community as possible. Designed for individuals at every stage of the disease, the classes combine boxing, strength training, endurance work, and mobility exercises to help participants fight back.
This program originally existed at Linwood’s Body In Balance for nearly 10 years. Owners Dan and Ellie Hagan kept it going until the space was no longer available. Rather than let the program fade away, Membership Director Mary Ellen Spiers stepped in to save the day, and the program officially launched at Greate Bay Racquet & Fitness this past July.
“I had initially reached out to them last year when we were offering a Parkinson’s seminar, knowing they provided a Parkinson’s-specific exercise program, just to invite those who may want some additional information. A few months later, they reached out to me looking for an alternative space. When I realized they were losing their program, I decided we had to help them,” Spiers said.
When the transition happened, Spiers and Greate Bay expected around 12 to 15 participants. That number quickly grew to more than 40 people attending each session.
The program currently offers two classes every Tuesday and Thursday. Participants are divided according to ability. The first class, at 10:30 a.m., focuses more on boxing. During the session, participants rotate through several stations, each with different exercises, moving to a new one every three minutes.
The second class follows at 11:30 a.m. and is geared toward those with more advanced Parkinson’s. Since these participants may need more time to transition between activities, the class is structured as a group session with fewer stations. Both classes include a warm up and cool down.
Strength, mobility, and endurance training like what’s offered at Greate Bay can help delay the progression of Parkinson’s, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of falls. The boxing portion, in particular, boosts balance, coordination, and agility. Repetitive movements stimulate the brain, helping maintain motor function, while also lifting mood, reducing stress, and empowering participants.
“We were fortunate to have Dan Hagan, who ran the previous program, come over as a volunteer, along with our instructors Daryl Palmer, Deb Best & Kourtney Schlemo, who were able to create the perfect program for their needs,” Spiers said. “The combination of their extensive training backgrounds has created a solid class to keep them all involved and getting the workout they need.”
For many participants, this class is their only consistent form of physical activity. Beyond the physical benefits, it provides a chance to connect with others facing the same challenges. Spiers shared that participants often smile throughout the entire class, build friendships, and feel less isolated.
“At first, they were very hesitant that their program would never be the same, but after four months, I think it’s safe to say we didn’t let them down,” Spiers said. “We wanted to make sure we kept the integrity of the program while introducing some changes slowly that help to improve the program, while giving them all a safe environment as well as a challenging workout.”
Greate Bay is proud to host the only Parkinson’s-specific fitness program in South Jersey. Research continues to show that regular movement and exercise are key in helping people with Parkinson’s manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Spiers hopes this program not only gives participants strength, but also something to look forward to each week.
“We just want people to know that we do offer this very unique program and if there is anyone who has been struggling with this disease, this is their opportunity to get involved in a program that can be beneficial to them,” Spiers said. “I am extremely proud of our team of instructors who have brought all their experience, knowledge and passion to making this program the success it is. In my 18 years here at Greate Bay Racquet & Fitness and the many programs and events we have organized here, this may be the most important one.”
For more information or to get your loved one involved in this program, contact Mary Ellen Spiers directly at 609-926-9550 ext. 108.
Delaney Crawford is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and digital marketing. After earning a BA in Communications, Delaney built a successful career in the newspaper industry, honing skills in, news writing, media, and content creation. Driven by a desire to empower local businesses, Delaney founded DC’s Social Media & Content Creation, a company dedicated to helping businesses enhance their brand image and thrive online.
