The Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC has expanded its Parkinson’s wellness offerings with the addition of a new boxing-inspired fitness class designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s disease through movement, coordination, and strength training.
The new class, Punch Out Parkinson’s, is held Wednesdays from 3 to 3:45 p.m. in the Group Fitness Studio and is led by instructor Michelle Barbera. It joins the JCC’s established PWR! Moves® Parkinson Recovery Classes, which are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15 to 3 p.m. and are led by Ann Erik, health and wellness director, and Barbera.
Together, the programs are designed to provide accessible, adaptive exercise options for individuals at all stages of Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on improving mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.
The boxing-based class incorporates a circuit-style workout that includes speed bag training, heavy bag work, agility ladder drills, calisthenics, and footwork exercises designed to improve coordination, balance, and cognitive engagement. Sessions are structured to be both physically and mentally stimulating while remaining adaptable to participant ability levels.
Barbera, who has more than 15 years of boxing and martial arts experience, said the program is designed to make movement engaging and purposeful.
“Boxing is a full-body, full-brain workout,” Barbera said. “We incorporate coordination, footwork, rhythm, and reaction training in a fun circuit format that keeps participants moving and engaged. It’s not just exercise. It’s about helping people feel strong, capable and connected to their bodies again.”
PWR! Moves® is a Parkinson’s-specific exercise program focused on functional movement. Each class targets strength, balance, agility, aerobic conditioning, and flexibility, while also incorporating cognitive challenges to support brain-body connection. The program is based on research showing that regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and support quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Health experts widely recognize movement-based therapy as a key component in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. Programs that combine physical activity with cognitive engagement, such as boxing and functional training, are increasingly used to help participants maintain independence and improve daily functioning.
Program details are as follows:
PWR! Moves® Parkinson Recovery Classes
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:15–3 p.m.
Group Fitness Studio
Instructors: Ann Erik and Michelle Barbera
Punch Out Parkinson’s (Boxing Class)
Wednesdays, 3–3:45 p.m.
Instructor: Michelle Barbera
A free assessment is required for participation, and classes are offered at no cost for qualifying participants.
These programs are partially funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, through a grant from the Division of Intergenerational Services.
For more information or to schedule a free assessment, contact Ann Erik, health and wellness director, at 609-822-1167, ext. 132.
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