A celebration of community, connection, and the joy of moving together!
By Tim Hague Sr RH | Dauda Sulaiman Dauda, MD, MChir, FAPH, PMDPro
If you’ve ever finished a U-TurnPD class with a grin (and a good dose of sweat), you
already know – exercise feels better together. Sure, the science says movement
improves strength, balance, and mood for people living with Parkinson’s – but the magic
happens when we move side by side. When we show up, lace up, and move together,
something magical happens. Group exercise isn’t just about getting stronger or
improving balance – it’s about building connection, belonging, and joy through shared
movement. At U-TurnPD, we see it every day in our boxing, dance, and strength
classes: the power of sweating as one community.
The Power of Community
Ask anyone in a U-TurnPD class what keeps them coming back, and you’ll rarely hear
“the weights” or “the reps.” More often, it’s the laughter, the encouragement, and the
familiar faces that make all the difference.
As one of our instructors says: “You come for the workout, but you stay for the people.”
Humans are wired for connection. Research shows that exercising together builds
social bonds, boosts mood, and even strengthens cardiovascular and immune systems
through the shared release of endorphins and other “feel good” chemicals. When we
move in sync, whether throwing punches or flowing through stretches, our bodies and
brains align in ways that make us feel part of something bigger. Group exercise taps
into that ancient rhythm of teamwork and shared purpose that has always kept
communities strong.
There’s something about seeing everyone pushing through the same challenge – it lifts
you up. When our members walk into the room, they’re not alone with Parkinson’s. They
are part of a team.
More Than Just a Workout – It’s a Lifeline
For people living with Parkinson’s, movement is medicine and group movement can be
transformative. Studies show that community-based programs are safe, feasible, and
can help improve strength, endurance, and quality of life for participants. But beyond the
physical outcomes, exercising together reduces isolation, lifts spirits, and combats the
creeping apathy or anxiety that can accompany neurological conditions.
At U-TurnPD, our mission isn’t just about exercise, it’s about empowerment. Every drop
of sweat represents resilience. Every cheer across the room builds community.
Together, we create an environment where movement is medicine and friendship is fuel.
Get Involved
Looking for that boost of energy and connection? Join one of our classes now – whether
it’s Empower-U, Power Stretch, Boxing, Vocal Power, or Dancing with Parkinson’s. Lace
up, bring a towel, your water bottle, a smile, and your determination.
Because at U-TurnPD, we don’t just move – we move together.
Let’s keep turning up, turning it around, and moving forward together.
Have a question?
Contact us at:
Phone: 204-510-4869
Email: info@uturnpd.org
References:
1. Seino S, Kitamura A, Tomine Y, Tanaka I, Nishi M, Taniguchi YU, Yokoyama Y,
Amano H, Fujiwara Y, Shinkai S. “Exercise Arrangement Is Associated with
Physical and Mental Health in Older Adults.” Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019
Jun;51(6):1146-1153. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000001884. PMID: 30694973;
PMCID: PMC6553972.
2. Ferrusola-Pastrana A, Fullerton CL, Meadows SN. “Group-based exercise for
Parkinson's: a qualitative study of participants and partners' perceptions of an
exercise class delivered through a community-university collaboration.” BioMed
Central Geriatrics. 2024 Jun 4;24(1):488. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-05061-7.
PMID: 38834963; PMCID: PMC11149266.
3. States RA, Spierer DK, Salem Y. “Long-term group exercise for people with
Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study.” Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy
2011 Sep;35(3):122-8. doi: 10.1097/NPT.0b013e31822a0026. PMID: 21934373.