ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, HELP US REACH EVERYONE!

At the Center for Movement Challenges, we believe in the power of movement to transform lives, particularly for those living with Parkinson's disease. We make a difference every day. For over a decade we have successfully provided innovative programs, compassionate care, and a supportive community to help individuals regain strength, independence, and hope. From specialized exercise classes, to tele-health, to personalized therapies and emotional support, we empower people nationwide to face the challenges of Parkinson's with resilience and confidence. Our classes are accessible in-person, live virtual and online, with the reach of ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, FOR EVERYONE!

But we can’t do it alone. Your donation directly fuels these life-changing efforts, giving individuals the tools to slow disease progression, improve motor and non-motor symptoms, reclaim their quality of life and pursue their passions. As a 501 (c) *(3) all donations are fully tax deductible.*

**Be the Difference**

When you donate to the Center for Movement Challenges, you’re investing in more than a program—you’re investing in people. Your contribution helps us provide accessible, high-quality programs and services to those in need, ensuring cost is never a barrier to care.  With your support, we can expand our reach, engage in groundbreaking research, and create new opportunities for healing and growth. Please reach inside your hearts and donate. Be the difference! Together, we can break down barriers and offer hope to thousands affected by Parkinson's. Help us give the gifts of friendship, support and LIFE nationwide, gifting people living with Parkinson’s the tools to live the best life possible to its fullest potential.

Join us in this vital mission—your generosity can change lives today.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Denise Formisano

CFMC CEO

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Hight Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) With Coach Willy

This workout is designed to accommodate various movement abilities, including Parkinson's challenges.

Introduction

  • Welcome from Coach Willy for CenterforMovementChallenges.org.
  • Goal: Start with moderate activity, gradually increase to high intensity for cardio and strength benefits.
  • This workout is designed to accommodate various movement abilities, including Parkinson's challenges.

Warm-Up: Butt Kickers

How to Perform:

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, aligned with hips.
  2. Shift your weight side to side while bringing your heels toward your glutes.
  3. Maintain posture and strike heels back down steadily.
  4. Adjust speed based on your comfort level.

Knee and Ankle Touch Warm-Up

How to Perform:

  1. Alternate touching your right hand to your left ankle and vice versa.
  2. Keep your posture upright and avoid leaning forward excessively.
  3. Build coordination and raise heart rate gradually.

Dynamic Moves

High Knees:

  • Lift knees across your centerline for added hip mobility.

Gate Flies:

  • Narrow your stance and step forward, alternating with controlled back steps.
  • Great for balance and coordination.

Skater Squats:

  • Combine wide movements with reaching opposite hands to feet.
  • Engage the entire body for stability and strength.

Fast Feet Drills

Key Points:

  • Start with jogging in place, focusing on lifting heels and pumping arms.
  • Add directional movements (forward, back, side-to-side) for agility improvement.

Combination Drills

Hurdles and Fast Feet:

  • Alternate 8 seconds of fast feet with 8 seconds of high-knee hurdles.
  • Maintain control while progressively increasing intensity.

Leg Strength Builders

Bunny Hops:

  • Perform small, controlled jumps in a squat position, focusing on stability.

Squats:

  • Aim for shallow squats, 3-5 inches below the waistline.
  • Keep shoulders upright and maintain balance.

Modified Lunges:

  • Stagger legs off the centerline for increased safety.
  • Raise the back heel and perform controlled dips to protect knees.

Cool Down

  • Take deep breaths and recover.
  • Rehydrate and reflect on personal intensity adjustments.

Key takeaways

  • Gradually increase intensity while maintaining proper posture and balance.
  • Modify exercises to suit individual movement abilities and comfort.
  • Focus on consistent form over speed for maximum benefit and safety.

Want To See More?

Try Free For 7 Days

Access 100+ Online Training Videos and Live Coaching

Perfect for people with PD & other movement disorders who want to Get Moving Anywhere, Anytime!
  • Unlimited On-Demand Online Access to 50+ Exercise Classes, Workouts & Wellness Classes For All Ability Levels - Sitting & Standing Formats with Step-by-Step Instructions.
  • Extensive Online PD Exercise Classes Library  updated weekly, Available 24/7 - Boxing, Yoga, Meditation, Occupational Therapy, Optimizing Movement, Nutrition, Stretching & Caregiver Classes!
  • Research-proven Exercises, Therapies & Educational Workshops for Movement Disorders to Slow Disease Progression, Lessen Symptom Severity, Enhance Safety, and Encourage Independence.
  • LIVE Virtual Boxing for Parkinson's exercise classes twice a week - Monday and Wednesday at 10am EST
$24.95 / month
Try Free For 7 Days

What is CFMC Online?

CFMC Online is a virtual platform offering specialized exercise programs, wellness services, and resources designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, available anytime and anywhere.

Who can participate in CFMC Online classes?

CFMC Online is open to anyone living with Parkinson’s or similar movement challenges, as well as their caregivers, providing accessible options for all fitness levels.

What types of classes are offered through CFMC Online?

CFMC Online features a variety of classes including boxing, yoga, stretching, and strength training, all led by trainers experienced in movement disorders.

Do online exercises also help with mental health?

Yes. Online exercise programs provide mood-boosting effects, reduce anxiety and depression, and help people feel more in control of their condition.

What makes online exercise more accessible than in-person classes?

Online programs can be done anytime, anywhere, and usually cost less than traveling to a gym or clinic. They remove barriers to participation such as the need for transportation, which is especially important for people with mobility challenges, work, travel and family schedules.

Online programs bridge the gap, making CFMC’s Exercise Programs and Wellness Services available 24/7 ANYTIME ANYWHERE. This is particularly important for the underserved and under sourced who otherwise would have little or no access to these tools allowing them to live longer and better lives, to their fullest potential.

Are CFMC online exercises safe for people with Parkinson’s?

Yes, especially since the programs are designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s. All instructors are required to be Parkinson’s certified. Many classes offer modifications and low-impact options. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

Can CFMC online exercise programs help people with Parkinson’s feel less isolated?

Absolutely. CFMC’s LIVE Virtual sessions with dynamic instructors, provide community support and encouragement, which is vital for mental well-being.

Do online exercises help slow down Parkinson’s progression?

While exercise cannot stop Parkinson’s, research shows that consistent physical activity can slow the progression of motor symptoms, improve overall function, and enhance quality of life.

Which CFMC online classes help improved balance?

- Parkinson’s often affects balance, making people more prone to falls.

- Exercises such as yoga, and balance drills taught in Optimizing Movement classes (like standing on one foot or shifting weight side to side) help strengthen stabilizing muscles.

- Online programs allow patients to practice safely at home- CFMC suggests using a sturdy chair or wall for support.

- Better balance increases confidence in daily activities such as walking, turning, or standing from a chair.

Do CFMC’s Optimizing Movement classes increase strength?

Muscle weakness can worsen mobility issues and fatigue in Parkinson’s.

Strength training—using body weight, resistance bands, or light weights—builds muscle endurance.

Stronger muscles help participants move more easily, support joints, and reduce the risk of injury.

Optimizing Movement classes are offered at different levels, standing and seated.

Which CFMC classes help achieve greater flexibility and reduces rigidity?

Rigidity (stiffness in muscles) is one of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s.

CFMC offers stretching routines, yoga, and mobility exercises to improve joint flexibility.

Improved flexibility helps with everyday tasks, such as reaching, dressing, and bending down.

Online guided stretching ensures participants move in a controlled and safe way.

How do CFMC’s online videos help achieve better coordination?

Parkinson’s can make coordinated movements, like walking and turning, more difficult.

Exercises that involve rhythm, sequences, or dual-task training enhance coordination. These are particularly incorporated into CFMC’s boxing videos

Many online programs use step-by-step routines, which help retrain the brain’s motor pathways. Every video has step-by-step instructions and key takeaways to guide you most accurately and beneficial through your workout. These are very beneficial when printed and used by caregivers for participants who need physical and cognitive assistance.

Better coordination means smoother, more controlled movements and reduced risk of falling.

Do CFMC’s online Optimizing Movement videos include exercises to improve Gait & Walking?

Parkinson’s often causes shuffling steps or “freezing” while walking.

CFMC’s online exercise classes incorporate Gait training exercises which help retrain walking patterns.

CFMC’s online Optimizing Movement videos focus on preventing stooped posture, teaching balance and posture, and large movements, each of which influences proper walking.

Great effort should be made to maintain proper walking, as it leads to greater independence, safer mobility and less falls.

Can CFMC’s online exercise classes improve fatigue and enhance endurance (stamina)?

Fatigue is a common complaint among people with Parkinson’s.

Aerobic exercises incorporated into CFMC’s exercise videos increase cardiovascular fitness and stamina.Online classes encourage gradual progression, helping participants build energy without overexertion.

Fatigue is exacerbated by sleep loss. Sleep issues are common with PD. Exercise often improves sleep; more sleep can effectively reduce fatigue.

More endurance allows patients to enjoy daily life with less fatigue.

Do CFMC’s online videos include exercises for motor symptom management?

Exercise doesn’t cure Parkinson’s, but it can improve slowness (bradykinesia), stiffness, and tremors.

Regular practice stimulates the brain, supporting better motor control.

CFMC’s online platforms include physical therapists, occupational therapists and neurologist-recommended exercise routines tailored for Parkinson’s.

Do CFMC’s online videos include skills training?

CFMC’s online platforms include videos primarily intended for caregivers, such as, Sit-To-Stand, and Fall Prevention and Recovery.

Do CFMC’s online platform include Speech?

CFMC offers LIVE Virtual Speech Maintenance classes that help improve and maintain voice volume and projection, articulation and clarity, swallowing functions, facial masking, drooling, and cognitive function.