A few words about us
The P.L.L.U.S. Program is designed specifically for participants with movement disorders, in particular those with Parkinson’s Disease. The program adheres to the recommendations of the American College of Sportsmedicine (ACSM) in ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, suggesting that the focus of exercise for this population should concentrate on stretching, aerobic activity, functional movements, and muscle strengthening. As such, the program incorporates exercises designed to increase flexibility, improve posture, and increase functional mobility. Also know at PEP, Parkinson’s Exercise Program, the class incorporates a combination of range of motion exercises, joint flexibility exercises, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training. The class can be performed from both a standing position as well as in a seated position, if necessary. In addition to the exercise portion of the program, the P.L.L.U.S. Program also involves a support group which meets bimonthly to meet the emotional needs of our participants.
The P.L.L.U.S. Program first began in 1996 as a collaborative project between the Westwood Village Rotary Club and the Westside Family YMCA. The foundation of the program was developed by a UCLA Neurologist specializing on the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Jeff Bronstein, master instructor Rachel McCoy-Bedford, and a physical therapist. The expertise of these individuals was harnessed to establish a program specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease who want to the reap the well documented benefits of exercise in the treatment of the disease.
Rachel McCoy-Bedford is the instructor for the PEP class. She has been a dedicated employee of the Westside YMCA since 1988. She is also qualified through The Arthritis Foundation to teach exercise to people with arthritis, and has extensive experience teaching those diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Rachel is inspiring and motivating, and will guide you through an exercise program which will stimulate you both physically and emotionally, while allowing you to perform at your own pace.
Class Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:15 AM in the Gym.
Support Group Schedule: First and Third Friday of the month at 12:15 AM.
One of the goals of the Westside Family YMCA and the Westwood Village Rotary Club is to expand the P.L.L.U.S. program to expose more individuals with Parkinson’s Disease to the benefits of incorporating exercise into their treatment program. To promote expansion of the P.L.L.U.S. program, the Westside Family YMCA provides startup grants for establishing new P.L.L.U.S. programs. For more information, please contact the Westside Family YMCA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parkinson's exercise class suitable for people with late stage Parkinson's disease?
Yes. The Parkinson's exercise class can be performed from either a standing or seated position, allowing those with later stages of Parkinson's disease to participate and take advantage of the benefits of exercise for Parkinson's disease..
How do I find a Parkinson's exercise program near me?
We have generated a database of ongoing Parkinson's exercise programs throughout the United States. Follow the link to find a program in your area. Contact your local American Parkinson's Disease Association (APDA) for more information about programs in your area.Advice from experts, Dr. Jeff Bronstein
Dr. Jeff Bronstein, M.D., Physician in Neurology, Director of Movement Disorders Program at UCLA
"For many years, both doctors and patients noticed that people who have Parkinson's disease, do much better in the long run in many aspects of their life. Things that exercise help help include stiffness, fatigue, endurance, depression, and even constipation. It also appeared to many of us that the Parkinson's disease itself seems to progress slower in those who exercise regularly. Scientists that study PD in animals may have found the answer why. They have found that exercise in mice promotes the release of growth factors important for survival of dopamine cells and it also increases the generation of neurostem cells in the brain. Obviously, regular exercise also reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease and obesity as an added benefit. The key to obtaining the benefits of exercise is actually doing it so working out with friends, trainers and choosing activities that are fun all help people get in a routine that they will continue."