To keep our community safe, most of our classes are being held online during the pandemic. Please check class descriptions below for the most up to date information.
Classes and Activities
PD Active promotes exercise, movement and voice classes led by local instructors to serve the Parkinson’s community. Video recordings of classes are available on PD Active’s YouTube channel.
Activity and socialization are critical, and PD Active exercise classes and activities are available without fees to make them accessible to all. These events and classes are indicated by the arrow ►. If you or your loved ones benefit from these classes, please DONATE to keep classes available to all.
Classes
Boxing
Albany Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)
Time: Online Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am – 11:30am (PST)
In-person Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (PST) and Fridays from 10:00am – 11:30am (PST)
Location: SBG NorCal, 1450 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA
Description: Rock Steady Boxing is the first program in the country dedicated to using boxing to condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength to defend against the opponent — Parkinson’s. Coach Daniel Burkhardt teaches exercises varying in purpose and form that share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the capabilities of the participant. For the safety of all class participants, please attend in-person only if you have been fully vaccinated.
Registration: Classes via Zoom and in-person with a reservation (SBG NorCal, 1450 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA).
Contact: Email Coachdaniel@rocksteadyboxinggba.com or call (925) 471-5432.
Fees and Payment: Fee-based class on Zoom. By arrangement with Instructor.
Brain Training
► Neuro-Movement Training for PD
Time: Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:00am (PST)
Description: Steph Comella’s class uses a combination of fluid movements as well as the brain/eye work that is the hallmark of the class. The class uses fundamental movements of rolling, rocking, crawling, kneeling and all the transitions between. These exercises train flexibility and coordination for important skills such as getting up and down from the floor, squatting to pick things up and improving balance and agility. The class includes work on the floor. Please be sure to have a wide-open space to move around in. Household props, like pillows or chairs, may be used in class.
Interview with instructor Steph Comella HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Register for class HERE.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Contact: Email programdirector@pdactive.org.
Dance
Dance for PD®
Time: Thursdays from 10:30am – 11:45am (PST)
Description: Classes combine elements of modern dance, ballet, social dancing & improvisation to create an enjoyable, stimulating non-pressured artistic experience. Open to all; no dance experience is necessary.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Pre-registration required. Click here for more information and to register.
Contact: Email dNagaler@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: Classes are offered free of charge. Donations are appreciated.
Dance for PD® at Berkeley Ballet Theater
Time: In-person on Mondays from 12:30pm – 1:45pm (PST)
Location: 1370 Tenth Street, Berkeley 94710
Description: Participants are empowered to explore movement and music in ways that are refreshing, enjoyable, stimulating, and creative. Presented in association with the Mark Morris Dance Group. Open to all people affected by Parkinson’s disease and their family members and caregivers; no dance experience is necessary. Live musical accompaniment.
Registration: New participants need to register in advance of their first class by phoning Susan Weber, Program Director, at 925-457-8170. (1370 Tenth Street, Berkeley 94710)
Contact: Email susanw@berkeleyballet.org or call (925) 457-8170.
Fees and Payment: Classes are offered free of charge. Donations to Berkeley Ballet Theater are appreciated.
Dance for PD® at Danspace
Time: In-person every Saturday of the month from 10:30am to 11:45am (PST)
Location: Danspace – 5390 Miles Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618
Description: Classes combine elements of modern dance, ballet, social dancing, & improvisation to create an enjoyable, stimulating non-pressured artistic experience. Open to all; no dance experience is necessary.
Registration: Pre-registration required. Click here for more information and to register.
Contact: Email dNagaler@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: Classes are offered free of charge. Donations to Danspace are appreciated.
Dance Moves Me! for Parkinson’s
Time: Tuesdays from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (PST)
Description: Come join us and experience a dynamic, spirited and fun class of rhythmic movement and dance. See why Neurologist, Dr. Steven Holtz, wrote “A more fun- filled therapy for Parkinson’s can hardly be imagined!” www.dancemovesme.com Debbie Sternbach: Parkinson Foundation’s Moving Day© dance chair/Bay Area.
Registration: Classes via Zoom.
Contact: Email Debbie at fasn8n@comcast.net or 510-653-8362.
Fees and Payment: This class is offered for free.
Parkinson’s Disease & the Art of Moving: The John Argue Method
Time: Fridays from 1:00pm – 2:00pm (PST)
Description: This class is based on the program created by master PD movement instructor and author, John Argue. The Art of Moving class focuses on addressing Parkinson’s symptoms and teaches methods of mindful, graceful and complete movement. Students will also practice skills that enhance communication as well as functional skills such as getting up after a fall and getting out of a chair. Strategies for addressing such issues as freezing, balance and turning will also be taught and practiced.
Registration: Classes via Zoom.
Contact: Email Debbie at fasn8n@comcast.net or 510-653-8362.
Fees and Payment: This class is free, in memory of Lee Shapiro and in honor of PD instructor John Argue.
PD Fit Club
► PD Fit Club
Time: Tuesdays from 11:00am – 12:15pm (PST)
Description: This class is a dynamic mix of all the forms of movements that are recommended for PD – aerobic, high-amplitude movement that includes cognitive challenges, balance training, PD specific strength training, and slower mindful movement and stretching in the warm-up and cool-down phase of the class. You’ll leave with a sense of having had a great workout but also feeling refreshed by mindful movement and relaxation at the end of class. We use music during the dynamic part of class to help you move better and to make the class engaging. The class is designed to improve your functional movement while you are having fun – help you get up from a chair, make larger steps, turn in the bed, etc.
Interview with instructor Petra Fibrichova HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Register for class HERE.
Contact: Email Petra at fibrichova@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Tai Chi
► Tai Chi for Parkinson’s
Time: Fridays from 11:00am – 12:00pm (PST)
Description: This class, taught by Otto Dittmer, is a mind-body, low-impact movement practice that has been shown to reduce balance impairments in people with Parkinson’s with additional benefits of improved functional capacity and reduced falls. Research shows that Tai Chi has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves, muscles, immune system, and the mind.
Interview with Otto Dittmer HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Register for class HERE.
Contact: Email programdirector@pdactive.org.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
► Tai Chi for Gait and Balance
Time: Mondays from 10:30am – 11:30am (PST)
Description: This class, taught by Otto Dittmer, is a mind-body, low-impact practice that focuses on movements geared toward improving balance and gait. People with Parkinson’s often have balance or gait issues. Otto has designed this Tai Chi practice to address these issues.
Interview with Otto Dittmer HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Register for class HERE.
Contact: Email programdirector@pdactive.org.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Voice
► The Tremolos
Time: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays from 1:00pm – 2:30pm (PST)
Description: The Tremolos is a choral group of people with PD, their caregivers and loved ones, who have contributed to commissioned choral works and performed for fundraisers, town hall, meetings, rehabs, bedsides, parties, celebrations and memorials. Rehearsals have body movement connected to sustained sound-making, choral rhythmic chanting, community singing, rhythmic songs, choralography (moving to music) using call and echo, call and response, lip and tongue trills, staccato voiced consonants, big voice projection, “bouncing” the diaphragm, and coordinating the mind and body together, all to serve and ameliorate different Parkinson’s symptoms. The singing/ speaking/movement exercises also promote laughter, connection and a lift of heart and spirits. The Tremolos report that singing together not only betters their voices, but enhances their well-being, is an important social activity and that many of the techniques help them move more freely, increase their diaphragmatic and lung strength, improve their posture, and support them to continue participating in community life. Open to all. 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursday from 1-2:30pm PT
Registration: Classes via Zoom.
Contact: Email Lauren Carley at lacarley@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Yoga
Mindful Movement: You, Yoga and Parkinson’s
Time: Fridays from 11:00am – 12:15pm (PST)
Description: Yoga is one of the most beneficial complementary therapies for Parkinson’s disease: help to increase flexibility; improve posture; loosen tight muscles; build (or rebuild) confidence; and, through these benefits, enhance the quality of life. Aileen Kim has been a long-term volunteer for PD Active’s Yoga for PD classes. This class is not just for people with Parkinson’s. Friends, family, caregivers, and anyone else are welcome!
Registration: Classes via Zoom. For login information, please contact the instructor.
Contact: Email Aileen: aileenkkim@gmail.com or call (510) 406-1320.
Fees and Payment: Suggested donation $5-$15. No one turned away for lack of funds.
► Move and Groove (Chair Yoga)
Time: Tuesdays 12:30pm – 1:30pm (PST)
Description: Chair based yoga for those who prefer to exercise in the chair. We start with chair based yoga to warm up and then work on big and rhythmic movements with some cognitive challenges mixed in to the tunes of oldies. We finish with a few minutes of breathing exercises to improve our lung capacity and relaxation to settle our bodies and minds.
Interview with instructor Petra Fibrichova HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom. Register for class HERE.
Contact: Email Petra at fibrichova@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: PD Active Online classes are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these classes is dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
► Yoga for PD
Time: Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 2:15 pm (PST)
Description: Yoga with Vickie Russell Bell adapted for the needs of the people with PD. Emphasizes breathing and movement fluidity. Balance and relaxation exercises. Open to anyone with PD.
Interview with instructor Vickie Bell HERE.
Registration: Classes via Zoom.
Contact: Email Vickie at yogavickie@gmail.com.
Fees and Payment: Donation-based class. Contact the instructor.
Activities
Pickleball
► Pickleball for PD
Time: 1st Thursdays of the month at 3:00pm and 3rd Mondays of the month at 3:00pm
Location: Tennis Courts @ Bushrod Park 560 59th Street, Oakland CA
Description: Pickleball is fun, easy to learn and great for PD. We have play at all levels, and all for fun. Beginners can learn on a beginner court. No experience necessary. Equipment is available for those who don’t have their own. This is not an instructor-led class, but plenty of friendly PwP to help out any beginners. Spouses/partners/friends are always welcome. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANYONE NOT FULLY VACCINATED.
Registration: No registration required.
Contact: Cathy Ball at programdirector@pdactive.org.
Fees and Payment: PD Active activities are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these are dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Hiking
► Hiking/Walking for PD
Time: Wednesdays at 9:30am
Location: Canyon Meadows (“base camp”) or another trail in the Bay Area
Description: Movement and nature are both beneficial for people with PD so if this sounds appealing, join PD Active’s hiking group. Twice per month, hiking “base camp” is at Canyon Meadows, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland. The description and detailed information below is for the base camp hikes. Other hikes include East Bay hills (Redwood Park, Joaquin Miller Park, Tilden), Alameda, Berkeley shoreline, Pt. Pinole, San Francisco Embarcadero, Angel Island, and more. This is not an instructor-led class, but plenty of friendly PwP and spouses/partners/friends are always welcome. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ANYONE NOT FULLY VACCINATED
Base Camp Trailhead: Canyon Meadows, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland. We meet at the bathrooms in the picnic area just beyond the end of the road.
Base Camp Trail: We usually go out about 45-60 min and come back to the start for a total of roughly 3 miles. The trail is in thick trees and is cool even in hot weather. It is paved for the first mile then begins to climb slightly on gravel (but smooth) trail. There are bathrooms (with water) at the trailhead and another (without water) after about a mile. There are a couple of benches with backs on the first mile and many picnic tables.
Directions to base camp trailhead: From CA-13 (Warren Freeway) look for Redwood Road and exit eastbound onto Redwood Rd. Go 1.3 miles on Redwood to Skyline Blvd. Continue on Redwood Rd 2.1 additional miles to the entrance for Redwood Regional Park. Turn left into the park and continue on the park road 0.5 miles to its end. Park at the end of the road and look for the bathrooms about 100-200 ft beyond the end of the park road.
Registration: No registration required.
Contact: Dennis Slaughter at thaumaturgist206@comcast.net or Cathy Ball at programdirector@pdactive.org.
Fees and Payment: PD Active activities are available to all participants without fees. Funding for these are dependent on your donations to PD Active. Go to pdactive.org/donate and consider becoming a monthly donor.
Disclaimer: PD Active is not responsible for the content provided by third party websites. Please keep in mind that PD Active, its board, staff, members and any instructors are not providing health care or treatment recommendations. Information shared or included here is for informational purposes only. You are solely responsible for your own activities, actions, and treatments. If you participate in any classes, pre-recorded videos, or third party websites be aware of your limitations and capabilities.
