Frequently Asked Questions
Black Dog Fitness is an unusual gym. We are the only gym in east Tennessee dedicated to people with Parkinson’s disease. I am sure you have a lot of questions. I have lots of answers.
When should I start?
When do you want to start feeling better? If it the benefits of exercise came in a pill, would you wait to start taking it? Start now. Feel better now.
How do I start?
There is no registration or appointment to make. Just show up. Come see a class. Later, we will schedule your assessment and get you settled in. For the assessment there is no pass or fail. The assessment helps me make sure that you are in safest and most effective class for you. That’s it!
Which class should I take?
Our classes are geared toward the different needs and abilities of our members. We will do an assessment of your balance and fitness to determine the most appropriate class.
When are the classes?
Click HERE for our typical weekly schedule.
Where is Black Dog Fitness
We are at 9965 Kingston Pike – in the shopping center just east of the intersection of Kingston Pike and Pellissippi Parkway. If you kept going across Kingston Pike from Fox Road you would drive right through our front door. Look for our sign on the front of the building.
Is this covered by insurance or Medicare?
Unfortunately, not yet. However, many HSAs support us.
Current and former employees of the Oak Ridge Nuclear facilities can usually get reimbuirsed through the "White Card" program.
What if I can’t afford the membership fees?
PK Hope is Alive, the Oak Ridge Parkinson’s Support Group, offers financial aid to any fighter who qualifies. You just need to ask. I have the contact information and request form in your welcome package. Once we know what program will work best for you, you can make the request.
What can my driver, spouse or care taker do while I am in class?
They are welcome to help in class, just hang out. Many of our spouses enjoy talking to each other during class.
When a fighters joins, their care partner gets a free membership to Black Dog Fitness. Many of our care partners join in the workout (as long as there is room) or take a different class. Yoga and PWR are happening at the same time so care givers often do yoga while their person does PWR (or yoga with them).
What if I am “too far along”?
If you can move, you can exercise and any exercise helps. It is never “too late” to get healthier or feel better. Do what you can and stick with it. I guarantee you will feel better. You will see.
What if I don’t want to box?
Boxing is amazing exercise but it isn’t all we offer. We have other options like PWR!, Tai Chi and personal training that are all great workouts without the impact of boxing.
Do you have to have Parkinson’s to participate?
No. Everyone can benefit from exercise. The only program that requires a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is Rock Steady Boxing. Everything else is open to anyone but is geared toward neurological conditions.
What facilities do you have?
The gym is easy to access – no steps and parking within feet of the doors. We have locker rooms that are fully ADA compliant (low threshold, grab bars, plenty of room), free Wi-Fi. If it all goes sideways, we have an AED and first aid kit and a fire station less than one mile away.
Do I have to know how to box?
Not at all. In fact, it is better if you have never boxed. The process of learning the boxing moves is fantastic for encouraging the neuroplasticity that is so good for combating Parkinson's disease.