GROUP
TRAINING
Our specialty at Black Dog Fitness is Group Fitness. The combination of fun and social accountability makes our programs more effective and long-lasting. If you have always been a solo gym-goer, come give our classes a shot. I think you will really like the results.
ROCK
STEADY
BOXING
Rock Steady Boxing is the first program in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s disease with community and exercise. Our workouts are non-contact (no one gets hit) adaptations of boxing drills.
Boxing training fits the needs of Parkinson’s patients perfectly. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength. Parkinson’s fighters benefit from the exact same stuff as well as the intensity of a good fight.
Rock Steady Boxing has been proven over and over as a highly effective Parkinson’s therapy since it was founded in 2008.
FIGHTING BACK AGAINST PARKINSON’S
Rock Steady Boxing is specifically for ANYONE fighting Parkinson’s Disease. If you can get in here, you can fight back and we will help.
We have two levels of classes, a huge spectrum of fighters and endless ways to modify the exercises to fit your abilities. You are never “too far gone.” Just get in here.
You will not regret it.
“My husband had an appt this morning with his neurologist and has shown great improvement from his date of diagnosis. Thank you for all you do for my husband. Your class has given us our healthy life back.”
The Blue Team
10:30 – 12:00 – Monday, Wednesday and Friday
This is our higher intensity class – the pace is faster, we are up and down off the floor and the exercises are more demanding. The main focus is on intensity and general fitness.
The Yellow Team
12:30 -2:00- Tuesdays and Thursdays
This is our lower intensity class – we give more transition time, we frequently have volunteers and assistant coaches, we will be seated and standing but no floor exercises. The Yellow Team focuses on the symptoms of Parkinson’s more directly – big steps, long reach, strength, coordination, posture, endurance, etc.
I recommend the Yellow Team to anyone who uses a walking assistance device (cane, walker, rollator, etc.) or anyone who is at high risk of falls.
PWR!
PWR! is a full-body, Parkinson-specific exercise class that
makes normal daily movements exercise. This will keep you doing more of what you want to do! You will be challenged physically and cognitively while working on strength, balance, agility, aerobics, and flexibility.
The PWR! exercises are designed to improve your general health, counteract the symptoms of PD and increase your daily activity. PWR! will push you to do more than you think you can in a fun, encouraging and empowering environment!
PWR! is perfect if you have balance or mobility limitations (use a wheelchair, walker or rollator). You can exercise either sitting or standing and all of the exercises can be modified to be easier or harder depending on your capabilities.
Classes are one hour long and include a warm-up, workout, cool down, and stretch.
Margaret Keele, DPT,GCS,CSRS is our PWR! instructor. She is a Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist at Fort Sanders West Medical Center. Margaret is highly experienced working with people with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.
Margaret is a Board Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist, Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist, LSVT Certified, PWR! Trained, and trained vestibular disorder therapies.
You are in good hands.
DANCE with PD
Dance incorporates so many aspects of mind and movement – timing, memory, rhythm, coordination, emotion and of course music. It is no wonder that it has been proven to help people with Parkinson’s combat the symptoms and progression of Parkinson’s. Dance can help improve balance, facial expression, freedom of movement, confidence and relaxation in just one class.
We do not have a dance class currently scheduled.
Check back for updates.
BLACK DOG BOXING
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 – 9:30
Join me for a one-hour, high-intensity, non-contact boxing workout. You have never gotten a better workout. Our class is primarily boxing and core exercises but we do mix some strength and power training in for join stability and general strength. If you have ever wanted more intensity in your workout or you just like hitting things, come try Black Dog Boxing.
Tai Chi
Black Dog Fitness is proud to partner with the Tennessee Branch of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA to offer Tai Chi free of charge!
Tai chi is a series of gentle exercises, stretches and breathing that each flow into the next without pausing, keeping your body in constant steady motion. Tai chi is often described as meditation in motion because it promotes serenity through movement helping to improve the connection between the mind and body.
How does Tai Chi help?
Improved Balance and Coordination: Tai chi helps to improve balance and coordination by strengthening the core muscles, increasing range of motion and improving flexibility.
Improved Mental Health: The complexity of the movements in Tai Chi help to focus and compartmentalize stressors. This can improve your mood, reduce anxiety and prevent depression.
Improved Physical Health: Tai chi helps to improve posture, reduce joint pain and stiffness, while increasing strength and endurance.
Improved Quality of Life: Tai chi can help reduce fatigue, improve sleep, reduce the risk of falls, and increase energy levels.
READY
TO GET MOVING?
We have flexible membership plans to fit your budget and schedule. You can come just once a week or as much as you want. Each membership tier gives you access to all our in-gym programs: Rock Steady Boxing, PWR!, Black Dog Boxing, Dance and more!
