Why join our Chair Exercise Class?

August 2024: Chair Exercise Class Participants

FROM OUR MEMBERS:

I have been attending the Mia Lee Cooper’s chair exercise class for Parkinson’s folks for over a year now. I can’t remember when I wasn’t attending it. Her class has made my life so much fuller and happier.

When I first started her class, I had trouble doing some of the exercises. I also have asthma, and I found myself out of breath frequently. As I learned more and more of the exercises, I felt stronger and more coordinated.  Learning and practicing these exercises has improved my breathing as well. Motions that were difficult for me (such as a sit-to-stand motion) improved with practice. I now find that I can get up from a chair with confidence and stability.

Mia not only teaches exercises, but she also has a sense of humor and a love-of-life attitude that is extremely contagious. You always feel better, stronger, and happier after each class. I also had the opportunity to meet many wonderful friends in her class. I am so thankful that I discovered her class and will be attending it as long as she is teaching it.

T. H.   August 2024

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We discovered the Green Valley Parkinson’s Support Group in May of 2023 and joined immediately.  At that time my husband had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for five years. Both of us were experiencing frustration and depression in dealing with it. The information provided by the group has been invaluable in understanding the disease. The “Sit to Stand” and the Rock Steady Boxing exercise programs have proved invaluable to us. The social and other support systems have made all the difference in the world.  We are so thankful for the impact the group has had on us and hundreds of others.

M. W.   August 2024

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My husband Mel had Parkinson’s Disease among other medical issues. We found support from the Parkinson’s Support Group of Green Valley both in the Men’s Group which he sometimes led and me in the Caregiver’s Group.

When I lost my husband this March I was at a loss. I attended a Parkinson’s Support Group potluck and was told by a couple at my table about Mia’s Exercise Class. I remember attending with my husband briefly because he was too weak to participate. Mia was always attentive and helpful to him. I was surprised to find that even as a widow I could attend the class.

In my life, I never felt more welcome anywhere. From Mia, to the potluck couples and others who I recalled from other meetings, everyone made me feel like part of a family. I felt close to my husband here because these people attended his Celebration of Life Service. Every week, I attend Mia’s class, and I even got a perfect attendance in July. I now attend with a friend who has Parkinson’s. (Her husband played golf with my husband when we first came to Green Valley).

I can’t begin to say how much this class means to me, it’s like family and I cherish this group and all the caring people in it.

N. H.   August 2024