Gainesville
Exercise for People with MS
Gainesville Physical Therapy
1234 NW 14th Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
Join us for a free exercise program for people with MS of all abilities in Gainesville. Participants will learn a variety of exercises to improve strength and flexibility. The program is located at Gainesville Physical Therapy at the corner of 13th Street and 14th Ave. The exercise room is the smaller building in the back.
Your Facilitator is Toni Chiara, PT., PhD. Dr. Chiara is a Research adn Clinical Physical Therapist and in charge of program development at the Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center for Central Nervous System (Multiple Sclerosis Specialty Care) Clinic at the Malcom Randall VAMC in Gainesville.
The class is free and registration is not required. Water is provided and please wear comfortable clothing. This program takes place every Thursday and the second and third Monday of every month.
Jacksonville
Aquatics: The Challenge Program at Brooks Family YMCA
Brooks Family YMCA
10423 Centurion Parkway North
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Thursdays from 12pm-1:30pm
Aquatic therapy is enjoyed by people with MS as a low-impact and fun way to exercise. The Challenge Program is designed for adults only of all abilites to improve range of motion, experience gentle stretching, and encourage movement without the use of adaptive equipment. Snall group and one-on-one focus time helps increase your confinence while strengthening your mind and body. The pool is 81 degrees and has a chair lift (up to 400 lbs).
There is no cost for this program and you do not have to be a YMCA member to participate.
For more information on the Challenge Program, please contact Tukz Taaca, Regional Aquatics Director at 904-854-2085 or you can contact instructor Joan Coffman at 904-733-3424.
Keep Moving: MS Exercise Class
BrooksFamily YMCA
10243 Centurion Parkway N
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-3pm
Keep Moving is an exercise program designed for those living with MS. During the 1-hour program participants will learn how to properly use equipment, such as hand weights and resistence bands.
The exercises are designed for all levels and will be modified for participants no matter what medical devices are being used. All ages are welcome. The class is free, you do not need to register and you do not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate.
Yoga and Tai Chi Classes
Weekly Yoga and Tai Chi classes are offered through the Comprehensive MS Center at Shands. Contact the chapter for dates and locations.
Shalimar (Ft. Walton Area)
Yoga in Chairs for MS
The Bob Hope Village Welcome Center
92 Sunset Lane
Shalimar, FL 32579
This yoga class is open to people with MS of all ages and abilities and is free thanks to funding from EMD Serono. The class is held at 10am central time. Click here for a regional map and directions.
Your instrutor is Kristy Bassham of Barefoot Yoga in Niceville. She is certified in MS yoga and is passionate about helping people regain strength and function. For more information, please email Kristy.