The chapter offers various fitness and wellness classes designed to help people livng with MS stay active and have fun! These sessions are from 8 to 10 weeks long and take place in the spring and fall. All instructors are certified and knowledgeable about MS. There is a nominal, non-refundable fee for each session. For more information and schedules, call 1-800-344-4867 (FIGHT MS), option 1.
AQUATICS
Water therapy exercises take place in the low end of the pool and are beneficial for increasing muscle strength, cardio function and flexibility. The buoyancy of the water makes it possible for everyone, regardless of physical ability, to benefit from these exercises. Adaptive floating devices are available along with a chair lift.
Westchester Program at YWCA of White Plains, 515 North Street, White Plains
Orange County Program at the Union Avenue Y, 565 Union Avenue, New Windsor
YOGA
Some of the benefits of these gentle positions are increased flexibility, reduction of stress, improved balance and reduced fatigue, achieved by stretching while focusing on breathing and meditation.
Westchester Program at YWCA of White Plains, 515 North Street, White Plains
Rockland Program at Yoga Mountain Wellness Center, 132 Park Ave, New City AND JCC of Rockland, 450 West Nyack Road, West Nyack,
T'AI CHI
An ancient form of martial arts, these graceful, slow movements, will promote relaxation, improve balance and coordination.
Westchester Program at YWCA of White Plains, 515 North Street, White Plains
ADAPTED SPORTS
THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING
Hippotherapy is a unique form of exercise regardless of physical ability. The rhythmic movement of the horse provides many physical benefits such as relaxation of spastic muscles, strengthening of unused muscles, improved balance and coordination.
Rockland Program, Alison's Whispers Adaptive and Therapeutic Riding, 20 South Magnolia St., Pearl River.
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS
The chapter collaborates with various outside groups and facilities in offering classes, suited for people living with MS, residing within their communities. Please contact the person listed for schedules and fees.
Westchester County
FIT TO FIGHT MS
This series of fitness exercises are administered by a staff of licensed physical therapists and exercise physiologists who will devise a fitness plan tailored to individual specific physical abilities and needs. These sessions are held on Thursdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at Forme Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine located in Scarsdale. There is no fee to participate.
For information and eligibility requirements, contact Vinny Sullivan or Peter Monteplier at 914-723-4900.
GRACE ON THE FLOOR
Learn to move with ease and maintain your balance. If you use a walking aid and/or have balance problems, you will learn certain techniques and movements that focus on fall prevention. These exercises are performed in a group setting and meet for 1 hr per week in 6 week sessions. Being offered at Burke Rehabilitation Wellness Center located in White Plains.
For fees and schedule contact Catherine Kazienko at 914-345-0100 or e-mail info@graceonthefloor.com
TENNIS
Together with HERO, INC, the chapter offers adapted tennis lessons, a great way to have fun and enhance hand-eye coordination. Positive social behavior is emphasized along with the development of cognitive skills. Lessons are tailored to individual needs and include stretches, games and drills. Sessions held on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Anthony S. Veteran Memorial Park in Greenburgh, rain or shine. There is no fee to join. Contact Janet Lefkowitz for more information at 914-761-2130 or e-mail lefk1@aol.com
Orange County
SILVER SNEAKERS
Taught by certified instructors, this popular fitness program, uses tools such as balls, weights and bands, to help reduce the risk of heart disease and increase muscle strength. Originally designed for older adults, these exercises are beneficial for people living with MS of varying abilities, including those who use wheelchairs. Being offered at Bare Fitness located in Goshen. For fees and schedule contact Barry Chait at 845-341-0480 ore-mail barry@barefitness.net