Wellness & Exercise Programs
Lone Star provides programs to promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. Programs include aquatics, art therapy, dance, Make Your Mark Day, physical training, Pilates, Pi-Yo, Tai Chi, therapeutic horseback riding, yoga and Yo Tai. Listed programs are free unless otherwise noted.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
Aquatics
ABILENE
7 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m. – noon and 1 – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Hendrick Center for Rehabilitation
1934 Hickory St.
Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: 325-670-6023
These are open swim times only, not an aquatics exercise class.
ABILENE
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Abilene YMCA
3250 State St.
Abilene, TX 79603
Phone: 325-677-8144
ARLINGTON
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Arlington YMCA
7120 South Cooper St.
Arlington, TX 76001
Phone: 817-419-9629
DALLAS
Aquatics for People with MS
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Pearce High School Noratorium
1600 North Coit Road
Richardson, TX 75080
Contact: The Richardson Senior Center, 972-744-7800
Join us for a refreshing aquatics class. Participants must be able to enter the pool and participate without assistance, or bring an assistant with them. Steps and railings are available. Please wear suits to class.
DALLAS
Multiple Sclerosis Aquatic Exercise Program
11 - 11:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Finley Ewing Cardiovascular and Fitness Center
5721 Phoenix Drive
Dallas, TX 75231
Contact Marianna Clement via e-mail or by calling 214-345-4512 to reserve your spot in this free class. Space is limited.
DENISON
Rusty Hinges Water Fitness
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday
Waterloo Pool
1501 Brock St.
Denison, TX 75020
Contact the City of Denison Waterloo Pool at 903-464-4475 to reserve a spot for this free class. Space is limited.
KELLER
11 a.m. – noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Keller ISD Natatorium
1000 Bear Creek Pkwy.
Keller, TX 76248
Phone: 817-744-1350
NEW BRAUNFELS
Wet ‘n’ Well
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday
YMCA
710 Landa St.
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Contact: Rana Russell at 830-643-0376.
Gentle water aerobics class designed with special attention to stretching, toning and strengthening, including balance exercises, either on land or in water. Performed in waist-deep water, utilizing slow, deep breathing and a wide range of movements to give a feeling of control, balance and coordination. Great for decreasing spasticity, increasing range of motion and improving gait. This one-hour class is relaxing and makes you feel great. Class is suitable for all levels of fitness, including wheelchair. If not independent on land, you MUST provide a support person to assist you in the pool. Class taught by a certified aquatics instructor. Classes will rotate weekly between land and water. Free parking is available.
WICHITA FALLS
2 – 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
North Texas Rehab Center
1005 Midwestern Pkwy.
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
Phone: 940-332-0771
Art Therapy
HOUSTON
Healing Art
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday
Art League Houston
1953 Montrose Blvd. at Willard
Phone: 713-523-9530
Discover the healing power of art in this award-winning outreach program. Students explore various techniques with paint on canvas or watercolor on paper, along with occasional special projects. At least once a year, students are given the opportunity to attend a free field trip to a museum and other galleries. This soothing class is open to all persons with MS. Partial funding for this program is provided by the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter and the Art Colony Association.
HOUSTON
Physically Challenged Healing Art
1 – 4 p.m. Wednesday
Art League Houston
1953 Montrose Blvd. at Willard
Phone: 713-523-9530
This class offers one of the only creative outlets in Houston outside of a clinical setting for physically challenged individuals. Students work in all mediums equal with their capabilities. At least once a year, students are given the opportunity to attend a free field trip to a museum and other galleries. Partial funding for this program is provided by the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter and the Art Colony Association.
Dance
CARROLLTON
Dancercise for People with MS
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Thursday
Sandunga Dance Co.
2155 Marsh Lane, Ste. 144
Carrollton, TX 75006
Contact: Erica Sutton, National MS Society, 800-686-7415
People of any ability level can use any or all of their bodies to move to the music. This is a fun, social way to put movement into your life. Make a difference for yourself by participating in a dance class. Wear comfortable clothes. You can also participate seated.
Make Your Mark Day
DALLAS, HOUSTON and SAN ANTONIO
Volunteer with others living with MS. Meet new people, learn new skills and make a hands-on difference in helping everyone affected by MS. See program details for times and locations.
Physical Training
FORT WORTH
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
National MS Society
4086 Sandshell Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76137
Phone: 817-306-7003
Private evaluation necessary for registration. Times vary. Call to schedule an appointment by contacting Travis Ehrhardt at 214-315-6127.
DALLAS
Wednesday
National MS Society
2105 Luna Road, STE 390
Carrollton, TX 75006
Phone: 800-686-7415
Private evaluation necessary for registration. Times vary. Call to schedule an appointment by contacting Travis Ehrhardt at 214-315-6127.
Pilates
AUSTIN
Fitness Pilates
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday
MS Clinic of Central Texas (accessible location)
16040 Park Valley Drive, B-100
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: 512-248-8663
RSVP: All attendees must contact Mary Holder at 512-569-5955 or ctnc_pilates@yahoo.com to reserve a spot in the class. Space is limited.
Exercises are gentle, yet effective, for all fitness levels and abilities. They are non-impact and non-weight bearing, but strengthen core muscles and improve overall stability. Benefits of Pilates can have a positive effect on MS symptoms, including balance in the body; improved posture; increased flexibility, stamina, well-being and energy; improved muscle tone, bone density, circulation and respiration; reduced stress; and strengthened and flattened mid-section.
DALLAS
Fitness Pilates for Multiple Sclerosis
1 – 2 p.m. Saturday
Move Studio
Preston Campbell Center
17062 Preston Road, Suite 108
Dallas, TX 75248
Contact Maureen Tarantino at motarantino@grandecom.net or 214-924-0914 to reserve a spot. Space is limited.
Pilates’ exercises are gentle, yet effective, for all fitness levels and abilities. They are non-impact and non-weight bearing, and strengthen core muscles, improving overall body stability.
Pi-Yo
DALLAS
Seated Pi-Yo
1 – 2 p.m. Tuesday
Move Sudio
Preston Campbell Center
17062 Preston Road, Suite 108
Dallas, TX 75248
Contact Maureen Tarantino at motarantino@grandecom.net or 214-924-0914 to reserve a spot. Space is limited. This class is a combination of Pilates and Yoga for exercisers with mobility limitations; it's also suitable for those who prefer sitting or use a wheelchair.
Sit 'n' Fit
Sit 'n' Fit is a seated creative movement program that focuses on light aerobics. Exercises are done from a seated position either in a chair or wheelchair. Focus is placed on individual abilities, allowing you to work at your own level, ability and pace. Getting in touch with your body and your senses helps you naturally feel more grounded and more present, thereby improving your health and sense of well-being.
CARROLLTON
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. every Thursday through June 25, 2009
Sandunga Dance Studio
2155 Marsh Lane
Carrollton, TX 75006
Contact Suzy Matheson via e-mail or call 214-701-5491 to reserve your spot in this free class. Space is limited.
Tai Chi
ABILENE
7:30 – 8:15 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Hong’s Tae Kwon Do
210 South Willis St.
Abilene, TX 79605
Phone: 325-676-2222
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to enhance overall functional activity for people with disabilities. This program is beneficial for people with MS who have limited mobility, those working to improve balance and muscle coordination, and persons who have enough trunk control to support oneself sitting independently, but who would like to increase core muscle strength.
CLEBURNE (Dallas-Fort Worth Area)
12:15-1:00 p.m. or 1:00-1:45 p.m. Thursday
Wings of Hope Equitherapy
4200 CR 806
Cleburne, TX 76031
Contact: Julie Rivard at Wings of Hope, 817-790-8810 (space is limited)
CORINTH (Dallas-Fort Worth Area)
9 - 11 a.m. Mondays
Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center
1960 Post Oak Drive
Corinth, Texas 76210
RSVP: Spirit Horse Therapeutic Center at 940-497-2946 (space is limited)
Yoga
AUSTIN
Noon – 1 p.m. Friday, and 2nd & 4th Wednesday
St. David’s at Hancock Center
1000 E. 41st St.
Bldg O, Suite 925 - Therapy Gym
Austin, TX 78751
Cost: $25 per month
Contact: Instructor Rikki Dunn at 512-261-0125 or rikidunn@webtv.net
This is a beginner to intermediate yoga class for pain management and pain prevention. Bring a mat, towel or blanket. Program content was not developed by the National MS Society, but we wish to inform you of the class. Note: Gym is free-standing building on east side of Sears parking lot.
BROWNSVILLE
5:30 - 9 p.m. Tuesdays
South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital
425 East Alton Gloor Blvd.
Brownsville, TX 78256
Contact: Instructor Lupita Fulghum at 956-554-6000
Bring a mat, towel or blanket.
CORPUS CHRISTI
The last class for 2009 is Thursday, Nov. 19; classes will resume on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010.
2 p.m. Thursday
YWCA of Corpus Christi
4601 Corona, Ste. 2303
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Contact: Instructor Mary Carpenter at 361-813-1763
Bring a mat, towel or blanket.
HOUSTON
Adaptive Yoga for MS
6:30 – 8 pm. Thursday
National MS Society
8111 N. Stadium Dr., Ste. 100
Houston, TX, 77054
Bring a mat (preferably yoga/Pilates) or towel.
Contact: Lissa Giacco, National MS Society, at 713-394-2928 or lgiacco@nmsslonestar.org
HOUSTON
Seated Yoga
10 - 11 a.m. 3rd Tuesday of every month
National MS Society
8111 N. Stadium Dr., Ste. 100
Houston, TX, 77054
Contact: Lissa Cameron-Giacco at 713-394-2928
Although open to all individuals, this class is developed for those who prefer to perform yoga in a seated position. Our instructor guides participants through all positions. Proven effective for persons with MS, yoga can improve balance, range of motion, flexibility and more.
PEARLAND
Adaptive Yoga for MS
10 a.m. – noon Saturday
Westside Events Center
2150 Country Place Pkwy.
Pearland, TX 77581
Bring a mat (preferably yoga/Pilates) or towel.
Contact: Lissa Giacco, National MS Society, at 713-394-2928 or lgiacco@nmsslonestar.org
ROUND ROCK
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Thursday
Grace Lutheran Church
708 Bluff Drive
Round Rock, TX 78681
Cost: $10 per class
Contact: Instructor Pam Breithaupt at 512-335-8588 or 512-468-6788
Bring a mat, towel or blanket. Program content was not developed by the National MS Society, but we wish to inform you of the class.
ROUND ROCK
Gentle Yoga
10:45 a.m. Wednesdays
MS Clinic of Central Texas (accessible location)
16040 Park Valley Drive, B-100
Round Rock, TX 78681
Phone: 512-248-8663
RSVP: All attendees must contact Mary Holder at 512-569-5955 or ctnc_pilates@yahoo.com to reserve a spot in the class. Space is limited.The program is designed to ease patients back into activity with range-of-motion, balance and stability exercises. This class is appropriate for patients using wheelchair, walkers, canes and any adaptive devices. The instructor will use movement and breathe to help increase muscle tone and strength, and improve balance, coordination and overall body control.
SAN ANTONIO/LIVE OAK
MS Yoga Journey
7 p.m. Monday
Northeast Methodist Hospital
CHC Room
12412 Judson Road
San Antonio, TX 78233
Contact: Instructor Jan Mayulianos at 210-659-8803.
New students must call ahead to verify class dates and location. MS Yoga Journey is a free class, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. It focuses on stretching, relaxation and mild strengthening. Bring a mat (preferably yoga or Pilates) or towel.
SAN ANTONIO
MS Adaptive Yoga
6 p.m. Monday
Multiple Sclerosis Center of South Texas - NISA
3603 Paesanos Pkwy., Ste. 300
San Antonio, TX 78231
Class size is limited. Call Janet Kaufman at 210-692-1245 to RSVP.
Suitable for all levels. Taught by instructor Teresa Guerra. Bring a mat, towel or blanket.
SAN ANTONIO
Gentle Yoga
1:00-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Office Entrance
1902 Vance Jackson
San Antonio, TX 78213
Instructor: Cheryl Alexander
Bring a mat, towel or blanket.
SOUTHLAKE
Divine Yoga
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
3280 W. Southlake Blvd.
Southlake, TX
Phone: 817-431-9642
Please arrive 15 minutes early.
STEPHENVILLE
Free Adaptive Yoga
6:15 – 7:15 p.m. 2nd Tuesday of each month
Countryside Wellness Center
1052 East Washington
Stephenville, TX 76401
Contact: Janie Portele at yoga@our-town.com or 254-967-2384
THE WOODLANDS
1 - 2 p.m. every Wednesday
The Woodlands United Methodist Church
2200 Lake Woodlands Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380