User Options:

• View My Saved Content
• Save this page to My Content

Share this page

 Fall 2011/ Spring 2012

Recreation and Fitness Programs

The New York City - Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society is proud to offer free recreation and fitness programs for people living with MS. 
Choose your Program:

Level 1
These programs are designed for those who may require more time or assistance to participate in activities. These programs are modified and are done from a seated position. We are unable to provide one-on-one assistance. If you require this level of help, you must bring a personal care assistant with you.

Level 2
These programs are for those people living with MS who want to focus on a more advanced fitness regimen. They are conducted from a standing or floor position. These programs are minimally modified and you must be able to transfer from a standing position to the floor/mat independently.

Things you should know:
Classes begin in mid-October and continue through June, with breaks in-between. You may register to attend programs in any borough/county. Please evaluate your level of functioning to choose the appropriate class.

If you require personal care, please bring your own personal care assistant. Medical approval is not required, however before beginning any fitness program, discuss it with your physician.

You can join the program any time based on availability. If there is a wait list, you will be contacted when space permits.

Transportation is NOT available through the National MS Society for these programs.

For a copy of the Recreation and Fitness brochure, click here.

Click the links below to register online.

Adult Day Program

Level 1
Designed to promote participation in social, educational and recreational activities. This weekly program offers a variety of recreation activities, including arts and crafts, fitness exercises, horticulture, community education lectures and more. Lunch is not provided, so please bring your own to each session. Any additional fees for activities are the responsibility of the member.

This program is available in the boroughs/counties listed below, click on the borough/county of your choice for more information and to register.

  Adapted Aquatics

Designed for people living with MS who have varying levels of ability or activity limitations, including those who use walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or other assistive devices. The class is taught in shallow water in a group setting with an emphasis on fun and independence. The benefits will vary from individual to individual. The natural properties of water, including buoyancy or weightlessness combined with resistance, create an excellent environment for movement and exercise.

This program is available in the boroughs/counties listed below, click on the borough/county of your choice for more information and to register.

 SIT & FIT 

Level 1: Sit & Fit
Designed to tone and strengthen muscles. Light weights and exercise bands are often used. Level one Sit & Fit exercises are performed from a seated position.

Level 2: Total Body Fitness Workout
Level two participants must be able to perform exercises from a standing position.

This program is available in the boroughs listed below, click on the borough of your choice for more information and to register.

 Yoga

Level 1: Chair Yoga
Level 2: Mat Yoga
Yoga promotes fitness, flexibility and relaxation while focusing on breathing practices. It also promotes strength and peace of mind. Level 1 Chair Yoga is designed for the individual to participate from the seated position. Level 2 Mat Yoga participants must be able to transfer independently to a mat.

This program is available in the boroughs/counties listed below, click on the borough/counties of your choice for more information and to register.

 Pilates

Level 2
This is a Level 2 mat-based class that focuses on core conditioning. Pilates uses a series of controlled movements to strengthen and lengthen muscles. All participants must be able to transfer to the mat independently.

This program is available in the boroughs listed below, click on the borough of your choice for more information and to register.

 Tai Chi

An ancient form of martial arts, these graceful, slow movements, will promote relaxation, improve balance and coordination.

This program is available in the county listed below, click on the county for more information and to register.

Living Fit with MS

Under the supervision of certified physical therapists and exercise physiologists, this program can help maintain overall fitness, by improving balance, decreasing spasticity and strengthening muscles.

This program is available in the county listed below, click on the county for more information and to register.

Adapted 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 are held in Westchester County at the Anthony S. Veteran Memorial Park in Greenburgh, rain or shine. There is no fee to join. Contact Janet Lefkowitz at 914-761-2130.

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.