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The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society has revamped our Recreation and Fitness programs to support a healthier wellness model for people living with MS. This new format will include more consistent class offerings.

Our NEW programs are designed with a holistic approach to promote wellness of mind, body and spirit. The expanded programs offer a 24 to 32-week format that incorporates similar modalities of movement like yoga, Pilates and aerobic exercise. We aim to provide a more comprehensive delivery by providing guest classes on nutrition, time management, Reiki, stress management, tai chi and more.

Prior to the start of the program series you will complete a self-assessment form to help you identify your specific fitness goal and choose your program level; some of our programs are designed for a specific level of functioning, while others blend all levels into one class.

Level 1 programs are designed for those who may require more time or assistance to participate in activities. These exercises are modified and done from a seated position. If you require one-on-one assistance, you must bring someone to assist you; perhaps a friend or family member so you can continue this routine at home.

Level 2 programs are for those who want to focus on a more advanced fitness regimen. These exercises are done from a standing position or while lying on the floor or mat. These activities are minimally modified and you must be able to move from a standing position to the floor or mat independently.

Join the Wellness Movement

With their focus on breathing, specificity and clarity of movement, alignment, and stretching, Pilates and yoga are natural complements that are present in all wellness classes. All classes are designed to tone and strengthen muscles, with a focus on strength and cardiovascular fitness. Light weights and exercise bands are often used. Throughout each class, participants will be taught in ‘movement modules’—short series of classes focusing primarily on one modality, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, cardio interspersed with guest instructors and lectures.

Southern New York: All SNY wellness programs are blended program of Level 1 and Level 2 –which will primarily focus on Yoga. Click on the links below to register online. Click here to visit our Recreation page which includes Adult Day Programs and ACCESS the Apple.

Chair and Mat Yoga

  Adapted Aquatics

These water exercises are designed for people living with MS who have varying levels of mobility, 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 for each participant. The natural properties of water, including buoyancy or weightlessness, combined with resistance, create an excellent environment for movement and exercise. If you require personal care, please bring someone to assist you. A chairlift is available.

Adapted Sports: These programs are in partnership with community organizations.
You will be contacted to schedule individual appointments once registered.

H.E.R.O. Adapted Tennis
Wednesdays
Oct. 3, 2012 - June 26, 2013
Anthony F. Veteran Park
16 Olympic Lane Ardsley, NY 10502

Westchester Living Fit with MS
Thursdays
12.-1p.m.
Oct. 18, 2012 -June 6, 2013
Forme Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine
444 South Fulton Avenue Mount Vernon, NY 10553

Therapeutic Riding
Friday May 3, 2013
12 - 3 p.m.
Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC)
81 Stonecrop Lane, Cold Spring NY 10516

Handcycling Clinic:
in collaboration with the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society and Achilles International
April 6, 2013
10 a.m. to 12p.m.
Introduction to Handcycling
Central Park Engineers’ Gate
Fifth Avenue and 90th Street NY, NY 10128
Join the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society and Achilles International for the first ever Handcycling Clinic for Society members. This clinic will educate all on the sport and provide an opportunity to try Handcycling.
To register contact Alison Kappel at Alison.Kappel@nmss.org or 1-212-453-3222
 

REGISTRATION: The chapter is going green, all registrations are now paperless.
To register call 212.463.7787, 800-344-4867 option 1 (Spanish option3) or click on the links on this page.

Things you should know before you register for Wellness Programs:
Please evaluate your level of functioning to select the appropriate class. You will receive the most benefit out of a fitness program if you are in the class that best fits with your level of functioning. Please do an honest evaluation and select the class that is most appropriate. If you need assistance choosing, call 1-800 -344-4867Option 1.

Space is limited in all classes; please register for classes that you will attend. If your name is placed on a waiting list, you will be contacted when space is available.

> Classes start in mid-October and end in June. Some classes may have a short winter break in December and January. Check www.MSnyc.org  for an up to date calendar of classes.

>If you require personal care or one-on-one assistance, you must bring someone to assist you. This can be a family member, friend, or personal-care assistant.

>Medical approval is not required; however, it is suggested that you discuss your fitness for any activities program with your physician.

Recreation and Fitness Program Waiver of Responsibility

In signing this release, I understand the intent thereof and will for myself, executors, administrator, and assigns hereby release the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New York City - Southern New York Chapter, and all sponsoring agencies, organizations and their respective agents and employees from all claims of damages, actions and causes of actions whatsoever, in any manner as a result of my participation in the Recreation and Fitness programs sponsored by the New York City - Southern New York Chapter implemented October 2012 through June 2013.

I hereby give the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NYC-SNY Chapter permission to use my name and any photograph, likeness or image taken of me during the event in any promotional materials, publication or via the web site.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, NYC-Southern NY Chapter withholds the right to refuse or dismiss anyone who may cause any disturbance or hindrance in any manner, which could jeopardize the success of the Recreation and Fitness program.

I have discussed my participation with my physician. In the event of an emergency, I hereby give the NYC – Southern NY Chapter permission to provide treatment in case of injury or illness.