pDNextSteps

First, an admission. normally, I don't write reviews. They come across as either self serving or attempts to get back at some perceived slight perpetrated by the owner. In this case however I feel compelled to offer what I think is a fairly unvarnished opinion.nI have Parkinson's disease. It's not pleasant. One of the things that makes it bearable is the ability to live a somewhat normal life. And the way I achieve that is by exercise. Only one problem. I hate exercising.nSo I'm forced to do something I hate to maintain something I love. It's not as bad as it seems because fortunately I found Melissa Carlson and her gym, PD next steps. They don't make exercise any more fun for me, but what they do provide is a fantastic sense of camaraderie and community made up of people in a similar situation. Everyone there is encouraging and helpful and it really makes a difference. So much so that it's no longer drudgery to go to the gym but actually pleasant. Well, mostly.nLook, I get it. I understand all the reasons you'd hesitate because I've been there. Do I have the right clothes, can I find a place to park, where is the bathroom, will they make fun of me? etc etc. Oh, and for me the big question: can I keep up? Well I couldn't at first, but now I can!nI would encourage those with Parkinson's (or anyone else) who are hesitant to actually go someplace and workout , for whatever reasons, to try a couple sessions with Melissa. She can be tough as hell, but she's also compassionate , funny, and very very knowledgeable. She knows her stuff.nI think you'll be pleasantly surprised about how going to the gym can work for you. I know one thing for certain : since I started attending PD next steps I am actually improving my physical acuity. And that's what it's all about.

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson I was a little down, but within 2-months I met Melissa and got on the path to health. When I started I was using a walker and was limited in mobility. A year later after working HARD with Melissa, my symptoms were actually much less than when I was diagnosed & I could not believe the degree of exercise movement I could achieve.nShe is an incredible therapist, instructor and person. I cannot imagine how I would have gotten to this point without her.nShe is constantly attending classes & seminars about PD and improving her knowledge & ours.nEvery day she is up, ready and full of positive energy, a beacon to us all !!!nnWesley Law

PDNextSteps is a greatnexercise program. Melissa is an amazing instructor and extremely knowledgeable about PD. She has a passion for helping others and wants you to be successful.nThis is much more then a gym it's a community. They hold care partner meeting, social events and lookout for one another.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in early 2018. I was in a very dark place, and was spiraling downward when I found PDNextSteps...and that was a life changing day!nnI learned how important EXERCISING is, for people with Parkinson's. I've also found a caring, supportive family of new friends, who listen, because they understand where I'm coming from.nnMelissa's positive attitude is contagious...and her workout sessions are different every day. I've found a new home at PDNextSteps...I'm working out 6 days a week, and I'm in better physical shape than I was in high school!

If you have Parkinson's - diagnosed 20 years ago or 2 months ago - you have to go to PDNextSteps and take Melissa's PD exercise/bootcamp classes. EXERCISE IS KEY to a successful life with PD. Melissa creates her classes to be challenging for those that still can be challenged, but consistently provides modifications for those that have more limitations.nnMelissa is the most passionate, educated, dedicated and thoughtful instructor - I'm beyond grateful that we crossed paths. She welcomes every PD patient and caregiver; she educates them and gets them moving!!nnIf you have a parent, loved one, friend or sibling with Parkinson's - call PDNextSteps!