TAMPA, Fla. — It’s already known that exercise can benefit physical and mental health.

But there’s growing research suggesting the advantages of that activity regarding Parkinson’s disease.

“There’s some new research that suggests that exercise may be able to help new neurons grow or rehabilitate old neurons, we see on imaging a restoration of dopamine function with exercise,” said Dr. Robert Hauser, Professor of Neurology at USF and Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center.

Tampa General Hospital has collaborated with Tampa JCCs & Federation to offer a variety of classes through the Philip Shayman Parkinson’s Program, those classes include:

Fitness classes
Support Groups
Boxing
Brain Games
Meditation
Dance & Stretch

Ricki Lewis was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2022, she attends exercise and boxing classes.

“I feel invigorated when I leave the sessions,” said Lewis.

Instructor Alli Villane said exercise classes are customized for patients with the condition.

“We take it from really small to really big and our goal is that they come together and become movements that are recognizable as normal for people before they were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” said Villane who is a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

“There are days when I don’t want to go, I’m just so blah,” admitted Lewis. “But I know if I make myself go when I come out, I’m going to feel a whole lot better and I always do, so that’s motivating in it of itself.”

Staff and participants agree the camaraderie also brings motivation and comfort, along with other benefits.

“I have met some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life through this class,” said Lewis.