Parkinson’s Disease Wellness Programs

Nia for Parkinson’s Moving to Heal

Tuesdays, 11am, weekly

Increasing amount of research seems to be finding that exercise (like dance, Tai Chi and boxing) may be particularly helpful for people with neurological conditions-especially Parkinson’s disease–with benefits seen in movement, balance, and even cognition. For the last 10 years we have been offering (through the Nia Technique) a movement class called Moving To Heal for Parkinson patients, led by Black Belt Nia Instructor, Sara Shafran.

Moving To Heal is a sensory based movement practice that draws from dance, the martial arts and the healing arts like Yoga and Feldenkrais. The class meets for one hour on Tuesdays at 11am CT. And it’s now on Zoom, so it’s accessible to anyone, anywhere.

“I’ve been attending Sara’s Nia classes – first in person, then online upon the start of the pandemic – for perhaps four years. The weekly hour of movement (and dance) has helped improve my muscle tone and balance, guided in no small measure by Sara, whose boundless energy and cheerfulness have created pleasureful camaraderie among the participants. Her class has been great for the body and the spirit.” – Alan Meyers

Registration is required. You can register for one week or multiple weeks per month in one transaction. The link for the Zoom program will be provided in the confirmation email and the reminder email the first Monday of the month. Please make sure to save your emails so you have access to the link. Do not register again.

View a Class Sample

About our Instructor

Sara Shafran began her journey teaching Nia and whole body fitness in 2001. She received her Nia Black Belt in 2014, her Nia, Moving To Heal certification in 2019, and is also a certified Yoga Instructor. She has been working at the JCC since 2017. Learn more about Sara on her website: Miracleofmovement.com

Upcoming Dates

Thank you to the Albert and Lucille Delighter and Marcella Winston Foundation, a Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.