Frequently asked questions
A FTH Therapist is required to obtain one or more of the following requisites in order to practice as a Fitness Therapist:
1. A Bachelor’s degree in an exercise science related field
2. 2 year Associates Degree in Health, Exercise Science, or Recreation
3. Specialized certifications geared towards working directly with the disabled community
4. No less than 500 hours of classroom and hands-on training with disabled individuals.
5. Personal Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors holding a current Top 7 Nationally Recognized Certification:
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Fitness Mentors (FM)
• National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR)
The above criteria must be met by a Fitness Therapist before they are able to work independently with clients with physical limitations or disabilities.
Each trainer is hand-picked, trained and developed at the local level. We expect a high level of professional service from our trainers.
Note the difference between Fitness Therapy and Personal:
Fitness Therapy = Disabled population
Personal Training = Able-body, healthy population
Before your first private training session, we will have you fill out our Intake Form. This form will ask you questions about your workout history, any injuries, goals and more. We use your answer, along with share video assessments to these questions, as well as your availability, to find the perfect FT for you.
We can’t tell you exactly what to expect during your session because your FT will design the session based on your unique needs and goals.
Your first private training session is your “Fundamental Session”. During this session, your FT will consider your goals, available equipment, any prior injuries and anything else, to help program the most effective workouts for you.
A traditional high intensity style workout normally includes plyometric moves, which means the feet leave the floor. People who have previous or recent joint injuries, dystonia, back or joint pain or bone infusions may have trouble doing plyometric exercises without pain, discomfort or even risk of injury.
It's not a popular answer, but it's the truth: The best exercise is one that is Parkinson’s specific exercise, that is enjoyable and that pushes you. Research supports a variety of exercises for Parkinson's -- treadmill walking, boxing, pole walking and many others -- but one is not necessarily better than another. Some people prefer kickboxing to high intensity training; others like group fitness classes rather than exercising alone. Still others like to mix up their routine with a variety of workouts. Find what you enjoy and what motivates and challenges you. Then do it regularly, at least three times per week.
The best time of day to exercise varies based on sleep and work schedules, personality (some love working out before the sun comes up while others prefer nighttime routines) and medication effect. Find a time when your medication typically works best to control symptoms so you have the best mobility and can exercise to your full potential.
Pushing yourself too hard (lifting too much weight or with improper form, for example) can result in injury. People with Parkinson's may notice that some symptoms such as tremor increase during exercise, but this doesn't mean tremor will worsen over the long run. If you're new to exercise, a fitness therapist can help you start slowly and gently increase your intensity.
Everybody has a different limit with exercise. With time, you'll learn your boundaries and how to push them. We keep a log of when and how much you exercise, when you take your medications, and how you feel to help you determine the best type and amount of exercise for you.
Remember that symptoms can fluctuate, so some days may be better than others. If you're just beginning, a fitness therapist can prescribe an exercise routine that you can gradually add to until you find your limit.
Exercise is just as important as the medication you take for Parkinson's but it's not a replacement. Some people are able to decrease their medications because they can manage symptoms with exercise, but others need more medication in order to exercise. (Marathon runners, for example, may need more medication to run for longer distances.) To get the most benefit, work with your doctor to make sure you're on the best combination of medications to control your symptoms so you can exercise regularly.
No one diet can treat Parkinson's disease, but medication might require mealtime considerations and dietary changes may help ease certain symptoms. Your physician or a dietitian can design a healthy, balanced diet to fit your needs and improve well-being.
There is no one recommended way to eat with Parkinson's disease, but a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables promotes health and well-being for everyone.
FTH sessions begin with exercise basics and fundamentals. As Jimmy Choi, an American Ninja Warrior repeat contestant, the world record holder for burpees and push-ups, a nationally known motivational speaker, and an athlete living with Parkinson’s Disease once quoted, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The same holds true for your program journey. We will provide you with “building blocks” to help improve your fitness and mobility…in a judgment free environment. We are here to motivate, coach and inspire you!