An interview with Mary Wood from Total Health Works on July 10, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My initial introduction to Parkinson’s disease (PD) was in 1995. I lived in a duplex and the other tenant, Neal had PD. Over time, I became his caregiver and was surprised at how quickly the disease progressed. I always wondered if I could have done more to help him.
Fast forward to 2008, a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Club approached the manager with the idea to offer an exercise class for people with PD. Due to my previous my experience, and remembering how helpless I felt with Neal, I took on the challenge, researched, became certified and created a Parkinson’s specific exercise class. That one class turned into my career and have been instructing classes since.
It brings me complete joy to lead movement classes, allowing people with Parkinson’s the ability to have fun while exercising. It is so rewarding seeing the progress they make each week by simply moving. The members not only move better, but they also form lifelong friendships and realize it is possible to live their best lives with Parkinson’s.
Movement is medicine and my goal is to show people living with Parkinson’s, that exercise can be, and should be fun! I dedicate every class to Neal, his life touched mine, and his legacy lives on everyday as I hopefully touch the lives of many!
I’m also certified to teach the Urban Poling technique.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My initial introduction to Parkinson’s disease (PD) was in 1995. I lived in a duplex and the other tenant, Neal, had Parkinson’s disease. Over time, I became his caregiver and was surprised at how quickly the disease progressed. I always wondered if I could have done more to help him.
Fast forward to 2008, I was working as the Group Fitness Director at a local health club, Wisconsin Athletic Club. One of the members approached us with the idea to offer an exercise class for people with PD. Due to my previous experience, and remembering how helpless I felt with Neal, I took on the challenge, researched, became certified and created a Parkinson’s specific exercise class. That one class turned into my career and have been instructing and training individuals with Parkinson’s since.
Can you tell me more about Total Health Works?
Total Health Works is Online Brain and Body Training. They offer exercise and wellness programs for Parkinson’s, Brain Health, M.S. Total Health Works offers live, online group classes or 1-on-1 and group personal training. Classes and training are suited for all skill levels, participants can go at their own pace with on-demand videos, get 1-on-1 coaching from a Physical Therapist or certified personal trainer. Participants will start developing healthy lifestyle habits to help them live life with better energy and more confidence. Research supports that you can fight the aging process and Parkinson’s with exercise.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Honestly, my members are my passion. They inspire me to be a better instructor and to continually learn new ways to challenge them. It brings me complete joy to lead movement classes or offer personal training sessions in person and virtually. Movement allows my members the ability to have fun while exercising. It is so rewarding seeing the progress they make each week by simply moving. The members not only move better, but they also form lifelong friendships and realize it is possible to live their best lives with Parkinson’s.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
First, they must have fun! We do weekly challenges so they can see their progress. My goals are that the participants improve their balance, range of motion, stamina, and confidence that all comes with showing up and see that it is possible to live a full life with Parkinson’s.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
The training will include mobility exercises, balance training, strength training, memory, and cognitive training and most importantly Parkinson specific training.
Participants can attend live classes daily, go at their own pace with on demand videos or schedule one-one-one or group training sessions.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Participants learn that exercise is the only way to slow the progression of the disease. Movement is medicine!
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
I would love to reach even more individuals with Parkinson’s and introduce them to exercise and the community of others. I would also like to reach more people with not only with Parkinson’s, but with mild cognitive decline to help them obtain a healthy body and brain. I would also love to create a virtual support group for those who are unable to attend in-person meetings.
What events do you participate in?
Symposiums
Professional and Educational Courses
Community Awareness
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Some caregivers attend the classes which helps the person with Parkinson’s feel their supported. On the other hand, if the caregivers drop their loved one off or take that hour to themselves, they are getting the well-deserved break for themselves.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
They can email me at mary.wood@totalhealthworks.com
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Movement is medicine and my goal is to show people living with Parkinson’s that exercise can be and should be fun!