An interview with Sandy Ellis from InMotion Parkinson’s Wellness Center 8/3/2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
I am a Boxing and Spinning Coach at InMotion Parkinson’s Wellness Center in Beachwood, Ohio. These classes are designed to allow people of all abilities to participate, have fun and leave feeling better than when they came through the doors. I have been in the fitness industry for over 20 years, and I love what I do. I hold NCCA certifications from the American Council on Exercise and the American College of Sports Medicine plus certificates of completion in Parkinson’s Specialty programs. I am blessed to be part of what I think is the best team of Parkinson’s Specialty Coaches and Volunteer Coaches in Northeast Ohio. Teamwork truly makes the dreamwork!
Please tell me a little about your background.
My Dad had a genetic disease where his symptoms were like those of PD. I chose a career in the fitness industry because of growing up seeing his enthusiasm for staying active every day. In 2014 I noticed that he was having trouble with his balance and gait but when he rode his bike the symptoms lessened. He was on the bike patrol for his local bike trail and was able to ride the 20 miles each way with balance and ease. After a google search, I found Dr. Jay Alberts had already done research on the correlation between bike riding and PD symptoms. Due to these findings, he started the Pedaling 4 Parkinson’s program. This caught my interest, and I knew right then that I wanted to work with individuals living with movement disorders, but I wasn’t sure where to start. I had recently completed a course in adaptive yoga and through that network I was connected to InMotion. In March of 2015 I was invited to become a Mindful Movement Coach at the soon to open InMotion Parkinson’s Wellness Center. I found my passion and I could not wait to learn more of what I could do to make a difference in the lives of those living with Parkinson’s. During 2015-16 I traveled to Sarasota, Florida to train with the P4P coaches at the Berlin YMCA. The YMCA is now Core SRQ and the classes are still active. Thanks to the many hours those coaches spent with me answering questions and allowing me to teach setting us up for success when we started InMotion Spinning classes in September 2016. My desire to learn didn’t stop there as I found my niche in teaching the classes requiring a little more cardio so in April 2016, I headed to the Rock Steady Boxing HQ in Indianapolis and completed RSB Training Camp to become an RSB Trained Boxing Coach.
Can you tell me more about your InMotion?
“InMotion uses a community-based group approach to help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) feel better every day. Through evidence-based exercise, arts, support and education programs, we help clients take control of their symptoms and learn to live positively and constructively with their disease. Our findings show that in aggregate, the clinical course of regular participants in our programs often remains stable or improves, illustrating the power of a holistic community-based approach to wellness for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
The agency consists of specialized trainers, staff, coaches, and volunteers, who help clients with PD and their care partners, at no cost.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and one that offers its services to clients at no charge, we rely on the generosity of individual donors, foundations, grant-making bodies, and corporate sponsors.”
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is fitness and making it accessible to everyone!
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
Using a holistic approach to improve or reduce their symptoms for a while along with improving strength, balance, and confidence.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Exercise, Arts and Healing, Speech and Cognition and Support Groups.
They range from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Smiles, laughter, and new friends!
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
InMotion Parkinson’s Wellness Centers in every major city and around the world.
What events do you participate in?
InMotion’s Pals InMotion
Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day
How does InMotion also assist the caregivers?
Our caregivers are not only VIPs but our clients too. They are welcome to participate in any of our programs if there are available spots! We don’t charge anything for anyone to participate in our programs, including caregivers. Many choose to volunteer at our front desk or in our classes throughout the week.
We also offer support groups for caregivers. Many gather in our Cafe area while the PWP is in a class and have become good friends.
What I love about InMotion is once you walk through the doors you are family.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Visit our website www.beinmotion.org
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I remember hearing this quote years ago and I think of it often because our InMotion motto and signature class is “Better Every Day” !
“We may not have the power to make life fair, but we do have the power to make our lives better”
Thanks for sharing and I love what I get to do every day at InMotion!