An interview with Susan Ludwig from Crush Fitness on June 18, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Hi, I’m Susan Ludwig Reath, the founder and CEO of Crush PD Fitness. As an ACE-certified personal trainer and Senior Exercise Specialist, I empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease to lead active lives. With certifications in PWR!, Delay the Disease, Rock
Steady Boxing, Yoga, and Pilates I specialize in tailored exercise programs.
In 2017, I launched Rock Steady Boxing Lancaster, providing non-contact boxing training for Parkinson’s patients. The program expanded to Rock Steady Boxing at Willow Valley Communities in 2018. That same year, I had the honor of delivering a TEDx Talk on the
transformative benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.
In 2021, I founded Crush PD Fitness, offering personalized fitness programs to enhance physical and cognitive well-being. Join me on the journey to optimal health and vitality.”
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
Throughout my personal and professional journey, I have developed a profound awareness and passion for Parkinson’s disease. Growing up, I witnessed the devastating impact of this condition within my own family. Remarkably, on my father’s side, seven individuals have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The matriarch of our family, my grandmother, was diagnosed with PD at the age of 43 and sadly passed away in 1999 at the age of 73.
Observing my grandmother’s decline was a transformative experience for me. I witnessed her transition from an active and vibrant individual to someone who struggled with the limitations imposed by the disease. Conventional wisdom at the time advised her to avoid exertion, which only served to exacerbate her condition. I vividly recall the toll Parkinson’s took on her: the battles with stomach-upsetting medications, her voice reduced to a mere whisper, the evident rigidity and pain she endured. Eventually, she became wheelchair-bound, unable to care for herself or tend to the house and gardens she once took such pride in. Tragically, a fall in the summer of 1999 resulted in a hip fracture, followed shortly after by her passing due to aspiration pneumonia.
It was nearly a decade later, while working in the fitness industry, that I discovered my true calling. As a fitness professional, I deliberately sought out clients who presented the most challenging cases, including those in post-rehabilitation and individuals with various neurological conditions. It was during this time that I was assigned a new client who happened to have Parkinson’s disease. Instantly, I felt an inexplicable connection with him. Upon consulting his physical therapist, I learned about specialized training opportunities available for professionals interested in working with individuals with Parkinson’s.
Recognizing the potential to make a meaningful impact, I wasted no time and promptly enrolled in the specialized training program the very next day. Within a matter of weeks, I began conducting Parkinson’s classes and relentlessly pursued further education by enrolling in every Parkinson’s disease and neuro exercise training program I could find.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
CrushPD is a truly unique fitness establishment that embraces an alternative approach to traditional gyms. Our sole focus is on helping individuals with neurological conditions, with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to not only staying on top of the latest research on exercise and brain health but also valuing the individual journey of each client.
I truly believe that exercise should be a source of enjoyment. It is my belief that when individuals find joy in their chosen form of exercise, they are more likely to adhere to a program and achieve remarkable outcomes. At CrushPD, we prioritize helping our clients discover activities they truly love, keeping them eagerly returning to our gym and happily engaging in their fitness journeys.
To cater to the diverse preferences and needs of our class members, we offer a wide range of specialized classes. From Yoga to boxing, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), drumming, tap and ballet dancing, and soon, a Pilates class tailored for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Beyond the physical aspects, CrushPD is dedicated to fostering a warm and supportive community. We understand the power of connection and mutual inspiration among individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Within our nurturing environment, clients can forge meaningful connections, draw strength from one another, and share their unique journeys. It is through this sense of camaraderie that the transformative power of our programs truly flourishes.
We hope to empower individuals with Parkinson’s disease to regain control of their lives through the transformative power of exercise. By blending scientific insights, personalized approaches, and a supportive community, we create an environment where our clients can embrace their full potential, fostering lives filled with vitality and fulfillment.
“I’M IN CHARGE. NOT PD.”
Proven fitness programs to help you turn back the clock on Parkinson’s.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion lies in empowering individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to not only endure, but to truly fully thrive and live their lives possible. I am driven by the desire to enable them to pursue their hobbies, goals and enjoy their lives as long as possible. I love seeing my clients defy the limitations imposed by the disease. Witnessing their personal triumphs and the profound impact it has on both them and their loved ones is what fuels my dedication.
My involvement in Parkinson’s awareness and the pursuit of a cure stemmed from a deeply personal connection. Having witnessed the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s on my own family, I recognized the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and resources for those living with this condition. Witnessing my grandmother’s struggles and the subsequent impact on her quality of life is what inspired me to act.
I hope that someday soon a cure is found, I don’t know when or how that will happen, but it’s my goal that when that day comes the people in my program are healthy and strong enough that they can get the most out of whatever treatments are available.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I find my clients’ goals vary greatly from person to person. But some of my favorite goals that my clients have shared with me have been; “To climb the stair at Camden Yards stadium and watch a baseball game with my grandson” (which he did end up doing), “To be strong enough to do the Father/daughter dance at my daughter’s wedding” (he was able to dance), “To enjoy a vacation with my wife” (they ended up taking several trips and they were even able to ride bike together).
What type of training and how long are the programs?
We offer a wide variety of classes; Boxing, Yoga, Stretching, Drumming and more. Our classes range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Crush PD can have a profound and immediate positive effect on individuals. We often observe improved mood and outlook after just one class, while stamina, balance, and coordination show noticeable enhancements within two weeks. Over time, clients experience greater ease in performing daily activities, improved walking abilities, increased strength, and functional movements. The cumulative impact is transformative, fostering a higher quality of life and empowering individuals to overcome the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
Our future goal for our programs at CrushPD is to expand and make our class accessible to individuals across the country. The Parkinson’s community is currently underserved, and we firmly believe that exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against the disease. I am actively working on a project to realize this vision and bridge the gap, ensuring that more people have access to the invaluable benefits of our program.
What events do you participate in?
We actively participate in various events as part of our commitment to Parkinson’s awareness. One notable event is Exercise to Defeat Parkinson’s, a team I am proud to be a part of. Every year, we rally our class members to join and raise funds for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Personally, I have completed remarkable feats such as running 100 miles in a month and participating in a weekly triathlon. As a group, we have collectively raised over $180,000 towards the cause.
Additionally, this past April, I played a key role in organizing a Parkinson’s Awareness walk in Lancaster, PA. With the support of over 150 participants, the event made a significant impact in raising awareness for the condition. Our ongoing participation in events serves as a catalyst to drive awareness, fundraise, and unite the community in the fight against Parkinson’s.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
By empowering individuals with improved physical and emotional well-being, we alleviate some of the burdens faced by caregivers. As caregivers witness the positive impact on their loved ones’ lives, it can lead to reduced stress and enhanced quality of life for both the individual with Parkinson’s and the caregiver. Additionally, our supportive community serves as a valuable resource for caregivers, fostering connections and providing a sense of solidarity.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
Our website https://crushpdfitness.com/
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Founder Sue Ludwig gives a TED Talk on training her Parkinson’s clients like boxers and creating dramatic improvements in their quality of life.