Module Objective:

• Gain an understanding of four unique participant personalities you may encounter in a class.

While every person you encounter is a special, unique human being, I have found that there are four distinct personalities that you will probably experience in your classes. I felt it would be helpful for you to meet them…

Lynn is 68 years old. She waited many months before going to the neurologist for a diagnosis. She had symptoms for 2 years and always had a reason for each of the symptom she was experiencing.
Finally, Lynn was diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. She accepted her diagnosis and decided to listen and abide by the doctor’s recommendations.
Lynn was a social worker for many years and retired 4 years ago. She was a walker but not a group exercise enthusiast. The Parkinson’s Cycling Program was available at her local gym.
Lynn was assessed and encouraged to come to the next class. Lynn was timid during her first class. She was a Level 1 or Beginner rider and was aware that the program was ongoing with other riders who had been in the program for many weeks. Lynn looked around. She noticed only one other woman in the class. That surprised her a little but did not seem to be deterred.

The Parkinson’s Cycling Coach set up her bike. Lynn began to pedal at her own voluntary Rpm. She completed 20 minutes of the class but did not want to leave. She liked the room, she liked the instructor, she liked the music, but she loved working with her peers.
Over the next few weeks and months she found her success. Today Lynn is one of the most outgoing advocates of the Parkinson’s Cycling Program. Lynn has not needed to change the dosage of her Parkinson’s medications for 2 years. Her gait and balance have improved. Her endurance, due to her strong aerobic base, allowed her to hike in the Grand Canyon with her granddaughter this summer.
Lynn is one of the truly committed individuals who have reaped the benefits of exercise. She schedules all other events in her life around this class. She knows that this has become her life.  She is awesome!!!

Steve Is young. He was diagnosed by his general practitioner at the age of 49. Steve saw evidence of symptoms for several years. Playing the drums is his hobby and he was unable to hold his drumstick in his left hand without a tremor.
Steve saw the flyer at the gym about the Parkinson’s Cycling Program. He approached the coach and asked about what he needed to do to be part of the class.
He found a neurologist who confirmed his diagnosis. His neurologist told Steve that exercise and cycling would be a large factor in managing the symptoms of his Parkinson’s disease.
After an initial assessment, Steve came to class as a Transitional rider or Level 2. He was able to jump immediately into the class with success. Steve had been a runner many years ago. His aerobic base returned after 3 months. His tremor has quieted and he attributes much of this to his group cycling.
Steve stayed with the Parkinson’s Cycling Program for several months. Due to scheduling conflicts and work related events, he needed to move to a regular indoor cycling class. With his parameters set, he is able to be mainstreamed into any indoor cycling classes. He is awesome!!!

Manny is 79 years old. Manny had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 15 years ago. He is a retired teacher from the Northeast. Manny lives in an Assisted Living Facility and depends on public transportation to get to class.
Manny has been coming to class for 1 year. Manny had never exercised in his entire adult life. He had never even broken a sweat. Manny is still a Beginner or Level 1 rider.
Manny is quite challenged but he keeps coming to class. Some days he can reach the 80 RPMs and some days he can not. But he tries his best in each and every class. He loves the socialization of the Parkinson’s Cycling Program. He is the first one off his bike and always has a smile on his face.
He is awesome!!

Larry Is 72 years old. Diagnosed 8 years ago with Parkinson’s Disease, Larry has a PhD and is a retired psychologist. The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease really challenge Larry in his daily life. He comes into class with a walker, shuffles his feet and has trouble standing on his own.
Larry is a wonderful man but he can be very difficult when he does not want to come to class. Many class days he arrives late and seems to hopefully be turned away because he is late. He seems to find reasons why his ride will not be successful. He frowns and grumbles until the class begins. His demeanor changes. He smiles, he sings, and he sweats!
As Larry leaves the class he is still using his walker. But he stands more upright and his gait is better without the shuffling. He is smiling thanking the Parkinson’s Cycling Coach for a great class.
He is awesome!!!

4 Personalities, 4 Riders. Every participant has unique characteristics that make them who they are. Some are easy to get along with, some can be a challenge. Some accept their disease and decide to do everything they can to be successful in the treatment of the symptoms. Some fight the symptoms and disease all the way. But they all come together as a group during the Parkinson’s Cycling Program.

The Parkinson’s Cycling Coach and/or the rider do not know what improvement in symptoms might occur. It could mean an increase in flexibility. It could be a better balance issue. But 100% of the time it is being in a group with their peers, people who have Parkinson’s Disease. They are accepted, they are not stared at, they all share many of the same issues. They are all there to feel better! That is the huge benefit of the Parkinson’s Cycling Program you will deliver!