Module Objective:

• Learn how to present (sell) the program to prospective participants

Once you begin offering your Parkinson’s Cycling Class you will inevitably receive a phone call or visit from someone with DP (or a caretaker) and they’ll ask you this question, “I heard you were offering classes for Parkinson’s disease? Can you tell me more?”

Absolutely we can tell them more… but first you’ll need to know more.

It’s important to hold a short interview to determine if this class will be right for them.
“Is this class for you? Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?” If the answer is yes, encourage them to observe the class. The first time over the threshold of a group exercise class can be very intimidating. The more the potential rider is prepared for class the better chance the first class or classes will be successful. Tell them the day and time of the next class. Briefly describe what will be expected of them on their first day, first week, first month.
Tell them what clothing is appropriate to wear in class.
Share stories of riders who have had success but qualify it with everyone is individual and progresses at their own pace. It is a group class but each person is challenged and encouraged in a safe and favorable way.
At this time, paperwork could be given to the interested rider. Try not to overwhelm them with so much that they begin to back away. Do explain the reasons why the Waiver should be signed, the medical release of their physician, the health screen questionnaire completed. Save the heart rate zone explanation until the decision to come to class is made. Too much information at this time could be overwhelming.
If the interest comes from another source than the rider himself, briefly describe the program.
“The Parkinson’s Cycling Program is an indoor cycling class where individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease work in a group setting coached by a certified Parkinson’s Cycle Coach. This class has shown to help in symptom management of the disease.”

Additional questions you might be asked:

Can’t I just ride alone at home or on a stationary bike at my club?

The simple answer is of course you can ride alone… but you’ll miss out on many of the benefits that come from participating in a group fitness class.

• The idea of being in a group with their peers is very appealing and should never be understated. Humans are social beings. Time spent with others gives meaning to life. When individuals are faced with the challenges/symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease social interactions become disrupted. Some individuals are embarrassed by their symptoms. This disruption can cause social isolation that can affect the individual and even the family or support group. Depression can eventually occur.

Parkinson’s Cycling Program allows these individuals to spend time with people who are facing the same daily challenges as they are. Conversations among the riders can be informative for each individual, possibly exchanging ideas on doctors, medications, therapies, food, etc.

It is very positive to have somewhere else to go besides the doctor’s office. The days of the cycling classes become a huge part of their routines and lives.
The riders all feel accepted for who they are and visibly relax knowing that they will not be judged due to motor symptoms of the disease.
Adding a 30 minute social interaction period after one class a week or month is the perfect way to encourage bonding and commitment to the program. Healthy snacks and drinks add to the festivity of the social period.

How long (number of weeks)do I need to participate?

The typical Parkinson’s Cycling Program runs 8 to 10 weeks. Our suggestion is that you commit to participating for the length of the program and then decide if you’d like to continue. The participants respond differently. Some riders see no reduction in PD symptoms, while others see improvement over time. But as a Parkinson’s Cycling Coach, I have seem riders who have experienced symptom reduction after taking just 3 classes.  We try very hard to ensure that everyone who attends classes regularly will enjoy their time  riding with us.     

I think Dr. Jay Alberts has the best response to this question – just as you’ll be taking your medications for the rest of your life, regular exercise should become something you’ll do for as long as you can. Dr. Alberts explains this in more detail here.