The benefits of exercise in people with Parkinson's Disease are well documented. Exercise not only helps with the physical symptoms, but also has protective effects in the brain.

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My friend Melissa Carlson combined this knowledge with her passion to help others to open a gym for people with Parkinson's. She tailors her exercise routines to include strategies that will help someone with PD. Melissa incorporates big movements, vocal work, cognitive challenges, and balance exercises into her workouts.  

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Beyond the benefits her exercise program offers, her gym provides a sense of community for both people with PD and caregivers alike. Whether working one-on-one with Melissa or participating in one of the many group classes, I can be comfortable being me. To be part of a group that intrinsically understands each other is something quite special.

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Melissa is truly one-of-a-kind! She is supportive, compassionate, a motivator, listener, and organizer of group get-togethers. Her boundless enthusiasm is infectious and often carries me through the rest of my day. She inspires me to do better and be better.

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If you have PD or know someone with PD in central Ohio, I encourage you to call Melissa and chat with her about all she has to offer, or check out her website here.