The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is proud to introduce programs specifically designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, and we look forward to expanding these offerings in 2026.
Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Pedaling for Parkinson’s™, powered by the Davis Phinney Foundation, is an evidence-based indoor cycling program shown to significantly reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. Designed to help people living with Parkinson’s improve mobility, decrease symptom severity, and connect with a supportive community, the program empowers participants to live well today.
Participants follow a proven protocol that includes a warm-up, 30+ minutes of cycling at a pace that challenges their comfort zone, and a cooldown. When completed regularly, this approach has been associated with meaningful improvements in motor function and overall well-being, with clinical studies demonstrating symptom reductions of up to 35%.
Led by trained instructors and grounded in research by Dr. Jay Alberts at the Cleveland Clinic, Pedaling for Parkinson’s inspires participants to pedal with purpose, build confidence, and celebrate victories—both on and off the bike.
The Program
Class protocol includes a one-hour ride with:
- a 10-minute warm-up at 60 rotations per minute (RPMs)
- 40 minutes at 80 RPMs
- a 10-minute cool down at 60 RPMs
Class is held 3 times a week over an 8-week session.
The Y has a place for you! Learn how you join a Pedaling for Parkinson’s class right here in your community!
Select your home branch below to view your schedule.
No! This class is open to the entire community, regardless of YMCA membership.
Through support from the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Pedaling for Parkinson’s classes are free for patients and caregivers.
Reserve your spot at the branch of your choice through GroupEx Pro, then check in at the front desk when you arrive to sign our guest waiver. We look forward to welcoming you!
Create an account here. For Check-In ID please use “Pedaling”. After you login, search your home YMCA’s schedule, here look for Pedaling under Class Name. Select Sign Up next to the class listed, this will open a window pop up – click the blue Reserve a Spot to register. We encourage you to register for all the classes you’d like for the 8–week session. If you find you are not able to attend a particular class, please log back in, click on Class Reservations in the right–hand corner and cancel your registration. This will apply only on the day you cancel, not the entire session.
In partnership with:
