SARANAC LAKE – The Adirondack Health Foundation has received a $10,000 community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation to support specialized Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Programming at Adirondack Health’s Medical Fitness Center in Lake Placid.
This program provides exercise classes designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, helping them maintain mobility, improve strength, and enhance their quality of life.
For the past five years, Lake Placid Medical Fitness Director Traci Marie Wagner has dreamed of developing a Parkinson’s-focused program at the medical fitness center. She said access to specialty programming like this is incredibly limited in the region and that her interest in developing more of it stems from a personal place.
“It began when my grandmother was diagnosed with the disease,” Wagner said. “My team and I started exploring evidence-based programs to bring into our center, but our efforts were paused with the onset of COVID-19. A turning point came when local community members visited to share how the facility was helping them manage their Parkinson’s symptoms. Their stories led us to pursue PWR!Moves certification, and our coaches eagerly stepped up to specialize in it. I don’t think any of us fully realized at the time just how impactful this work would be for so many.”
Wagner said receiving the Parkinson’s Foundation grant allows the Lake Placid Medical Fitness Center to continue expanding the program. Thanks to the grant, two new group-based programs will be launched in 2026.
“It gives current and future patients access to individualized fitness support that truly improves the quality of their lives,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the positive impact it will bring to our community.”
The Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Program offers a variety of evidence-based fitness opportunities, including balance training, strength work, and movement exercises tailored to the needs of people living with Parkinson’s disease. Classes are led by trained instructors who understand the disease’s challenges and adapt programming to all ability levels.
"Over the past year, it’s been my privilege to work closely with individuals living with Parkinson’s and witness their determination firsthand,” said Lake Placid Medical Fitness Center Coach Mike Leggett. “Exercise takes courage, and that it can be difficult, demanding, and at times frustrating. But, when we summon that courage and train both body and mind, incredible transformations can happen.
Leggett said he’s seen those transformations unfold in real time, for real people, making real progress in the center’s Parkinson’s programming.
“I have been behind the scenes talking with clients and caregivers from the moment we first announced this program, and they have shared with me how transformative these classes have been for them – not just physically, but mentally,” said Adirondack Health Fitness Manager Andrea Chamberlain. “Watching the program grow and hearing from the patients and caregivers firsthand about the impact it has on their lives has been meaningful. They’ve experienced a shift in mindset, a belief that living well with Parkinson’s is possible."
For more information about Adirondack Health’s Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Programming, visit ahmedicalfitness.org/parkinsonscoaching or contact Andrea Chamberlain by email at achamberlain@adirondackhealth.org.
