The POP Program

THE POP PROGRAM

"It's a safe place to be with others with the same challenges and to push back with exercise.
The camaraderie is terrific for a disease that can lead to isolation and feeling alone."
P. S. Program Participant

Who We Serve
Power Over Parkinson's (POP) is for individuals and families to actively and effectively navigate life with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The program is available to individuals diagnosed with PD and we understand that a diagnosis affects an entire family, so care partners are encouraged to participate in the program as well.

Open to any individual with PD and their care partner we serve:
Individuals at any stage of Parkinson’s diagnosis
Care partners and family members
Local community members seeking connection and wellness resources
YOUNG ONSET - Power Over Parkinson’s is making a concerted effort to provide services to people in Monterey County newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease who are under the age of 50. Young Onset patients face unique challenges that might include work and career disruption, family and parenting responsibilities, and complex treatment decisions. We offer classes later in the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a once-a-month rock-climbing class, as well as Care Partner Support Groups twice a month.

The POP community is a welcoming place where personal experiences are shared with compassion and empathy. We understand the highs and lows of living with PD, exchange knowledge and support one another every step of the way.

Classes
Classes are held at the POP Studio in Monterey, Monday through Saturday and are tailored to address different levels of disease progression . A total of 22 weekly classes are conducted by instructors trained in working with individuals with movement disorders. All classes are 60 minutes in length with 1 to 4 classes scheduled daily. Size is kept manageable so that both participant and care partner receive individualized attention. Classes are specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs and abilities of all participants.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Curriculum
The POP Program integrates three key areas:  physical movement & voice strength, emotional & community social connection and educational empowerment.

Physical Movement & Vocal Strength
Strength Interval Training
Three levels (high, moderate, low) are offered with focus on balance, cognitive symptoms, dexterity, strength training and boxing techniques. This class integrates non-contact Rock Steady Boxing*, a national program designed for overall symptom improvement. Instructors have been Rock Steady Boxing trained.
SPEAK OUT! Speech Therapy*
A program of the Parkinson’s Voice Project, SPEAK OUT! is a unique speech treatment to help PD patients regain and retain speech communication while minimizing swallowing issues.
Balance & Strength Adaptive Yoga
This gentle and slow-paced class focuses on flexibility, strength, balance, breath awareness and relaxation in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Tai Chi
The practice of Tai Chi has been research-backed to improve physical symptoms such as tremors and stiffness. Slow, deliberate movements are gentle on joints and muscles, improve coordination and balance which can reduce the risk of falls.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates focuses on exercises that strengthen the core muscles that support the spine and improve posture. Rigidity and stiffness is often associated with PD, so gentle stretches can help lengthen muscles and improve range of motion.
Dance for PD*
A format created by the globally recognized Mark Morris Dance Group, Dance for PD brings together individuals of all mobility levels to experience a transformative outlet and creatively express themselves through dance and music as a form of therapy. This holistic approach to PD management not only targets mobility, balance and coordination but nurtures emotional well-being and fosters a sense of community among participants.
Young Onset
Sponsored by a grant from the Parkinson's Foundation, the Young Onset curriculum addresses the unique needs of individuals diagnosed with PD at an early age. Activities include all modalities listed above, in addition to a monthly session at Sanctuary Climbing & Fitness.

Emotional & Community Social Connection
Care Partner Connection
Two monthly Care Partner Connection Sessions engaging care partners in a group setting to share challenges and concerns.
Community Socials
Monthly community socialization events and activities designed to foster a sense of connection, fun and support.

Educational Empowerment
Knowledge is Power (KIP) Workshops
Knowledge is Power workshops are scheduled monthly and focus on greater PD awareness, understanding and education. Guest speakers and professionals in their specific field of expertise provide valuable information, support and resources.

*We proudly serve as the local affiliate of the nationally recognized Rock Steady Boxing program.
* Speech follows the SPEAK OUT® modality, a program developed by the Parkinson’s Voice Project.
*Dance for Parkinson's is part of the globally acclaimed initiative.

Learn more about the modalities incorporated into the POP program by clicking the logos below

MORE ABOUT JOINING THE POP MOVEMENT

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Collaborative Partnerships

POP proudly collaborates with the following organizations to enrich the programming and support the Parkinson’s community.

CSUMB Service Learning Institute
Students—primarily from the Kinesiology program—assist with classes while earning academic credit and gaining hands-on experience in movement-based wellness.

Del Mar Caregivers Resource Center
A trained Del Mar staff member facilitates monthly care partner meetings, offering guidance and fostering open dialogue for those caring for loved ones with Parkinson’s.

Rock Steady Boxing
As an official Rock Steady Boxing affiliate, our instructors are certified to lead evidence-based, Parkinson’s-specific boxing classes focused on improving mobility, strength, and confidence.

Sanctuary Climbing & Fitness
Sanctuary Climbing provides Parkinson’s-specific rock-climbing classes that target key symptoms of the disease by promoting strength, balance, coordination, and cognitive engagement through dynamic, purposeful movement.