Programs

Open Gym

Open gym is available three mornings per week for people with MS. During open gym time, members have full access to various cardio, strength, and adaptive equipment. We have gym equipment to fit every body and every ability level. Volunteers are available to assist those in need. Exercise can be done alone or with a buddy! All we ask is that you don’t exercise when no one else is in the building.

Friday Morning Bike Rides

We ride every Friday when it’s above 45° around Lake Pewaukee. We meet at Nettesheim Park on the SE corner of Hwy SS and Oak Street in Pewaukee.

All wheels are welcome whether it be a 2 wheel bike, a tricycle, or a handcycle. If you have your own equipment, bring it along and ride with us! If you need equipment, we own 13 3-wheeled recumbent tricycles that we bring every Friday. These can be used solo or hooked up to others to form a “train” of trikes. A handful of these trikes have electronic assist. If you would like to borrow one of our trikes, please let us know ahead of time.

We do not ride in the rain and require that all riders have a helmet. We own a few extra helmets to borrow.

Caregiver Support

Seeing a need for a caregiver support network, a group of husbands, wives, family & friends that care for people with MS began meeting bi-monthly. While their loved one is left to the capable hands of volunteers in the gym, we provide caregivers a place to share the experiences, thoughts, concerns & challenges of caring for a person with MS, with those that know best. We share what we’ve learned.

This group meets from 10:00 – 10:30 am on the fist and third Friday of each month.

Prayer Group

Born of a desire to share concerns for our friends with MS, our country and our world, we meet in a quiet area to reflect, share & pray however we are led. This special family of believers is open to all and gathers from 11am – 12pm every Wednesday.

Reiki

Reiki is a complementary healing practice that originated in Japan. Reiki means “universal life force energy.” By placing hands gently on or near the body, a Reiki practitioner gently guides the balance and flow of a person’s own healing energy to promote wellness.

Just like everyone is affected differently by MS, people are affected differently by Reiki, but in a positive way. Reiki may benefit the body in subtle ways such as improving a lingering pain, digestion, balance, anxiety, or sleep. Benefits may be physical, emotional, and/or spiritual.

Reiki is available on Fridays at the gym in 15-minute appointments.

Linda Catterson is a Reiki Master Teacher who has practiced Reiki for people recovering from long-term illness and at Horse Power Healing Center. Linda has been a long-time volunteer at the gym from its earliest days.

Thai Massage

Thai Massage combines elements of massage, assisted stretching, and acupressure. The  treatment can be practiced wherever the person is most comfortable including on a physical therapy table, massage table, chair, scooter or stand up device. Thai massage is practiced fully clothed without the use of oils. The benefits of Thai Massage for people with MS:

• Stimulates the nervous system
• Relieves pain and muscle tension
• Improves circulation of blood and lymph system
• Increases flexibility
• Enhances elimination of wastes and toxins from physical, mental and emotional strain

Thai massage is available most Wednesdays and Fridays at the gym in 15-minute appointments.

Ricky Heldt, Owner of Open Lotus Wellness LLC is an IAYT Yoga Therapist, Thai Massage Instructor, and Yoga Instructor who has taught adaptive yoga classes. He has been teaching and practicing healing arts for more than 25 years.

Cardio Classes

Research shows that consistent cardio exercise can slow the progression of MS and reduce the severity of relapses over time. Exercise physiologist Kate Kern leads participants through a 30-minute cardio class every Wednesday at 8:30am and again at 10:00 am. The classes are interval-based which means some parts are fast and some parts are slow. There is a machine available for every MS body and volunteers are available to help people on and off equipment. All are welcome to join!

Seated and Standing Balance

Kate Kern leads our group through seated and standing balance classes. The aim of the seated balance class is to improve core stabilization, postural control, and upper body strength. In the standing balance class, Kate includes exercises to improve lower body strength, coordination, proprioception, gait, and balance through cognitively challenging yet playful modes. Studies show that people who participate in balance exercises improve their balance, report less dizziness, and reduce their risk of falling.

Seated balance is from 10:00 – 10:30 am on Fridays

Standing balance is from 10:30 – 11:00 am on Fridays

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

The Neubie machine provides direct electrical current to the muscles and must be administered by a trained volunteer. Electrical stimulation has been shown to improve muscle function, sensation, and pain. We strongly recommend users commit to consistent use to see results. For best results, we recommend 2-3 sessions per week for 3 months.  Sessions are 20 minutes long and facilitated by a trained volunteer.

First, there is an assessment and goal-setting period, followed by a set of exercises to help meet the first set of goals. As people make progress, volunteers may help re assess and set new goals.

Dance

Dr. Alex Ng at Marquette University and DanceWorks MKE have partnered to provide seasonal dance workshops for people with MS. Dance styles include partner and individual dance.  These workshops are free for anyone with MS regardless of mobility challenges. Ambulatory and wheelchair users are encouraged to participate.

Tai Chi

At 10:30am on Wednesdays, Ricky Heldt hosts a 30 minute Tai Chi class. This class can be performed seated or standing. Tai Chi has numerous benefits to health including stress, balance, pain, mood, and cognition.

Spin Class

In the winter months when the group can’t ride outdoors, Mike hosts a spin class from 9:00 – 9:30 am Friday mornings. Spin bikes are first come, first serve. This class will be sure to get you ready to ride hills in the Spring!

High Intensity Interval Training

On Friday mornings from 9:30 – 10am am, Kate hosts a high intensity interval training (HIIT) class. This class is intended for those who are able to stand and walk. This class is challenging and will raise you heart rate through various modes of exercise, using all sorts of equipment. Class style will change week to week.

Inspirational Humor with Adam

Adam Wollert hosts a weekly virtual call via Zoom on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 pm.  This time is meant for laughing with friends and get the week started right!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9431389152?pwd=bWlYbFNaazVnM1M1cWxWMitlODdXUT09

Meeting ID: 943 138 9152
Passcode: 3qP2hu
Phone:   1-312-626-6799