Programs

Wednesday and Friday Workouts

Our flagship is the gym which is open two days each week for people with MS. Adaptive equipment and volunteers assist those who need it. We have gym equipment to fit every body and every ability level. In addition to strength & cardio equipment, we offer e-stim therapy to rehabilitate muscles, Reiki, Thai massage and even an occasional dance or art class.

We all need to “Just Keep Moving”!  It doesn’t matter where we start.  We can start with laughing which is great exercise in itself.  Other than that, we start with the body parts that will move and keep moving them as much as we can.  Let them rest and then move them again.

Let’s have some fun!

Weekly Bike Rides

MS riders use recumbents, trike trains, handcycles or 2-wheelers to engage in the sport of bicycling. To prepare for events, bike rides become more challenging throughout the summer. We ride every Friday when it’s above 45°. Dan’s rules.

We meet at Nettesheim Park on the SE corner of Hwy SS and Oak Street in Pewaukee.  If you would like to ride a tandem or a trike, please let me know ahead of time so we bring one for you.  I hope you’ll join us!  We will not ride if it’s raining.

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.

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 at 11am 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

Research shows that consistent cardio exercise can slow the progression of MS and reduce the severity of relapses over time. Physiologist Kate Kern leads everyone through an Intervals class to raise heart rates and improve cardio function over time. 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!

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.

The Neubie Program

The Neubie machine provides direct electrical current to the muscles and must be administered by a trained volunteer. For this reason, people with MS who work with the Neubie do so for an extended period of time, often for several months.

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. In this way, consistent use of the Neubie over a period of weeks may help people strengthen certain muscle groups more effectively.

Dance

Dr. Alex Ng and researchers as Marquette University provide Ballroom Dancing lessons for people with MS. These workshops are free for anyone with MS regardless of mobility challenges. Participants report back about the fun they have participating in Ballroom Dance.

Parks for All Abilities

Milwaukee County Parks is committed to making facilities and attractions accessible to all visitors. Accessible parks and activities are available within the park system, including handcycles, adaptive, bikes, beach and pool accessibility, fishing, and golf.