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YMCA OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY
YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

Parkinson's Fitness

Photo of a cycling class Photo of a cycling class
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Pedaling For Parkinson's™

Pedaling for Parkinson’s™, powered by the Davis Phinney Foundation, is a research-backed indoor cycling program that helps people living with Parkinson’s improve mobility, ease symptoms, and find strength in community.

Each class follows a proven format: a warm-up, 30–40 minutes of cycling at a challenging yet safe pace, and a cooldown. Practiced consistently, this routine has been shown to significantly reduce Parkinson’s symptoms.

Guided by specially trained instructors and supported by research from the Cleveland Clinic, Pedaling for Parkinson’s inspires participants to pedal with purpose, gain confidence, and celebrate every victory—on the bike and beyond.

Photo of a group class, they are pedaling and stretching their arms.

Keep Moving. Keep Thriving.

Pedal for Parkinson’s is a supportive, high-energy cycling program designed to help individuals living with Parkinson’s improve strength, balance, and overall well-being.

  • Cost: $25 for members | $40 for non-members

  • Location: Platte County Community Center South

Join us to pedal, strengthen, and connect with others on the same journey!

Cycling Forward with Parkinson’s

Photo of people pedaling and stretching during a group clas.s

Pedal with Purpose. Progress with Every Ride.

Frequency: 3 times per week

Duration: 30+ minutes per session

Cadence: 75+ RPMs (or “uncomfortably fast” if 75 isn’t achievable), reached through steady riding or interval training

Adaptable for All: Classes are designed to meet a variety of ability levels and stages of Parkinson’s
Photo of three people pedaling during a group class.

Participant Requirements

Pedaling for Parkinson’s may not be the right fit for everyone living with Parkinson’s. Please consult your doctor or healthcare team before beginning any new exercise program.

For your first class, consider arriving 10–15 minutes early to connect with your instructor. They can answer questions and make sure you’re set up to participate safely.

To take part, you should be able to:
• Safely get on and off a stationary bike
• Secure your feet in or on the pedals
• Maintain a safe and comfortable riding position for the duration of the class
Photo of an older man biking at the gym

The Research

For more than 17 years, Dr. Jay Alberts and his team have studied how high-cadence, high-intensity aerobic cycling—often called forced exercise—impacts people with Parkinson’s. Their findings consistently show that this type of exercise improves motor function and overall quality of life, reinforcing what many participants experience firsthand.