Local cycling is shifting into an innovative new gear with a class specifically designed to spin away the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

The Parkinson’s Cycling Program opening up in the YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s West Chester Area branch on Airport Road brings a nationwide trend to Chester County, and a West Chester resident is the face of the nearly 1 million people who could significantly reduce their Parkinson’s symptoms.

“This program is a godsend for me,” John Hannafin said in a recent announcement of the class. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost 11 years ago, and I believe I’d be more disabled than I am if it wasn’t for the cycling program. I started seeing improvements almost immediately. The mentality of class is also beneficial to anyone doing this. If you’re just sitting on a bike in the gym, you can’t keep the intensity and RPMs up because there’s no one there pushing you.”

The 12-week program takes place every Wednesday and Friday at noon; both Y members and the general public can register to attend.

“We tailor the program to meet individual needs of participants. You can’t do it wrong,” Group Exercise Coordinator and Parkinson’s Cycling Program Instructor Lisa Drake said. “You work at your own pace and there’s no intimidation here. We want everyone to feel comfortable and successful.”

Find out more about the class and its muscle and movement benefits geared toward Parkinson’s disease sufferers by contacting Drake by phone at 610-431-9622, ext. 2232, or via email at ldrake@ymcagbw.org.