Becky Farley, PT, MS, PhD PWR! GYM™ Founder LSVT® BIG Inventor Researcher/Author/Educator

Dr. Farley (Becky) is a physical therapist with over 25 years experience in neurological rehabilitation for children and adults. She pursued a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Arizona to better understand how to develop effective rehabilitation interventions for people with neurological disorders. During her post-doc she investigated the muscle activation deficits underlying bradykinesia in people with PD. She has since completed an NIH funded randomized clinical trial to document the efficacy of an exercise approach that targets the PD symptoms of slow/small movements bradykinesia/hypokinesia (LSVT® BIG) – and is now training physical and occupational therapists in this intensive standardized program around the world (www.lsvtglobal.com). She is a published author on exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease and gives public and medical seminars around the US. The PWR!GYM™ is a model health care delivery program for making early and continuous access to exercise a possibility for people with PD and other types of neurodegenerative or neurological disorders. It will provide the infrastructure for future research projects to demonstrate the use of exercise as a therapeutic agent to slow motor deterioration in PD. The goal is to make AZ the leader in early intervention and evidenced-based interventions programs in the US! Who knows, one day, just like Silversneakers, you may be able to swipe your insurance card at the entrance to your PWR!GYM™ class.

Current research projects

• UA (My Lab)
  • Dual task function in early PD
  • PWR! WALK – Over ground high intensity mobility training
  • RECHARGE™ – An intensive program to targe PD-specific motor deficits across disease severity 
    • Use it or Lose it (i.e., early intervention to slow/deter motor deterioration
    • Use it and Improve it (later stage freezing and postural instability problems)

• USC (Beth Fisher, PhD, PT)
  • Treadmill locomotion Training vs. Overground locomotion training

• ASU Art, Media, Engineering Dept (Todd Ingalls/Thanassis Rikakis)
  • Interactive biofeedback technology

• Industry - Alberti's Window
  • Video-based feedback technology to enhance learning and assess function

Michael Urquhart, CPT (AFAA) CTC (TA) mike@mvactucson.com

Mike Urquhart is a certified Personal Trainer (AFAA), Indoor Cycling Instructor (Johnny G and YMCA), and a certified Triathlon Coach (Triathlon Academy). Mike graduated from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a BS in biology and then pursued post graduate training in physiology at Northern Arizona University. He has been in the sport of triathlon for over 25 years. His career as a personal trainer began 15 years ago, while he serving in the US Army. Since then he has coached all levels of athletes and designed a multitude of personalized training programs to include: weight training, cardiovascular training, sports specific training and nutritional counseling. His programs adhere to a scientific approach to optimize physiological adaptations called periodization. Michael has also worked at the University of Arizona assisting on clinical research projects related to exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. At that time, he began an interest in developing aerobics programs for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. He will bring those skills to the PWR! GYM where he will teach the PWR! SPIN/WALK, PWR! WALK, and PWR! CIRCUIT classes. Mike is also available for one-on-one or small group workouts. For sports enthusiasts he offers Triathlon Training for small groups or individuals. In addition, he offers specialty assessment of cardiovascular function using heart rate and power calculations to help you construct a more precise training program.

Stephanie Christenson, CSCS, RYT-200, AEA eMail: info@workoutwithsteph.com Website: www.workoutwithsteph.com

Stephanie Christenson has been working in the fitness industry for 10 years. Stephanie graduated from Penn State with a BS in Kinesiology. She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a 200h-Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, and a certified Aqua Exercise Instructor through the Aquatic Exercise Association. Stephanie is the fitness coordinator at Mid-Valley Athletic Club in Tucson, AZ. She has been working with people with Parkinson’s for 5 years. She will bring her experience, and clever, practical approach to the PWR! GYM programs where she will teach the PWR! MOVES, PWR! MOVES4FUNCTION, PWR! H2O AND PWR! YOGA classes. Stephanie is also a Personal Trainer available for one-on-one workout sessions in the pool or over ground!

"I strive to offer a class that offers a social, fun and supportive environment for participants and friends"
-Stephanie