Building Strength and Community
Living with Parkinson’s disease is a daily battle, one that requires strength, courage, and support. In Middle Tennessee, Bridges for Parkinson’s is helping people fight back against the disease through programs that combine fitness, therapy, and community support.
Recently, Fatima, founder of Manana, a Nashville-based caregiving marketplace, sat down with Colleen Bridges, the visionary behind Bridges for Parkinson’s. Their conversation revealed how one woman’s dedication has transormed countless lives.
Building Bridges
Nearly two decades ago, a close friend living with multiple sclerosis asked Colleen to help with training. The experience inspired her to dive into the world of therapeutic fitness, eventually leading her to work with individuals facing musculoskeletal challenges. Soon thereafter, she began training her first client with Parkinson’s, and what started as a single partnership blossomed into a movement. Today, she still works with that same client. A testament to both her dedication and the long-term impact of her programs.
Colleen doesn’t call her clients “patients” or “participants.” She calls them “fighters” to demonstrate their determination to push back against Parkinson’s. “Knowing there’s really not a cure for it, they are truly fighting every day,” she explained. Bridges for Parkinson’s provides a safe, structured environment where they can do just that: fight for mobility, independence, and quality of life.
A Whole-Body Approach
What sets Bridges apart is its holistic philosophy – they don’t just focus on Parkinson’s symptoms. Colleen and her team are specialists in Parkinson’s fitness with backgrounds in occupational therapy, physical therapy, athletic training, and more. “If they have a shoulder issue, a back issue, a hip issue – whatever it is – we address that too,” Colleen emphasized.
Programs include:
- Rock Steady Boxing – the most popular class, designed to improve coordination, balance, strength, and even voice projection
- Tai Chi & Stretching – fostering relaxation, flexibility, and balance
- Dance classes – boosting mobility, rhythm, and joy
- Occupational therapy resources – with tips, newsletters, and Facebook Live sessions
Who benefits:
The programs are open to anyone living with Parkinson’s, whether newly diagnosed or further along in the journey. Even clients using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes can see improvements in strength, cognition, and quality of life.
“Strength improvement, cognitive skills – all of that can be improved no matter where you are in your journey,” Colleen said.
Looking Ahead
Colleen’s short-term goal is to keep innovating programs that target Parkinson’s symptoms while also addressing other health challenges. Long-term, she’d like to establish a dedicated facility for Bridges for Parkinson’s, ensuring that no one is ever turned away.
For families living with Parkinson’s, Bridges for Parkinson’s is more than just a fitness program. As Fatima put it: “It makes a huge difference. Beyond just having a physician, there is a supportive care system here where you can continue to improve.”
Learn More
Discover programs, resources, and stories of resilience at Bridges for Parkinson’s or watch the full conversation here.
