Parkinson’s disease effects the nervous system, causing tremors, stiff muscles and speech impairments. There is no cure, but research suggests vigorous exercise may slow down the progression of the disease.

PDNextSteps, a program right here in Columbus, aims to do just that.

Since Andy Bell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he makes the drive from Springfield, Ohio to Columbus three to four times a week to attend the PDNextSteps class.

“I found out on a Monday and on a Friday, I enrolled in this class and got hooked on it,” Bell said.

Melissa Carlson, the owner and founder of PDNextSteps, is a big reason why Bell keeps making the trek to central Ohio.

“There is an estimated 1 million people in the U.S. with Parkinson’s,” Carlson said. “Research is showing us that vigorous exercise helps delay progression of the disease.”

Carlson sees the program as a way to keep those who have been diagnosed with the disease going.

“The reason it’s called ‘next steps’ is because you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s and [then] what’s next?” she said.

People of all ages show up to the class almost daily for a tough workout. So how does it work?

“Getting your heart rate up to 8% of your maximum [heart rate] is neuro-protective to your brain,” Carlson explained. “It’s like a shield to your brain. It protects everything that is already in there.”

Class members also work on the mind by talking about depression, nutrition and how to fine-tune motor skills.

“They enjoy being around each other,” Carlson said.

She said she tells everyone she has the best job in the world.

“There is not a day I don’t wake up and truly look forward to seeing them in here,” she said about her students.

For people like Andy Bell, the class is paying off.

“I have to see my doctor every six months,” Bell said. “Last time I went he said, ‘Come back in a year. You’re progressing very nicely. You’re never going to actually get over Parkinson’s, but you’re going to control the effects of it.’”

Bell said those who are battling the disease shouldn’t take it lying down.

“Don’t get depressed,” Bell said. “We’re all going to have something happen to us someday and you just have to make the best of it.”