Join a Community That Keeps You Moving Forward
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Eugene’s Parkinson’s-dedicated space for research-backed fitness and heartfelt support. Where every movement matters and everyone belongs.
Welcome to The Warriors Gym, where hope meets action. Founded by Lori B. Havas, this isn't just a gym—it's a vibrant community space where people with Parkinson's Disease discover joy in movement, regain abilities they thought were lost, and find strength they never knew they had.
Since 2010, Lori has been inspiring individuals with Parkinson's to surpass their own expectations. Her innovative approach, which earned her Lane County's 2019 Health Care Hero Award, combines non-contact boxing with a comprehensive wellness program that addresses both physical and emotional well-being. Members often find themselves not just maintaining their abilities, but regaining skills they thought were gone forever—from writing and drawing to dancing and gardening.
Step Into Our Parkinson's Gym and Meet Your Trainer & Champion
“Exercise is key when you have Parkinson’s disease to help you manage the many symptoms and to help you regain control of your life. But what type of exercise is best? Ultimately, it’s what you like to do. What’s something that you’ll stick with and will help you get to the level of intensity that’s required to help you fight the disease? Many people who live with Parkinson’s disease have found that boxing exercise does it all.”
—Lori B. Havas, founder and executive director
The science behind our approach is clear: high-intensity exercise creates neuroplasticity, helping the brain forge new neural pathways. At Parkinson's Warriors, we know the best medicine is delivered with some fun. Our programs combine proven research with an uplifting, can-do spirit that makes every session something to look forward to.
Every day, our warriors celebrate both big breakthroughs and small victories. Whether it's buttoning a shirt with greater ease, walking with more confidence, or simply feeling stronger, these achievements light up our community. Lori and her team are here to spark joy, nurture those victories, and help each person write their own success story.
Join our community today and discover what's possible when determination meets support, science meets compassion, and exercise meets joy. At The Parkinson's Warriors, you're not just fighting back against Parkinson's—you're moving forward with hope, strength, and a whole lot of heart.
Together, we're more than warriors. We're family.
Backed by Science & Inspiring Confidence
Parkinsons' Exercise Classes
Improved reaction time
Improved gait and balance
Stronger core, which can lead to a better gait
Relieve symptoms of soft-voice disorders
Better cognitive processing
Improved posture
Improved hand-eye coordination
Increased strength
What are the benefits of a Parkinson’s Boxing & fitness Class?
Fighting Against the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.
My name is Jan, and I am a Parkinson’s Warrior. Two years ago, at the age of 72, I received a life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Before Parkinson’s, I loved riding my bike, moving freely, and tackling life’s adventures. Then, suddenly, I found myself falling off my bike, struggling to turn over in bed, and dealing with tremors in my left arm. When I finally heard the diagnosis, it was devastating.
Determined to fight back, I learned everything I could about Parkinson’s. One message was clear: “Exercise, exercise, exercise!” Thankfully, I found a research based Parkinson’s-specific exercise class led by Lori Havas. It became my lifeline—improving my strength, balance, and overall well-being. Even more, it gave me a sense of belonging among others facing the same challenges.
The Warriors gym is more than a fitness center—it’s a place of hope, resilience, and transformation. Its specialized exercise programs help Parkinson’s Warriors like me regain confidence, improve mobility, and mitigate the disease’s symptoms.
Jan’s Story
Discover the power of the punch
There's something transformative about punching a heavy bag—it ignites your inner strength, fuels your determination, and opens your eyes to the limitless possibilities of what you can achieve!
Parkinson's & boxing
Fun, confidence-boosting and community building!
Non-contact boxing incorporating gaitwork, cognitive, voice and intensity
Footwork and agility exercises to improve balance
Vocal exercises incorporated throughout your workout to help with/prevent voice disorders symptoms
Strength training using weights, bands, ball and/or cordless jump ropes
Start with Parkinson's specific exercises to open, extend and warm up the body
75 minutes of research-backed exercise, specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s
What does a typical class look like?
More than just boxing!
Monday and Wednesdays: 9:45am - 11:00am
Virtual Classes
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Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Warrior Foundations
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Mondays and Wednesdays:
11:30am – 12:45pm & 1:00 pm – 2:15pm
In Person Classes
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*Level 1-2 class is designed for those who are independently mobile
CLASS SCHEDULE
Private sessions with our founder, Lori B. Havas, for those who may benefit from individualized attention. Contact us for details and scheduling.
One-On-One Training
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Tuesdays and Thursdays:
1:00pm – 2:15pm
Level 1-2
Contact us for the Zoom link
*Levels 3-4 class is designed for those who need a slower pace and/or seated options with available support. It focuses on reinforcing strength, balance, and movement at a steady pace to build confidence from the ground up.
Level 3-4
Meets the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:00am.
Care Partner Support Group
Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2:30 - 4:00pm.
Warriors Support Group
PARKINSON'S Support Groups
Meetings held at the OPWF gym.
Location to be determined each month by the care partners.
