THE
Mission
Through exercise, education, community, and connection, utilizing the knowledge and skills of licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, NeuroFit strives to improve the lives of those living with a neurological disorder. NeuroFit offers exercise classes specific to diagnosis, private and group workout sessions, and individualized attention to help individuals with neurological impairments improve their quality of life and reclaim their independence.
The NeuroFit Gym is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. We work with individuals living with Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Spinal Cord Injury, CVA, Dementia, and many other neurological diagnoses.
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"WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TODAY WILL
SOON BECOME YOUR WARM-UP!"
Meet Your Coaches
Amy Bertram, PT, DPT, Co-Director NeuroFit Gym
University of Cincinnati: Physical Therapist Assistant - 2004; Bachelor’s Degree - 2006; Doctor of Physical Therapy - 2009
Amy is passionate about assisting individuals with neurological disorders in reclaiming their lives and learning to adapt to their new circumstances. She is certified in LSVT Big, Rock Steady Boxing, and Delay the Disease. Amy is the owner of Neurofitness, LLC and runs the Joe Bertram Foundation, a non-profit organization. She lives in Liberty Township with her two sons and enjoys reading and crafting.
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Colleen Schuster, PT, DPT, Co-Director NeuroFit Gym
St. Louis University: Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy - 1991. University of Montana: Doctor of Physical Therapy - 2014
Colleen finds fulfillment in supporting others, helping them overcome challenges and thrive in their journeys. She is certified to teach Love Your Brain Yoga for individuals with CVA or TBI, Rock Steady Boxing, and Delay the Disease. Colleen is NDT trained and a registered yoga teacher (RYT-500). She lives in Hamilton with her husband, Andy, and they have three adult children.
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Erin Hall, PT, DPT
Mount Saint Joseph: Masters in Physical Therapy - 2007; Doctor of Physical Therapy 2008.
Erin dedicated 16 years to the hospital setting working in critical care, rehab, and the NICU. She lives with her husband and three children in Colerain. When she is not at NeuroFit, you can find her enjoying her 3 spirited girls; thrifting; or sewing for her small business, Three Sisters Mercantile.
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Olivia Massa, OTR/L
The Ohio State University: Bachelors Degree - 2014; Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy - 2016
Olivia enjoys focusing on client-centered goals and creative ways to transition patients back to their homes and communities. She is a certified brain injury specialist. Olivia lives with her husband and two sons in White Oak. She enjoys exercise, cooking and baking, and spending time outdoors with her family and friends.
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Drew Gerwin MA, CCC, SLP
University of Louisville: Bachelors Degree Psychology -1994; University of Cincinnati: Masters Degree, Communication Sciences & Disorders - 1999
Drew is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. She has practiced at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for the last 25 years, providing speech & feeding therapy to medically fragile children in their homes. She holds competencies in Augmented & Alternative Communication and Oral motor feeding / Dysphagia treatment and has experience treating patients with a variety of neurological conditions. She is a licensed SPEAK OUT!! provider. Drew lives in West Chester with her husband (who is a member of the gym). She enjoys gardening, reading, cooking and fitness.
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Annie Jones, Personal Trainer
Miami University: Bachelor’s Degree Kinesiology / Minor in Nutrition - 2017
Annie has been a fitness coach and personal trainer since 2018. She has competed in seven bodybuilding competitions and won her pro card in one federation. Annie enjoys helping others achieve their personal best. She is available at NeuroFit for individual training sessions and also teaches several of our group classes. Annie lives in Hamilton with her husband and son and enjoys family, exercise, and travel.
Why are we uniquely qualified to help you?
There are many gyms in the community, but none that address the specific needs of those with neurological disorders. “Patients with neurological disorders often require significant social and economic support because of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial limitations. Despite the high prevalence of disability, there is increasing recognition that services and resources are disproportionately scarce” (Thakur et al, 2016). Amy and Colleen are uniquely qualified in this area due to years of education and experience working with neurologically involved patients. Their passion is to help these individuals be well, stay well, and return to activities they enjoy in the community. Nominal fees are charged so that anyone seeking care is able to receive it. Together, they have seen the difference that a group class can make in the lives of those with neurological disorders. We want to extend our reach to all individuals with neurological disorders including Parkinson's, stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, ALS, and MS in order to offer multiple options for improving their independence and quality of life.
Thakur KT, Albanese E, Giannakopoulos P, et al. Neurological Disorders. In: Patel V, Chisholm D, Dua T, et al., editors. Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders: Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 4). Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2016 Mar 14. Chapter 5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361950/doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-0426-7_ch5
NEURO CLASSES​​
*NeuroFit Boxing for PD: Consists of group non-contact boxing on Title heavy bags designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Each class focuses on increasing strength, endurance, balance, fine motor skills, multi-tasking, cognitive function, and power.
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*Delay the Disease: Delay the Disease is a nationally known fitness program designed to empower people with PD to take control of the disease with daily exercise. The robust results of the Delay the Disease exercise program can help participants move about with ease and confidence in a crowd, get out of bed or rise from a chair independently, improve handwriting, dress independently, improve stiffness and festinating gait, and regain normalcy with movement and balance.
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*Neuro Advanced Strength and HIIT: This higher-intensity class combines cardio and strengthening and is open to any individual with a neurological disorder. Exercises are modified for successful weight training, posture, and movement performance. Participant must be independent with walking and floor transfers.​​
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*Neuro CogCardio: CogCardio was developed by NeuroFit Gym and is exclusive to our program. This class is for individuals with dementia, memory issues, or neurological disorders. Short bursts of cardiovascular and balance exercises are combined with cognitive exercises such as matching, sequencing, following directions, memory recall, and more. The combination of cardio and cognitive exercises helps with improved carry-over and recall.
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*Neuro Bootcamp Advanced: Neuro Bootcamp was designed by the NeuroFit Gym and is exclusive to our program. This class is for individuals with neurological disorders who function at a higher level. The class consists of 30 minutes of higher-intensity boxing, followed by exercises with weights and kettlebells targeting the major muscle groups. The class concludes with stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion.
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*Neuro Boxing: NeuroBoxing was designed by NeuroFit Gym and is exclusive to our program. Neuro-Boxing is open to any individual with a neurological impairment. Class begins with cardio warm-up on recumbent bikes, rowers, or Nu-Steps, followed by non-contact boxing, which addresses balance, strength, sequencing, memory, and flexibility.
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*Jabber Gym: Join us for “Jabber Gym” every Monday at 10:30am. Class leader, Drew, has been a practicing Speech Language Pathologist for 25 years and is a licensed SPEAK OUT! provider. The group will focus on improving and maintaining speech, communication, and swallowing skills. If you plan to check it out, please bring a bottle of water with you!
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*Biking for the Brain: This class will be led by certified personal trainer Jesse Bowman. It will consist of biking or
Nu-stepping at various intensities for time, mixed with upper body and lower body exercises. Don’t worry, you won’t have to pedal the entire time! Class will be limited to 12 participants (this is how many machines we have).
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​COMMUNITY FITNESS CLASSES
Community Fitness Classes are designed to help individuals in the community, with or without neurological conditions. Participation is open to neuro clients, caregivers, clients’ family members, and community members. Community classes help NeuroFit build connections through movement and physical therapy and help reduce the stigma sometimes associated with neurological impairments.
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*Cardio Row: A 30 minute cardio workout targeting arms, legs, core, and back for a full body workout. Rowing is a low-impact exercise and will help to improve your endurance and strengthen your postural muscles. NOTE: sign up is necessary for this class and is limited to 8 participants.
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*BOYO (boxing/yoga): The perfect combination of two different exercise intensities! Boxing for 30 minutes increases heart rate, challenges balance and sequencing, and provides a stimulating workout. Boxing is followed by gentle Hatha yoga for 30 minutes, beginning with centering and breathing, moving through various postures, and ending with a cool down and savasana.
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*Advanced Strength / Strength / Balance: Strengthening exercises to target the major muscle groups for overall improved endurance and posture. This class utilizes weights and bands and emphasizes proper form and safety. Exercises and balance activities are modified for all levels. Balance class is designed to help a person feel safe when moving from place to place. We utilize exercises to increase strength, flexibility, vision tracking, sensory awareness, reflexes, and concentration.
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*Chair Yoga: Chair Yoga is a gentle Hatha yoga class performed seated in a chair or using a chair for balance during standing postures. Yoga allows for mild stretching during the asanas, which improves range of motion and flexibility. This class also focuses on breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness to calm the nervous system.
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Please contact
Amy or Colleen
via phone
or email with
questions!
Schedule updated 3/1/2025
SUCCESS STORIES
"NeuroFit Boxing has helped my balance and I am more aware of my posture, which is so important to preventing falls. What I noticed in a relatively short time with boxing was how I regained the rhythm of walking. My affected right side had made my gait awkward and I have enjoyed walking normally for months now. I think that only a trained professional may be able to detect that I have Parkinson's Disease. That was not the case 9 months ago. I feel stronger and more confident in my abilities due to all of the targeted exercises we do in warm up, cool down and hitting the bag (as hard as I can)!" ~Denise
"NeuroFit Boxing with NeuroFit was a pleasant and wonderful surprise. Boxing provides an excellent workout that strengthens your core muscles, your arms and your balance. I have noticed an improvement in my PD, my attitude, and my balance. The instructors (Amy and Colleen) are licensed physical therapists that design programs for each individual's capabilities that are challenging and fun. Also, there is a strong camaraderie with the other participants in the class. We are all facing the same challenges and the boxing improves not only our physical abilities, but enhances our attitude and social interactions. It has been a blessing in my life.” ~KH
"NeuroFit Boxing has had a large impact on not only exercising the majority of my muscles but also experiencing the trials and successes of new friends who share this disease. Having the knowledge and expertise of physical therapists walking us through the program is huge. No worries. Go at your own pace." ~Jim
"Wow, where to begin. In the six months that I have been a part of The NeuroFit Gym, I have participated in Delay the Disease and NeuroFit Boxing. Because of these programs, I have noticed great improvements. I am stronger and more confident in my ability to do the things I used to. Rather than bending over and shuffling my feet, my posture has improved and I have a normal gait. My balance has improved, making it easier for me to walk up stairs. Additionally, I find more ease in performing daily activities such as putting on a belt and jacket with no assistance. None of this would be possible without the genuine care and dedication of Colleen and Amy. Their knowledge and ability in working with people with neurological diseases has greatly impacted my life, and I am truly thankful." ~Danny
“My husband’s PD diagnosis was a monumental shock! We started looking for medical and alternative help. NeuroFit Gym gives us what we have been looking for. Amy and Colleen are wonderful with lots of smiles for all. This therapy really works and brings enjoyment to my husband. Care partners are welcome to exercise too. We love it!” ~Pat & Dennis
“This program has changed my life. I can do things now that I couldn’t do well one year ago - button my shirt, sign my name, cut meat / salad, drive my car… just to name a few.” Anonymous