Kelley Harp improves lives with exercises

Three years ago, Kelley Harp was looking for a last-minute way to get credits to keep her personal training certification current when she stumbled across a flier advertising a seminar on Parkinson’s disease. At the time, she had no interest in anything other than helping people get in shape, but the decision to attend the presentation would change the path of her life and the lives of many others in ways that she could never have imagined.  

The seminar was held by Dr. Becky Farley and explained how Parkinson’s disease devastates its victims, attacking their nervous systems and affecting the flow of dopamine to the brain, causing loss of coordination and rendering those with the disease unable to control the movements of their bodies. Symptoms range from tremors to loss of balance, deteriorating posture, and problems walking and moving normally. The good news is that movement forces the production of dopamine, and most people diagnosed with this disease will go to therapy. But when the insurance runs out, they end up sitting at home doing nothing, causing the symptoms to intensify and their ability to control their bodies spirals downward. 

“I was inspired, and I left this seminar knowing I had to do something, so I immediately called Rich Garrett, the owner of Midway Fitness, explaining that I wanted to offer an exercise class to help people with the disease, and he said, ‘No problem. We can do it,’” said Kelley. She immediately got certified to learn how to set up a program for those affected and then went to the Sussex County Parkinson’s Education and Support Group and explained what she was doing. “I asked if anyone would be interested, and every hand in the room went up.” She started with one class a week and it quickly grew to 12 classes with each bursting at the seams with 35 people packed into the racquetball court at the Midway Fitness gym.

“The amazing thing is people come to the class limping, bent over, hunched with balance issues, but leave walking, moving and standing straight with a smile on their face.” This is due to the fact the exercise forces dopamine production. The problem is it’s temporary, and then they have to start all over again to experience the same feeling. The bottom line is, people with Parkinson’s can benefit greatly from exercise, but they have to keep doing it to continue getting the positive effects. The typical class includes reaching, punching, resistance training, abdominal work, balance, and obstacle courses, and it is done in a group setting where people with the same disease support and help each other manage the symptoms.

Kelley Harp believes she has found her true calling, and she is very passionate about continuing her work and trying to help people who suffer the debilitating effects of this disease. “It’s not about losing 10 pounds and looking good in a pair of jeans, it’s more about helping save someone’s life,” she says.

With the changing demographics in Sussex County and the number of people choosing to retire here, there will be more of a need for an incredible service. Right now, experts predict that 1 in 400 people have Parkinson’s and the Sussex County Parkinson Support Group has 400 registered members.  “Every week two to three more people will show up, and physical therapists and doctors are sending people to my class as well,” said Harp. 

As a trainer, I have always preached the positive effects of fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. I believe what Kelley Harp is doing is an incredible example of using fitness and physical activity to help a population of people who desperately need someone like her to show them the positive effects of working out and staying in shape. “I have the best job in the world,” said Kelley. “I get a kiss, a hug and a thank you every day, and that is my paycheck and that’s more than enough.” To contact Kelly to get more information about her class and services, call her at 302-228-2215.