Health & Fitness
Revolutionizing Health with Movement for Neurological Recovery
Movement Revolution: Redefining Neuro Fitness and Recovery Post-Rehab
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Imagine a new dimension of healthcare—one that prioritizes improving daily life, where strength, recovery, and independence are nurtured far beyond the limits of traditional therapy. For individuals living with neurological conditions such as brain and spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia, this kind of support is essential but often missing. Many are discharged from therapy with little to no resources to help them navigate life with their condition. But now, a new solution is redefining what’s possible—a revolution, a Movement Revolution!
Neurological conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s/dementia, and stroke are rising rapidly due to aging populations, longer lifespans, and improved diagnostics. Dementia cases are expected to triple by 2050, Parkinson’s diagnoses are projected to double within 20 years, and stroke remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. While these trends pose significant challenges, they also highlight the urgent need for personalized wellness plans that address individual needs, limit disease progression, and maximize recovery. Research shows that regular, intensive, and specialized exercise tailored to neurological conditions can significantly improve quality of life and extend recovery beyond traditional therapies—this is where the Movement Revolution begins.
Movement Revolution is pioneering a transformative approach to neurological fitness and recovery; bridging the gap in care with specialized, post-therapy exercise programs. Through Neuro Intensive Exercise ©, research-backed training, and a supportive community, Movement Revolution empowers participants to regain strength, independence, and confidence to live stronger every day.
Founded in 2013 by Eric Johnson as a one-man mission, Movement Revolution has evolved to a network of five Chicagoland locations and a global virtual platform, helping over 1,500 people with neurological conditions. Offering both personal training sessions and fitness classes, Movement Revolution begins every client’s journey with a comprehensive evaluation to tailor programs to an individual’s goals, symptoms, and needs. Its Neuro Exercise Specialist (NES) program—the nation’s only Parkinson’s Foundation-accredited Exercise Education Program—exemplifies the high standards Johnson built the company on over a decade ago. With a team of highly educated professionals, each holding at least a bachelor’s degree, Movement Revolution stands apart from general fitness settings. Today, Johnson and his team bring expertise, empathy, and energy to thousands- redefining neurological wellness with every session.
Movement Revolution takes pride in its community-based medical wellness setting and the impact each session has on their clients. With 100-150 touchpoints per year, its team of Neuro Exercise Specialists develops a deep understanding of each client’s health, many of whom they have worked with for over five years. Regular assessments and reassessments develop valuable insights that are shared with clients’ healthcare teams. This consistent care and communication helps people and their clinical team stay ahead of potential challenges that can stave off costly health setbacks.
This seamless coordination and dedication to proactive care make Movement Revolution a trusted resource for healthcare professionals like Dr. Rachel Kermen, MD, a Physiatrist(doctor of rehabilitation) at NorthShore University HealthSystem and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, who recognize the critical role of long-term rehabilitation in supporting neurological recovery and overall well-being.
Dr. Kermen refers her patients to Movement Revolution and highlights the importance of long-term rehabilitation and recovery resources: “The path to recovery can sometimes extend months to years after a neurologic diagnosis. For those motivated to continue their rehabilitation journey, Movement Revolution is an outstanding resource, with a strategic exercise program promoting neuroplasticity, reconditioning, and an improvement in overall well-being.” Dr. Kermen’s insight and support underscore Movement Revolution’s impact in guiding patients toward lasting wellness.
For individuals facing life-altering neurological injuries, the road to recovery is often filled with uncertainty and fear. Jane’s journey is a powerful example of resilience and determination. After a routine spine surgery resulted in a permanent spinal cord injury, Jane’s world was turned upside down. When she first came to Movement Revolution, she was unable to walk more than three feet and relied on a wheelchair. Standing was only possible with assistance and independent movement felt impossible. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Jane’s determination and resilience set her on a transformative path.
Over the course of four years, Neuro Exercise Specialists worked in collaboration with her physical therapists to guide Jane’s recovery. Through tailored exercises, constant encouragement, and expert care, she rebuilt her strength, confidence, and independence. Today, Jane drives herself to Movement Revolution and moves through life on her terms. “The experience, specialized skills, and personal attention of the trainers at Movement Revolution make working out there something I really look forward to! A compassionate, positive, healing space. They brought me from lower body paralysis to independently walking,” Jane shares. Her journey from fear to freedom is a testament to the life-changing power of perseverance and the right support system.
The science of movement for neurological wellness and recovery is making significant progress with numerous randomized controlled trials conducted over the past ten years. Dr. Daniel Corcos, PhD and Professor of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences at Northwestern Medicine, is the leading expert on the exercise prescription for Parkinson’s disease and principal investigator for the SPARX3 Clinical Trial which hopes to prove that exercise can be a disease-modifying factor for people with Parkinson’s disease. Corcos says, “We now have compelling evidence from clinical trials showing that regular, intense, and targeted exercise can have a profound impact on Parkinson’s disease.”
Corcos continues, "Movement Revolution is transforming the standard of care for Parkinson’s disease, not only in Chicago but around the world; their commitment to evidence-based, intensive exercise programs provides people with PD with tools for real progress and resilience. By blending specialized expertise with an unmatched dedication to each client’s journey, Movement Revolution is setting a new benchmark for neurological wellness."
The real impact of this groundbreaking approach is evident in the stories of Movement Revolution clients, who embody the resilience and determination that intensive, targeted exercise can unlock in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
In 2017, after receiving a life-changing Parkinson’s diagnosis, Alan discovered a lifeline at Movement Revolution in Deerfield, described by a family member as “the best place” for him to start fighting back. Following an initial assessment that established a baseline to measure progress, he dove into an intense, targeted exercise program that proved to be transformative. “Exercise, though—intense exercise—is a proven way that people like me can truly fight the progression of the disease,” he shares. Over the past seven years, he’s tracked his progress, finding that for the first two years, “the effects of exercise exceeded the effects of the disease,” and while the disease has progressed, it has done so at a much slower rate. “I am certain that working with Movement Revolution (MR) has extended my physical functionality by many years.” Above all, he credits the staff for their expertise and care, saying, “The staff at MR have been like members of my extended family, giving both physical and emotional support throughout the years.” For him, Movement Revolution has been a lifeline and a source of hope, enabling him to inspire others to fight back against Parkinson’s.
Movement Revolution’s coaches are inspired by the clients who have been engaged with the program for 3, 5, and even 11 years—a testament to people’s grit and Movement Revolution’s commitment to supporting their long-term health and abilities.
Movement Revolution is committed to expanding access to neuro fitness and recovery resources beyond the Chicagoland area, bringing its mission to empower individuals with neurological conditions to a broader audience. With a vision to partner with like-minded professionals in other cities, they’re ready to establish new opportunities for transformative care in communities. Ambition isn’t confined to physical facilities—Movement Revolution is already breaking barriers through partnerships like their collaboration with the University of California San Francisco on a fully remote high-intensity exercise study for Parkinson’s disease. The Virtual Neuro Training program has grown to serve clients across the U.S. and internationally, providing expert health coaching and advocacy to anyone seeking life-changing support through exercise.
Movement Revolution continues to invest in research and development, shaping the future of neurological wellness. By offering innovative, evidence-based exercise programs led by caring experts, they are redefining recovery and enhancing quality of life. They’re inviting individuals and professionals alike to join the movement—whether as participants, partners, or advocates—and help expand the reach of neuro fitness to transform lives everywhere.
Movement Revolution is redefining what’s possible for individuals with neurological conditions, bridging the gap in care with personalized, evidence-based exercise programs that empower clients to reclaim their strength, independence, and confidence. From the resilience of clients like Jane and Alan to groundbreaking partnerships and innovative virtual programs, the mission reflects a deep commitment to improving lives. The importance of community, continuity, and expert care cannot be overstated in the healing process, and Movement Revolution has become a beacon of hope for those seeking transformational change. Share this story and raise awareness about the vital need for resources like Movement Revolution—because together, we can help more people move stronger and live better.
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