Let's get moving - MDF invites you to take part in our first ever Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month! Celebrate small and large wins alike while utilizing movement as a way to building connections throughout the month of July. Special thanks to our Movement Committee for their continued support and development of this initiative!
We’re excited to bring the myotonic dystrophy (DM) community together for a month of activities and resource features focused on movement! Learn how movement and exercise can add joy to your life, deepen friendships, and build new connections. The cornerstone of this month will be live webinars and virtual classes, designed for all activity and comfort levels, that follow weekly themes!
To help facilitate new connections and inspire action, MDF is organizing a buddy system! Don't miss this chance to meet new people in the DM community to share your experiences and ideas about exercise and movement. Through a series of planned activities and prompts, you and your buddy will have multiple chances to interact throughout the month. Read more about our Buddy System below!
Click here to learn more about the Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion program!
Please note, this program is only open to DM community members: people living with DM, their caregivers, and their close friends or family members.
Register for our Weekly Events!
Order Your Limited Edition Awareness Month T-Shirt Today!
Don't miss your chance to order this year's limited edition Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month T-shirt! Movement makes connections, and we’re excited to bring the DM community together through weekly themes, action items, and resources. Click here to order your 2024 In Motion Month T-shirt today! >>>
Only available to order through the end of July 2024!
Join Our Weekly Themed Events
Join us for a transformative series of webinars and classes designed to educate and inspire individuals living with Myotonic Dystrophy (DM) and their communities. Discover practical insights, engage with experts, and embrace the power of movement to enhance your well-being.
Week 1: Come as You Are! - Stump the Doctor & Community Panel
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 9th, 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific
Meeting Type: Interactive Zoom
Description:
Have questions about exercise and myotonic dystrophy? Wondering about strength training or how often you should exercise? Join our panel of experts featuring Donovan Lott, Pt, PhD, CSCS, University of Florida, alongside three MDF community members, Ryan Vogels, MDF Support Group Facilitator living with DM2, Margie Singleton, living with DM1, and Luke Bolt, living with DM1. Get ready to ask your burning questions and engage in insightful discussions about exercise and mobility with our knowledgeable panel.
Click here to watch the recording! >>>
Week 2: Little Things Count - Exercises for Everyday Life
Date & Time: Thursday, July 18th, 6pm Eastern / 3pm Pacific
Meeting Type: Zoom Presentation
Description:
Join Kristina Kelly, DPT, University of Missouri-Columbia, for a webinar focusing on incorporating small exercises into your daily routine. Learn about the importance of a balanced movement practice and discover simple movements that can enhance your overall well-being. (This session serves as an amazing companion to the MDF Exercise Guide for People Living with Myotonic Dystrophy.)
Click here to learn more about Dr. Kelly! >>>
Week 3: The Natural World - The Benefits of Nature & Breathwork
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 24th, 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific
Meeting Type: Zoom Presentation
Description:
Explore the connection between nature, wellness, and breathwork with Katy Eichinger, PhD, DPT, University of Rochester, and Payge Purdue, certified yoga and Qigong instructor. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness and breathwork practices to enhance your daily movement routines.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Eichinger and Ms. Perdue! >>>
Week 4: Let's Keep it Going! - Virtual Zumba Class
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 31st, 7pm Eastern / 4pm Pacific
Meeting Type: Live Zoom Class
Description:
Join Gina Many, PhD, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Tina Duong, PhD, Stanford University, for an exhilarating Zumba class designed to celebrate the achievements of Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or new to Zumba, this class is for you!
Click here to learn more about Dr. Many and Dr. Duong! >>>
The In Motion Buddy Network
Make new friends during Myotonic In Motion Awareness Month! Our In Motion Buddy System offers a chance to connect and collaborate with others in the DM community about your experiences and ideas on exercise and movement. Through a series of planned activities and conversation starters, you and your buddy will have multiple opportunities to interact throughout the month.
For each task you complete with your buddy, you will be entered to win a prize in our MDIM Awareness Month Drawing!
Buddies can be in-person or virtual and will be matched by their responses to the sign up form. While we hope you will connect with your buddy at least once a week, you are free to pick and choose (or modify!) any of our Buddy exercises and activities.
If you have questions about the In Motion Buddy Network, please email MDF at info@myotonic.org.
Additional Information
Questions? If you have questions about the 2024 Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month or need assistance with registration, contact MDF at 415-800-7777 or by email at info@myotonic.org.
Participation Disclaimer
Before participating in any MDIM Awareness Month programming, it is important to consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare professional to ensure that exercise is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. The information provided in this exercise program is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
By participating in this exercise program, you acknowledge that there are inherent risks involved in any physical activity, and you voluntarily assume full responsibility for any and all risks. You agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation and any contractors from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising out of your participation in the program.
If at any time during the exercise program you feel discomfort, pain, dizziness, or any other unusual symptoms, you should stop immediately and consult with a medical professional.