The Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation believes that physical activity plays an essential role in both physical and mental well-being, particularly for people living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). The Movement is Medicine™ initiative was created to promote the safe adoption of an active lifestyle through exercise and nutrition programs designed specifically for people with disabilities.

“We believe, now more than ever, that adaptive fitness should be fun, interactive and virtually accessible to all regardless of where they live.”, Robert Moore, MIM Coordinator

Movement is Medicine™ introduced its Fitness Ambassador program at the first Movement is Medicine™ Summit in November 2019. The program provides weekly live classes designed to increase strength, balance, and overall fitness. All classes are adaptive and open to participants of any fitness or skill level.

All classes are free of charge.

Meet the Fitness Ambassadors

Marc Daigle

Marc Daigle is a trainer, coach, and motivator based in New York City. Diagnosed with CMT in 2017, Marc has worked with young children, active older adults, people with CMT, and elite athletes. Since his diagnosis he has completed an Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). He brings firsthand experience with adaptive fitness to his classes.

Christine Panico

Christine Panico has practiced yoga for over 15 years. She completed a 200-hour Teacher Training program at Mandala Healing and Arts Center in Amagansett, NY, and specializes in restorative yoga that offers pose modifications and props to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Christine has been a supporter of HNF since its founding in 2001.

Julie Stone

Julie Stone is a CMTer (type 2A), an adaptive fitness coach, and the owner of All Bodies Community. Her approach centers on personal growth measured on an individual level, with modifications to support all mobility types. Julie participated in the first Movement is Medicine™ Summit in 2019 and brings CMT-focused exercise techniques to her classes.

How to Get Started

Getting started is easy:

  1. Join Movement is Medicine™ for free at movementismedicine.com.
  2. After joining, scroll down the page to meet the ambassadors.
  3. Use the calendar to sign up for a class.