Welcome to Total Health Works

An evidence-based virtual fitness platform created by the founders of the #1 Parkinson’s group-exercise program in the country.

Our Story

In 2006, Jackie Russell and David Zid co-founded a nationally recognized exercise program to improve people’s lives living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) through exercise.

They created this group wellness program using supportive research. Regular, rigorous exercise can positively impact PD symptoms. Exercise may slow disease progression, restore control, independence, and hope in the face of a seemingly hopeless diagnosis. Evidence-based outcomes from this program demonstrated improvement in functional mobility, gait speed, balance, and depression.

They help those fighting dementia, cognitive and memory issues, and older adults seeking to maintain their physical and cognitive health. Delivering this program virtually broadens the ability to benefit those unable to access group fitness classes and extend to international participants. The COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity to make their goal a reality. The online platform was launched to provide exercise and social camaraderie to people at home struggling with social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

Total HealthWorks brings online group fitness to the comfort of your home, helping to fight the perils of aging. As a member, you can participate in live, online classes, go at your own pace with our on-demand videos, or enjoy 1-on-1 fitness while working with a personal trainer. We are here to help!

David Zid

David Zid, a graduate of The Ohio State University has been a professional fitness instructor in Columbus, Ohio since 1997, and is owner of a personal training facility, David Zid Total HealthWorks. He is an energetic coach for hundreds of clients and personal trainers, and developed a special interest in the older adult client. With his colleagues Jackie Russell and Bennett Gatto, he has created a virtual neurofitness platform targeting Alzheimer’s, M.S., Parkinson’s and the Aging Brain – Total HealthWorks. Additionally he was co-founder of OhioHealth Delay the Disease™– an evidenced-based Parkinson’s Wellness program. Zid and Russell have grown their Parkinson’s-specific exercise classes internationally. He has been a keynote speaker and educator at symposia, professional education courses, and is the author of 2 books and companion DVD’s based on this program. He believes in the dramatic positive impact of exercise on the course of Parkinson’s and other neuro degenerative diseases.

Jackie Russell

Jackie Russell, a graduate of The Ohio State University, is co-founder of the online neurofitness platform, Total HealthWorks – a virtual group exercise site for Alzheimer’s, M.S., Parkinson’s and the Aging Brain. Jackie and colleague David Zid also created OhioHealth Delay the Disease™– an evidence-based Parkinson’s wellness program. Founded in 2006, they have grown their Parkinson’s-specific exercise classes in 30 states and Canada. She has been a featured speaker and educator at symposia and professional education courses nationally. Previously employed in a variety of nursing specialties (neurosurgery, orthopedics, critical care, and oculoplastics), Jackie’s current passion is bringing optimism and hope to a seemingly hopeless diagnosis. Regular exercise is the newest “drug” in the treatment of these diseases. In her spare time, Jackie enjoys, golf, paddle boarding, and playing with her grandchildren.

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