What if Parkinson's was the beginning, not the end?
That’s the question Koren Snow unknowingly answers every day. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s, battling chronic back pain, and still climbing toward personal peaks - literally and figuratively - Koren is redefining what it means to live with a neurodegenerative condition.
We’re unpacking her story and the tools that helped her turn movement into momentum.
Here’s what we’re covering:
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Why Koren’s mindset has changed the way people in her community - and beyond - approach Parkinson’s.
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How BlazePod drills target cognitive function, neuromuscular re-education, and balance training.
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What these benefits mean for anyone facing limitations, not just those with Parkinson’s.
Meet Koren: Grit, Balance, and the Drive to Move
Before Parkinson’s, Koren was known for dancing on tables and planning parties. Today, she’s known for something even more powerful: inspiring others with her unshakable mindset and her belief in small, meaningful progress.
"My life started when I got Parkinson’s... I feel better than I ever felt." - Koren Snow
After multiple emergency spinal surgeries, Koren had to relearn how to walk. But her determination didn’t end at physical rehab - it evolved into a daily practice of movement, using BlazePod as both anchor and amplifier.
Why BlazePod Works for Parkinson’s (and more)
Let’s break it down. BlazePod isn’t just about flashing lights. It’s about training the connection between the brain and the body - something that’s often disrupted in Parkinson’s.
Key benefits for neurological conditions:
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Cognitive engagement: Enhances focus, memory, and attention span
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Neuromuscular re-education: Rebuilds patterns between the brain and muscles
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Dynamic balance training: Reduces fall risk and improves postural stability
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Sensory integration: Helps process visual and tactile cues
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Motivation & independence: Provides progress markers that build confidence
Drill #1: Memory Game
“Sequence (the light logic) is hard. People underestimate how hard that is.” That’s exactly why Koren uses this drill to strengthen cognitive processing and motor planning.
Using bean bags in different colors alongside the Pods, participants watch as a Pod lights up a color for a few seconds, then turns off. They must then recall the sequence and place the corresponding bean bags in front of the correct Pods.
It’s a simple but powerful way to target working memory, sequencing, and fine motor skills - areas often impacted by Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Drill #2: Balance Board
“Balance is one of the first things to go with Parkinson’s, and people forget that.” Koren uses this drill to bring that front of mind - literally.
While standing on a balance board, patients follow visual cues where each Pod color corresponds to a movement direction: Blue means step forward, Red is back, Green triggers a side step, and Yellow calls for tippy toes.
It’s a fun, reactive way to build coordination and confidence, helping reduce fall risk by training the body to respond instinctively to visual stimuli.
Drill #3: Color Match Challenge
Koren makes sure everyone in the group can participate, even those recovering from surgery or dealing with limited mobility.
In this seated drill, participants match bean bag colors to the Pods, which stay lit until the correct color is tapped.
It’s simple, low-impact, and highly effective - offering cognitive engagement and upper-body coordination without the need for standing. A perfect fit for adaptive training programs focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Drill #4: Double HECOstix
To improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time, Koren uses this fast-paced drill: When the Pods light up two colors, she tosses two HECOstix, each side marked with a different color. Participants must catch the stick on the side that matches the Pods.
It’s all about quick decision-making, reactions, and accuracy under pressure. For older adults or neuro clients, it’s not just about catching - it’s about staying sharp, responsive, and independent.
Final Thoughts: Motivation That Sticks
Koren doesn’t chase benchmarks. She celebrates small wins.
"The focus has to be on what you can do. When you hit a goal - no matter how small - it feels amazing."
This is what BlazePod stands for: customizable progress, personal wins, and training that fits you. Whether you’re a PT, a patient, or somewhere in between, the goal is never perfection. It’s participation.
And the first step? Show up. Just like Koren.
