Working in the physical therapy field i’ve seen how the advances in the industry have started to improve the quality of life for people with neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is essentially a movement disorder and until recently the medical community did not understand that people living with this disease could benefit from intense training the same way an athlete can.

The invention of an exercise program called Rock Steady Boxing that combines muscular endurance, hand eye coordination, and agility training, has proven that people suffering from Parkinson’s can regain strength and mobility if they just push through and keep going.

The History of Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing is a nonprofit that was founded by Scott C. Newman, a former Indiana prosecutor, in 2006. Newman, who is living with Parkinson’s, started noticing great improvements to his overall health after participating in this high energy workout. As word started to get out about this new and exciting program, the demand started to increase. Now people living with Parkinson’s are finding hope through this fun and energetic workout program. We offer Parkinson’s boxing training classes here at Evolve for people at any skill level.

What symptoms can people living with Parkinson’s expect to have?

As a disorder that affects the nervous system, Parkinson’s can result in many movement slowing symptoms including tremors and muscle spasms. The progression of this disorder varies from person to person and so far, there is no cure. However, with the help of new methods of treatment and exercises for Parkinson’s people are starting to shift their mindsets and believe that they can fight back against this disease. Below are a few symptoms that you may experience if you have Parkinson’s disease.

Tremors: One of the most frequent and visible signs of the disorder are tremors. A tremor is an uncontrollable muscle spasm that causes shaking of the body.

Rigid Muscles: If you have Parkinson’s you may notice that you have stiff muscles. These can limit your range of motion, and can be painful over the course of this disorder.

Slowed Movements: During the progression of Parkinson’s, you may notice that it is taking you longer to complete certain activities due to slowed movement. With Rock Steady Boxing we have seen firsthand this programs ability to help people with regaining strength and mobility.

Automatic Movement Loss: Automatic movements such as smiling and moving your arms as you walk could be lost due to Parkinson’s.

Impaired Posture and Movements: Balance and posture can also be affected with Parkinson’s. You may notice that you feel off balance, or your posture may become stooped over time.

Writing Difficulties: Eventually it may become increasingly hard for you to write and your text may appear to be cramped together.

Changes in Speech: Parkinson’s can also affect a person’s speech. It can cause you to slur your words, or it may even change the tone of your voice.

How can I manage my Parkinson’s symptoms?

Diet: While there is no specific diet to follow with Parkinson’s, eating healthy and staying hydrated is always beneficial to your overall health and can reduce muscle cramping.

Exercise: Taking part in activities and exercises for Parkinson’s has proven to be very beneficial at any stage of this disease. A regular exercise program, such as Rock Steady Boxing , can help increase your mobility, balance, and coordination.

Medication: You can talk to your doctor about what medication may be best to help manage your Parkinson’s symptoms. There are many on the market today that can assist with motor symptoms.

Schedule a Parkinson's Disease Physical Therapy Consultation with Evolve today by calling- 1-718-258-3300

Taking part in an exercise program is a very important factor in the management and treatment of this disease. Rock Steady Boxing, is a workout plan that has been specifically designed to help you with managing this disease. Our full body workout programs can help you improve balance, agility, and coordination. We’ve found that boxing training can strengthen your muscle groups, as well as help you release your frustrations.

Many of your everyday activities can also be improved through Parkinson’s Boxing Training in the following areas: Walking, balance, increased energy, and maintaining control of your limbs.

How do Parkinson’s exercise programs like Rock Steady Boxing help me to improve my mobility?

The exercises that my team and I use in our Rock Steady Boxing sessions have been adapted so that at any stage of Parkinson’s, you can improve your quality of life. Through speed, muscular endurance, hand eye coordination, and agility training, you can increase your mobility and help manage your symptoms during each stage of this disorder.

Should you consider taking a Rock Steady Boxing class?

You may be wondering, is boxing training right for me? And the answer is that almost anyone can join in on a Rock Steady Boxing class because there are multiple levels to help you during any stage of Parkinson’s. Not only can it increase your balance and mobility, but it can help you regain your strength. Each of our classes will focus on a variety of workouts that may include, ring work, focus mitts, heavy bags, speed bags, double-ended bags, jump rope, core work, calisthenics and circuit weight training.

At Evolve, we offer Rock Steady Boxing classes and we would love to see you there! Click here to sign up for Rock Steady Boxing in Brooklyn.

Schedule a Parkinson's Disease Physical Therapy Consultation with Evolve today by calling- 1-718-258-3300