Boxing Patient Views

When she first set out to try Rock Steady Boxing, a participant was nervous about what it might be like. The workout was more challenging than she expected, but the time flew by, and best of all, she left feeling like she had found the Parkinson’s community she’d been looking for. Have you tried Rock Steady Boxing? Have you found your community elsewhere, or are you still looking?

I have been boxing for almost 4 years now and I have seen some great results from it. It seems to help with my Parkinson’s symptoms because it helps to keep my muscles strong and agile.

I started Rock Steady Boxing two weeks ago and am thoroughly enjoying it so far, especially when we get a strenuous workout. I feel so good afterward, and it’s great to challenge myself in a group that understands what we’re going through and dealing with. My instructor has an ice-breaker session before we start in on the class. Although I’d prefer to just get going with the exercises and boxing, the ice breaker serves as a bit of a bonding/mini-support group. I think every instructor puts their own spin on their classes, particularly the openers.

I have been most fortunate to have discovered two Rock Steady Boxing groups within easy reach of me. Over the last three years, I have come to appreciate the genuine bonding and companionship they afford. In these groups, we exercise hard, laugh loudly, and challenge mightily the progression of PD! We engage with each other easily, knowing that no explanation is necessary for whatever PD symptoms that might reveal themselves. Furthermore, we have discovered that we are defined by a lot more than people with Parkinson’s. We believe that we still have much to give. Our Rock Steady Boxers sell chicken dinners for a local church and service organization, landscape yards for an affordable housing group, and organize social lunches and picnics. We sail, deliver flowers, farm, adopt dogs, bartend, and so much more. We are not just “Living With Parkinson’s.” We LIVE!! With Parkinson’s. I have found a wonderful community!

I have been attending a Rock Steady Boxing class since shortly after my diagnosis 3 years ago. It is very enjoyable and is one heck of a great workout. I always feel much better afterwards. It is inspiring to see how others handle their challenges. I learn so much.

I’ve just started it and have been to 5 or 6 classes. I love it! Great workout but also incredible to be in class w people who have PD and know what you’re going through!

I was diagnosed with PD 10 years ago. I tried several exercise programs such as yoga & Tai Chi. I found a class by a retired boxing pro and coach. He uses boxing to help both mind and body. I have been in his class 7 years. We meet through Zoom. I highly recommend him. Call him at 425.760.0742, or summersboxing29@gmail.com .

I swear by Rock Steady Boxing as a means of managing my symptoms. I have been actively involved since 2019, boxing 2 to 3 times a week. I am convinced it has helped me manage the progression of this disease as well as managing the daily symptoms of PD.

I am a great believer in boxing for people with PD – it’s excellent for big movements, cardio, footwork and balance beside the need to concentrate on each of the drills. The YMCA in Oakville, ON, started a Rock Steady Boxing program in October but I found there was not enough time spent on the actual boxing so now I am working with an instructor at a boxing gym to develop our own program. Our aim is not only to offer the program to people with PD but also to those with other kinds of neurological problems, stroke victims, etc.

Hi friends (the audience)! I know that we have many here who have talked about how they have Incorporated the rock study boxing into their lifestyle. I just wanted to post that I went My first time yesterday and was so surprised! They have two centers in my community that offer this and each one of them offer it two times a week. A couple of things that surprised me was how well was attended! There was a lot of folks there and many of them I could tell had been coming for a long time! I also was completely surprised that it was free! I have been on short-term disability since May and have just returned to work this week and so my finances were very tight and that's what prevented me from going all summer and here I could have done so as it's free! It was also wonderful to notice how accommodating they are for people of all different levels some were really moving quite quickly and others not so quickly and that was all okay. Everybody was mad right where they are at! I (the author) have never boxed, wore boxing gloves, or entered any such type of facility before. I filed 100% comfortable and was welcomed. I am 62-Year-Old female. I post this just to encourage anyone to give it a try! Enjoy!