Founded in 2006, Rock Steady Boxing, is a methodology that is giving people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness curriculum. In 2006, former Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He experienced a rapid progression of symptoms, including tremors, rigidity and a loss of some functions. A friend taught him to box, and he quickly saw his symptoms decrease. After only a few weeks, he stretched out his arms and said, “Look, I’m Rock Steady.”
Rock Steady Boxing helps people maintain their physical independence, improve their quality of life and restore confidence and dignity while waiting for a cure. RSB empowers people with Parkinson’s to “fight back.” Boxers condition themselves for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s is the opponent. Participants have fun learning new skill sets while addressing many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Researchers at institutions such as the University of Indianapolis and the Cleveland Clinic have validated physical and neurological improvement in Parkinson’s patients participating in intense, forced workouts. Studies have shown that those participating in the RSB program can see delay, reversal and/or reduction in symptoms. Dr. Stephanie Combs who led a University of Indiana Study indicates that those working out in the RSB environment show improvement in walking speed, balance, endurance and a perceived higher quality of life. “Getting the right kind of exercise is part of the battle, but equally important are the social and emotional benefits people gain from Rock Steady Boxing” says Dr Combs.
Rock Steady Boxing exists for one reason – to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to “fight back.” In 2012 a Training Camp was developed to prepare coaches to replicate the program in their home community. Today there are more than 270 affiliate programs in 34 states, and four Canadian Provinces and 4 other international sites. At The Club at White Oaks it is a goal to make Rock Steady Boxing available to everyone living with Parkinson’s.
For more information contact Mario Toffolo at 905-688-6800
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