What it’s like at a Parkinson’s boxing class
What’s this thing about boxing as exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease?
Well, it really is a thing, and I had the opportunity to experience it first-hand. (See video.)
Before I tell you about it, some background. It’s well-known that the only proven way to slow the progression of Parkinson’s is through exercise. Specifically, vigorous exercise that raises the heart rate.
One way to get that is through Rock Steady Boxing. The program began in 2006 specifically “to equip our affiliates … to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum,” its mission statement says.
Since then, Rock Steady Boxing has punched its way to national, even international, recognition.
A friend from my Parkinson’s support group invited me to visit her RSB class in Willowbrook, Illinois.
Boxing misgivings
I have to admit that up until recently, I had a distaste for boxing. Why would anyone choose a sport where you win by pummeling another human being into semi-consciousness?
I have managed to get past that idea and consider the sport’s value in its fitness potential. (Still, I won’t be streaming classic boxing matches anytime soon.)
So on a Wednesday evening I showed up at InspirFit, ready to try boxing – the non-contact kind. I was greeted by owners Nancy Timko and Kelly Marten, who had opened the gym eight years prior.
Kelly fitted me with gloves and gave me a quick rundown on punches.
Each swing was assigned a number, 1 through 6, and Kelly would shout out sequences while I jabbed at the punch mitts he held up.
Suddenly, I was wild woman, an Amazon from the outer limits pounding on any villain who came my way.
I worked up a sweat, and class hadn’t even started! But I could see the workout would also include some mind exercises – a real bonus for people with Parkinson’s trying to fend off cognitive issues.
I joined my friend, and she introduced me to the group of about 12 participants.
It was clear these people, training side-by-side with their Parkinson’s disease in common, had become pals and could count on support not just from the coaches, but from each other as well.
A three-phase class
The first part of class included about a dozen “tasks” to complete. Now I felt like Hercules!
They included machine work, balance practice, a cognitive quickness game, and brute strength challenges.
We had a minute and a half at each station, then 30 seconds to rest before rotating to the next station.
As I used the large and the more-obscure muscles in my limbs and core, I knew I’d be sore the next day. A good sore, though (right?).
The second part was open time to work on what you needed to. Most class members chose boxing with one of the three coaches, who were standing ready with their mitts up.
The third phase focused on boxing using speed bags, heavy bags, and double-end bags, with spurts of aerobic activities like jumping jacks mixed in.
And with that, class was over. The smell of sweat hovered (for those among the group who actually could smell), and all looked pleased with what had been accomplished.
I could tell that at this place, exercise is never boring.
Most Rock Steady Boxing affiliates offer classes at different fitness levels. There are many stages of Parkinson’s and many types of movement disorders, but the coaches are trained to work at whatever level is needed.
If you have to exercise indoors – and most of us do at least some of the time – this is a great way to go.
After class, the friends used the lobby to hang out, eat and drink together. They talked about not only their Parkinson’s challenges, but also about their families, work, hobbies and hopes for the future.
It was a heartwarming way to end a heart-healthy workout.
Photos of Colleen by Nancy Timko.
Hey there Colleen,
I’m glad to see you tried boxing. Like you, I also didn’t get the idea of wanting to hit someone…or being hit 😉 but I tried it and LOVED it… and not once did I suffer any damage. In fact, without exception, every time I left the hour-long session, I was floating with endorphins, happy, and better than when I walked in.
The group I joined was not Rock Steady, but a program offered by Gregory Boxing and Muay Thai out of DesPlaines and Dupage The folks that train us are amazing and if these locations are convenient, I HIGHLY recommend them.
Sadly, These locations are quite far from me, and I have not been there recently and it has definitely affected my mobility. But, I am inspired and reminded of the importance of activity like this, so I am determined to follow through and sign up for a boxing program closer to me.
Thanks!
Cat
Being consistent with exercise can be so difficult at times. There’s always something that seems to get in the way. But I love your renewed determination. Good luck!
It’s true that people in rural areas have fewer options. Exercise videos are helpful but just not the same as being there. I hope you find something that works for you, Cat!
I never would have thought of boxing as a vigorous exercise approach, rather than for combat or entertainment, but now I can see the appeal! Thanks for sharing!
Agree! I won’t be bashing boxing anymore. Unless people are pummeling each other. 🙂
Did you know Muhammad Ali had Parkinson’s? I just came across an amazing “This I believe” speech he wrote about his experience, and it reminded me of you and your boxing too! https://thisibelieve.org/essay/62638/