Photo by Rock Steady Boxing, Inc.
Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Wyomissing is hoping to help ease the symptoms of those local individuals battling Parkinson’s Disease with a new affiliate program, Rock Steady Boxing.
Rock Steady Boxing is an international, non-contact boxing-inspired fitness program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Medical experts credit this type of exercise program, forced and intense exercise, with the ability to reduce, delay and even relieve many of the symptoms experienced by people affected by Parkinson’s Disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, an individual’s face may show little or no expression. Their arms may not swing when they walk. Their speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as the condition progresses over time.
The goal of bringing Rock Steady Boxing to Body Zone is “to be an embracing and welcoming community that empowers and supports our Parkinson’s community through movement, exercise and access to our wellness programs,” says Ted Kolva, General Manager
What Is it And Why Boxing?
Rock Steady Boxing was designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Published research shows that more than many drugs or other traditional therapies, training like a boxer, with high intensity movements and punches, keeps symptoms in check and slows or even halts the progress of Parkinson’s.
Rock Steady Boxing at Body Zone consists of weekly group exercise classes that address the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Numerous 90-minute classes are offered daily and are comprised of a 30-minute warm up followed by a 30- to 45-minute boxing inspired/circuit training program and ending with a 20-minute cool down. Exercises focus on movements and actions such as footwork, agility, quick punches, up and downs, vocal exercises and many more functional movements — all designed to improve common physical issues that people with Parkinson’s often experience, such as stiffness, freezing movements, balance and core issues.
Classes are held in Body Zone’s Agility Room — a private space dedicated to and customized for Rock Steady Boxing programs.
Join in!
Learn more about the program or observe a class in action by contacting Jason Kelly at 610.376.2100 or bodyzonesports.com/rocksteady.
