What is Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing is a boxing-based fitness regimen for those specifically afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. The exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. While boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents, at Rock Steady Boxing, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent.
Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.
The Need for Rock Steady Boxing
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, incurable, neurodegenerative movement disorder which causes deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1.5 million people in the United States suffering from Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. It is estimated that the number of people with Parkinson’s disease will double by 2040.
National Parkinson’s organizations, such as the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and The National Institute of Neurological Disorders, have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in research to find a cause and a cure, but to date they have been unsuccessful. It may be years before a cure is found, and years more before the FDA approves treatment. People with PD need help today to maintain their quality of life, independence and dignity, while they wait for a cure.
Rock Steady Boxing’s Founder
At age 39, Marion County Indiana Prosecutor Scott Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He experienced a rapid progression of the symptoms associated with young onset PD which impaired his ability to do his job. A friend, who was also an attorney and a former Golden Glove boxer, offered to teach him to box as a way to keep him moving and combat his symptoms. Scott said, “What have I got to lose?” They hung up a heavy bag in Scott’s basement and began boxing training. Within a few months, Scott began to see improvement and a reduction of many of his symptoms. Other people with PD began to notice Scott’s improvement and wanted to do what he was doing. Scott founded Rock Steady Boxing to offer classes to people with PD and hired professional boxer, Kristy Rose Follmar, to teach and design the classes. In October 2006, the first class was held for six boxers.
Now, 13 years later, each month more than 25,000 people participate in boxing-inspired exercises in Rock Steady programs around the world. The exercises are adapted from boxing drills and vary depending upon the individual’s fitness and progression of symptoms.
According to the Rock Steady Boxing website, “Our clients attest, and academic institutions, such as University of Indianapolis and Purdue University, are reporting and documenting improved quality of life – both physically and cognitively – among our boxers. The research demonstrates that forced, intense exercise may actually be neuroprotective, and may slow the progression of the disease.
“Discovery of a cure may be many years away but in the last ten years, there is ample evidence that improvement is made in all stages of the disease by those participating in the RSB program.”
The Rock Steady Boxing Vision
The organization’s big, bold vision is to provide an opportunity for people all over the world, who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, to participate in a Rock Steady Boxing program in their own community. They dream of the day when the neurologist says, “You have Parkinson’s disease,” and follows it with, “and there’s a Rock Steady Boxing program in our community where you can fight back.”
Coming to Jen Murphy Fitness
Jen Murphy Fitness is proud to announce the addition of Rock Steady Boxing to its schedule. Classes will run Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., and will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Rock Steady Boxing memberships at Jen Murphy Fitness are $60/month, and include all other Jen Murphy Fitness classes.
Upcoming Rock Steady Boxing Informational Seminar at Jen Murphy Fitness
For those interested in participating, or learning more about Rock Steady Boxing, you are welcome to attend our informational seminar on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, at 1 p.m.
During the seminar, we will review the program, learn to wrap our hands, and try on boxing gloves. It will also be an opportunity to pose any questions you may have, as well as fill out required participant paperwork. Families and caregivers are encouraged to attend.
The seminar will be held at Jen Murphy Fitness, 113 West Harford Street, Milford, Pennsylvania, 18337.
There is no cost to attend the seminar.
To register for the seminar, please click the button below and complete the brief form.
See you on the 27th!
Jen