Senior boxing gives Parkinson’s patients hope

Lamar Anderson a member of the Parky's boxing group works on the seed bags as part of his training at Rocksteady Boxing inside Aqua Worx in Logan.

There is a boxing club in Logan for people 50 years and up. There are no sissies in this group. Twice a-week they enter the gym, don their boxing gloves, and go after it.  They call themselves the Parky’s. These seniors spend time hitting the heavy bag, speed bag and double-ended bags. They are jumping rope, doing calisthenics and circuit weight training, all in the basement of Aqua Works at 209 W. 300 N. in Logan.

Susan Madsen, one of two woman participants in the boxing program, works on focus mitts worn by Jaedon Flake. Madsen has been there from the first workout and is still an active participant in Rocksteady Boxing.

Rocksteady Boxing is where people gather to complete a workout, which includes strength training, reaction time, balance workouts, and learning to fall. These folks are serious about what they are doing. With personal trainers at their side, they are battling their fiercest enemy, Parkinson’s disease.

Cassie Webster, a physical therapy assistant who coaches the program, said research from the 1980’s has shown forced exercise, like boxing, increases the fine and gross motor skills, as well as the memory of the participants.

Michelle Harmon, the administrator over Aqua Works, said researchers have determined boxing is a deterrent for Parkinson’s.

“It doesn’t cure it,” she said. “What they found was the more extensive exercise can decrease medication and participants sleep better.”

Approximately 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement.

Generally, Parkinson’s symptoms start gradually, sometimes with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Besides the tremors, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

Although the disease can’t be cured, research has found there are medications and exercises that can significantly improve their symptoms.

Cassie Webster, a physical therapy assistant who coaches the program, was certified as a Rock Steady coach. She said the program is making a difference in the lives of the participants.

Webster said the group is really good at trash talking each other, as well as group leaders.

The certified Rock Steady National instructor said she sees more progress the boxers are making compared to the people that don’t box, and there is a marked difference in how well the boxers are progressing.

“Most of the time we have about 12 men and two women at the workouts, but numbers change,” Webster said. “Participants come and go. With Parkinson’s they have good days and bad days.”

She said sometimes they have been to physical therapists and are too tired to come. Weather is also a consideration. If it’s snowing, they see fewer participants.

Jaedon Flake, an exercise specialist, was working the focus mitts, catching punches from participants and having them duck and weave. He also sees a difference in the progress of the participants.

When the boxers are done with the session, most are exhausted after hitting every boxing bag in the place.

The bell that hangs on the wall of the basement of Aqua Worxs where the Parky’s work out twice a week.

They’re time in the ring program includes exercise, strength training, reaction time and balance.

The boxers are also taught how to fall without getting hurt and how to get up after they fall.

Susan Madsen, one of two woman participants, has been there from the first workout and is still an active participant.

“It’s work and socializing in the same boat,” she said. “Everyone is very supportive of each other.”

“Boxing gives them hope,” Webster said. “They also become each other’s support group and friend, we become family.”

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1 Comment

  • Celia Francoeur May 24, 2022 at 3:16 am Reply

    I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a year ago at the age of 67. For several months I had noticed tremors in my right hand and the shaking of my right foot when I was sitting. My normally beautiful cursive writing was now small cramped printing. And I tended to lose my balance. Neurologist had me walk down the hall and said I didn’t swing my right arm. I had never noticed! I was in denial for a while as there is no history in my family of parents and five older siblings, but I had to accept I had classic symptoms. I was taking amantadine and carbidopa/levodopa and was about to start physical therapy to strengthen muscles. Finally, I was introduced to Kycuyu Health Clinic and their effective Parkinson’s herbal protocol. This protocol relieved symptoms significantly, even better than the medications I was given. After First month on treatment, my tremors mysterious stopped, had improvement walking. After I completed the treatment, all symptoms were gone. I live a more productive life. I was fortunate to have the loving support of my husband and family. I make it a point to appreciate every day!

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