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Rock Steady Boxing is a gym program that’s designed to help fight Parkinson’s Disease. The program is led by Head Coach Patty Wessels and is designed to help mitigate some of the symptoms of PD. Patty’s background in Physical Therapy and her expertise make Rock Steady Boxing a unique and effective approach for the Parkinson’s Disease community.
At Rock Steady Boxing, our program is rooted in the principles of boxing and adapts traditional boxing drills to tackle the physical challenges associated with Parkinson’s Disease. By incorporating boxing fundamentals, our program effectively addresses the specific needs of individuals living with PD. Join us for a workout that delivers results.
A head coach and an assistant coach run the classes with volunteers present to ensure good technique and safety.
Level 3 & 4 classes: each participant will need have a “corner man” at the class.
The corner man is there to further ensure safety. This can be a partner, spouse, adult child, friend or care provider.
Patty Wessels, a Physical Therapist, has been the head coach of boxing for over four years. As a PT, she recognizes the comprehensive advantages that come with boxing, including improved arm movements, agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength. She decided to integrate her boxing experience into her therapy sessions with clients who have movement disorders. This approach led to noticeable improvement in her clients’ adherence to their home exercise routines and increased enthusiasm during therapy sessions.
Rock Steady Boxing is a gym program designed specifically for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. The program uses adapted boxing exercises to target the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The high-intensity, fast-paced nature of the exercises helps to improve overall fitness, coordination, and stability, as well as increase cognitive function and delay the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. By participating in Rock Steady Boxing, individuals with Parkinson’s can improve their quality of life and maintain their independence for longer.
The exercises incorporated in Rock Steady Boxing are largely adapted from traditional boxing drills. These drills are modified to specifically target the physical challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Examples of exercises in the program include footwork drills, balance exercises, punching and heavy bag routines, and exercises that focus on agility and coordination. All of the exercises are designed to be high-intensity and fast-paced, with a focus on movements that are quick and repetitive to help stimulate the brain and improve reaction time. The exercises are also modified to accommodate individuals at various levels of mobility and fitness, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit from the program.
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Rock Steady Boxing differs from other forms of exercise for Parkinson’s Disease in several ways. The program is specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s, incorporating exercises that are adapted to target the physical symptoms of the disease. This sets it apart from generic exercise programs that may not address the specific challenges faced by those with Parkinson’s. Additionally, Rock Steady Boxing incorporates high-intensity and fast-paced exercises, which have been shown to be particularly effective in improving mobility and delaying the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. The program also provides a supportive and community-oriented environment, where individuals with Parkinson’s can connect with others who are facing similar challenges and receive guidance from trained instructors. This makes Rock Steady Boxing a unique and comprehensive solution for individuals with Parkinson’s who are looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.
The qualifications of Rock Steady Boxing instructors vary, but many have a background in physical therapy, exercise science, or a related field. Instructors are trained to work with individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, and have a deep understanding of the specific physical and cognitive challenges faced by those with the disease. In addition to their formal training, Rock Steady Boxing instructors receive ongoing training in the latest research and best practices for working with Parkinson’s patients. This ensures that they are equipped to provide safe, effective, and tailored exercise programs for each individual in their class. The instructors also work closely with each participant to understand their unique needs and goals, and are dedicated to helping them achieve their full potential and lead an active and fulfilling life.
Coach Patty Wessels has been working in this field for close to a decade. With advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, a focus on Parkinson’s work and a dedicated affiliation with Rock Steady Boxing, Coach Patty is a leader and a valued partner to our clients.
Individuals with Parkinson’s who participate in Rock Steady Boxing have reported a range of positive results. Many have seen improved physical symptoms, such as reduced tremors, increased mobility, and improved balance and coordination. Participants also report increased confidence, improved mood, and a greater sense of overall well-being. The cognitive benefits of Rock Steady Boxing, such as improved memory and concentration, have also been reported by many participants.
The amount of time it takes to see improvement varies from person to person, as Parkinson’s affects each individual differently. However, many individuals report noticing positive changes within a few weeks of starting the program. As with any exercise program, the key to seeing improvement is consistent participation and adherence to the program. By participating regularly in Rock Steady Boxing, individuals with Parkinson’s can continue to see improvement in their physical and cognitive abilities, and maintain their independence for longer.
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