Fighting Parkinson's Disease: Rock Steady Boxing at Santa Cruz Boxing

Taking the Fight to Parkinson’s Disease in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz, and Beyond

Santa Cruz Boxing in Scotts Valley is taking the “fight” against Parkinson’s Disease (PD) to the ring, the boxing ring that is. PD is a degenerative movement disorder which can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech, and sensory function. Currently the disease has no known cure but learning to battle, fight, and live with Parkinson’s is ongoing.

One of the more unique programs that I’ve seen in the fight against PD is called Rock Steady Boxing. Rock Steady Boxing is a non-profit organization based out of Indianapolis, Indiana that was started by an attorney, Scott Newman, who was diagnosed with early on set PD at age 40. Mr. Newman began intense one-on-one boxing training a few years after his diagnosis and noticed dramatic improvement in his physical health, agility, and daily functioning as a result of these workouts. In an effort to spread the positive effects of his personal experience Mr. Newman created training programs to meet the fitness levels at all stages of Parkinson’s. Gym owners and trainers can now become certified to offer these programs in their own gyms.

In the Monterey Bay area you can find Rock Steady classes offered at Santa Cruz Boxing in Scotts Valley. Owner Brian Dunniway offers classes Monday through Thursday (check out the website for specific times: www.santacruzboxing.com ). “Our PD boxers have experienced big improvements in their strength and balance”, Brian says. One boxer told us that she used to have a really hard time getting out of the bath tub. Now that she has been coming to Rock Steady she “spins out of the tub no problem”.

There are also some side benefits not directly related to physical fitness. “As much or more than the physical improvement our boxers have made is the social aspect that everyone has benefited from”, Dunniway explains. “PD patients have said they often feel isolated, others don’t understand their daily struggles, or they are not allowed to push themselves. At Rock Steady they have a de facto support group. One class even meets, once a month, at one of the participants homes just to get together and share time and a meal. I think it is fair to say Rock Steady has contributed to their emotional and spiritual well-being in addition to the physical benefits”, he explained.

Class times vary from 60 to 90 minutes and all abilities are welcome. In addition to the main trainer, other volunteers are often present, called Cornermen and Cornerwomen, that can help support and spot boxers who have need.

Right at Home is also in the fight to battle Parkinson's Disease as a national sponsor of the Parkinson's Foundation Moving Day.  

For more information and to find other locations visit Rock Steady Boxing at: www.rocksteadyboxing.org