In the lead-up to World Parkinson’s Day on April 11, the team at Akb Architects stepped out of the studio and into the boxing ring. Their goal: to experience firsthand the training that Principal Architect Robert Kastelic credits with helping him manage life with Parkinson’s.

Diagnosed in 2017 with early-onset Parkinson’s, Rob has spent the past several years incorporating movement and exercise into his daily routine. Among the most impactful has been Rock Steady Boxing, a specialized program designed for people living with Parkinson’s. While not a cure, the program has gained widespread recognition for helping participants manage symptoms such as balancing issues, stiffness, tremors, even reduced vocal strength.

Last week, the firm’s 14-person team, joined by Parkinson Canada CEO Karen Lee, visited Cabbagetown Boxing Club in Toronto, where Rob trains twice week alongside other boxers living with Parkinson’s. Tucked down a quiet laneway in the city’s east end, the gym feels like a step back in time. Vintage fight posters line the walls, heavy bags hang from exposed rafters, and a classic red, white, and blue boxing ring anchors the room. Since its founding in 1972, the club has produced nine Olympic boxers. It’s a space that blends old-fashioned grit with priceless camaraderie.

Under the guidance of experienced coaches, the group quickly discovered that Rock Steady is no ordinary workout. Within minutes, everyone was learning footwork and building coordination through drills designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s. The non-contact format emphasizes agility, strength, and rhythm, creating a full-body workout that challenges both mind and body.

For many on the team, it was an eye-opening experience. “It’s intense, but also incredibly energizing,” noted one new boxer. “You can see how it builds confidence and coordination.”

For Rob, the session was about fitness, and also awareness. “Parkinson’s changes how you move through the world,” he says. “But programs like this show that training can also be a lot of fun.”

“Parkinson’s changes how you move through the world”

That perspective is shaping not only Rob’s own journey, but also the work of the firm. As architects specializing in residential design, Akb is increasingly focused on creating homes that elegantly integrate aging in place. Rob’s lived experience with Parkinson’s has deepened the studio’s understanding of how design can remove barriers and enhance daily life. From improved circulation and natural light to thoughtful layouts that reduce the risk of falls, these insights inform projects that are both beautiful and functional.

He is now collaborating on a forthcoming book, Designed to Stay, about designing homes for people living with Parkinson’s, alongside Architect Duff Balmer, whose own diagnosis led him to reimagine and retrofit his home to better meet his needs.

Back in the boxing gym, the focus is simple but impactful: keep moving. As the session wrapped up, the team left with sore muscles. They also developed a deeper appreciation of the challenges facing those living with Parkinson’s.

To bring more awareness of how strength training can help combat Parkinson’s symptoms—and in honour of World Parkinson’s Day—Akb has donated to Rock Steady Boxing. Thank you to the coaches at Cabbagetown Boxing Club for their generosity and commitment. Click here to learn more about the club’s Rocky Steady programs.