Rock Steady Boxing

The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back.

Rock Steady Boxing Headquarters was the first gym in the United States dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s. Exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork, and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share on common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

Various studies in the 1980s and 1990s supported the notion that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and have begun to suggest that certain kinds of exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression. Our clients attest, and academic institutions, such as University of Indianapolis and Butler University, are reporting and documenting the improved quality of life among our boxers. Discovery of a cure may be many years away but in the last several years, there is evidence that progress is made in all stages of the disease by those participating in the RSB program.

For general inquiries about Rock Steady Boxing, please visit www.rocksteadyboxing.org or call 317.205.9198.

To reach Coach Melissa or get more information about Rock Steady Boxing York Region, please email yorkregion@rsbaffiliate.com or call 416.816.4337.