The Rock Steady Boxing program is for people with Parkinson’s disease and uses non-contact boxing drills to improve balance, reduce tremors, and increase muscle strength. This article explains how the program works and the benefits for people with Parkinson’s.
Key Takeaways
- Rock Steady Boxing uses non-contact boxing exercises to manage Parkinson’s symptoms of balance, stiffness and tremors, and mental well-being.
- The program is for people with all levels of Parkinson’s and is led by certified coaches who guide participants through customized exercises to improve overall fitness and quality of life.
- Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s also offers Pedaling for Parkinson’s and Staying Active classes for comprehensive support and symptom reduction through fun activities.
Rock Steady Boxing: Take Back Your Fight
Using the Rock Steady boxing techniques, this non-contact program is designed to manage Parkinson’s symptoms of balance, stiffness, tremors, and coordination issues.
With a certified coach, you’ll turn Parkinson’s challenges into victories through boxing exercises.
The activities in this program include footwork drills, stretching, resistance training, and aerobic conditioning. These exercises mimic boxing movements without the risk of physical contact. They help alleviate physical conditions and boost mental health by stimulating BDNF production which is key to neuron protection and regeneration.
Rock Steady Boxing is different because you get to attack your symptoms in a big way and take back control of your daily life. It’s an attractive option if you want to improve your life with fun and activity.
What Exactly is Rock Steady Boxing
The Rock Steady Boxing program is based on a specific protocol to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. It tackles stiffness, balance issues, tremors, coordination problems and weak vocal cords through the mechanics of boxing.
This program includes non-contact boxing techniques, footwork drills, stretching, resistance training, and aerobic conditioning to create a full fitness schedule.
Rock Steady participants go through a series of activities that improve agility with footwork drills, build strength and flexibility, and increase cardiovascular health through heart-pumping aerobics. Each part of this routine is designed to be fun and challenging so boxers stay engaged and motivated throughout the training.
Rock Steady Boxing has found success by addressing the individualized challenges of people living with Parkinson’s. It’s a fun and effective program that helps to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
Non-Contact Boxing for Parkinson’s Patients
Exercise is key to managing Parkinson’s disease and non-contact boxing is an exercise that has shown benefits for people with the condition. Studies have shown that ongoing exercise not only eases physical symptoms but also non-motor symptoms like depression and constipation. Exercise early and often, at least 2.5 hours a week, can slow down the decline for people with Parkinson’s.
Specifically, non-contact boxing training improves motor skills like balance and coordination for people with Parkinson’s. The multi-faceted approach to boxing workouts – hand-eye coordination, quick reaction time, and heightened sensory awareness – is particularly effective against stiffness, shakes (tremors), and bradykinesia that come with the condition.
Non-contact boxing is versatile so it’s available to people of all mobility levels – even wheelchair users – so everyone can experience the benefits of these dynamic workouts no matter their physical ability.
Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s
Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s offers:
- Customized training programs for people with Parkinson’s disease
- Affordable exercise programs and resources
- Programs to alleviate symptoms and improve life for people with Parkinson’s
They provide affordable exercise options and support to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease so people with the condition can improve their quality of life.
One of the programs offered by Upper Valley is steady boxing under their Rock Steady program. They break down classes into levels according to the stage of the condition of the participant, so they have classes for stage 1-2 and stage 3-4. This way participants get the right intensity of training for their level.
In addition to Rock Steady Boxing, Upper Valley Programs also offers Pedaling for Parkinson’s™ which uses stationary bikes indoors. Research shows that doing this three times a week for 8 weeks can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by 35%. These different programs combined form a holistic approach to using exercise to combat the effects of the disease on patients’ lives.
Staying Active Class
Upper Valley’s Staying Active class is designed to improve and maintain the balance, stability, flexibility, strength, and power of people with Parkinson’s Disease. Classes are every Tuesday and Thursday and use different movements and tools to keep participants engaged and challenged.
For people with Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to keep exercising and to do daily tasks in order to preserve mobility and balance. Without movement the disease progresses and joints become less flexible, muscles weaken and cardiovascular health declines. The Staying Active program addresses these concerns by including the following:
- Cardio
- Strength
- Balance
- Agility
- Multi-tasking
- Flexibility
To ensure safety during exercise and effectiveness throughout the program, proper stretching techniques before (warm-up) and after exercise (cool-down) is emphasized in this class.
Dance for Parkinson’s
Dance for Parkinson’s is a proven and fun way to engage with music and movement. Led by dance instructors, this program is available in over 300 locations worldwide.
For added convenience, participants can attend classes in person or at home through an extensive digital class archive. There are free interactive Zoom sessions and instructional videos within this program. This means participants can attend from any of the 28 countries where Dance for PD® certified instructors teach.
Based on scientific research, this dance program aims to improve overall well-being through movement and sound.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Rock Steady Boxing or any other Parkinson’s program is easy. Programs usually offer beginner classes or first-time consultations so new participants can see the benefits for themselves. Ask about membership fees as they may vary from program to program.
To become a member just contact your local affiliate or boxing program to schedule an appointment and start your journey to better health. With multiple class options and schedules to choose from there’s something for everyone to improve their life with steady boxing.
Conclusion
Rock Steady Boxing and its programs offer a powerful way to manage Parkinson’s. Non-contact boxing improves motor control, balance, coordination, and overall well-being. Staying Active and Dance for Parkinson’s offer other options to stay engaged and active.
Get started today and join the fight against Parkinson’s with Rock Steady Boxing and its community.
FAQs
Why is Rock Steady Boxing good for Parkinson's?
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease for several reasons:
- Improves Motor Skills: The high-intensity, non-contact boxing regimen helps improve motor skills, balance, and coordination, which are often affected by Parkinson's.
- Enhances Strength and Stamina: The exercises involved in RSB improve overall strength and endurance, which can counteract the physical decline associated with Parkinson's.
- Increases Cognitive Function: Boxing drills require concentration and cognitive engagement, which can help improve mental acuity and reduce cognitive decline.
- Boosts Mood and Reduces Depression: Physical activity, including boxing, releases endorphins, which can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety that are common in Parkinson's patients.
- Community and Support: RSB classes offer a supportive community where participants can connect with others facing similar challenges, providing emotional and social support.
Who invented Rock Steady Boxing?
Rock Steady Boxing was founded by Scott C. Newman, a former prosecutor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 40. Newman started the program in 2006 to help improve his own symptoms and then expanded it to help others with Parkinson's.
Is Rock Steady Boxing a non-profit?
Yes, Rock Steady Boxing is a non-profit organization. It aims to improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease through non-contact boxing-based fitness programs.
What kind of boxing is good for Parkinson's?
Non-contact boxing, like the programs offered by Rock Steady Boxing, is particularly beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's disease. These programs are designed to focus on:
- Agility: Drills that enhance quick, precise movements help improve agility.
- Speed: Fast-paced exercises and punch combinations improve reaction times and hand-eye coordination.
- Endurance: Sustained physical activity builds cardiovascular health and stamina.
- Balance: Footwork drills and stability exercises improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
- Strength: Core exercises and resistance training build muscle strength.
Boxing workouts tailored for Parkinson's patients focus on enhancing physical function without the risks associated with actual sparring or physical contact, making them safe and effective.
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