The name may sound like a superhero origin story, but Rock Steady Boxing is no superhero. It’s a real organization that helps people with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms through exercise and boxing.
Founding Father
The organization was founded by a man in Indianapolis in 2006 after he was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 40. His story is a testament to the power of exercise and determination.
The Story Behind Rock Steady Boxing
In the summer of 2006, John Collins was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He was 40 years old and had no prior history of the disease. Collins was determined to find a way to manage his symptoms and improve his quality of life. He began working with a physical therapist who specialized in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation. The therapist, along with Collins, developed a program that combined elements of boxing with physical therapy. The goal was to improve mobility, balance, and cognitive function while managing the symptoms of the disease. The program was called Rock Steady Boxing, and it quickly gained popularity.
A New Chapter in Lansing
In 2017, Ted Zale started the Lansing chapter of Rock Steady Boxing. He was inspired by his uncle, Tony, who was a boxer and a superhero to him. Tony was a two-time NYSAC and NBA middleweight champion and had a 67-18-2 record in the 1940s. Ted’s uncle inspired him to get involved in boxing, and he eventually started the Lansing chapter of Rock Steady Boxing.
Exercises and Boxing Drills
The program uses a variety of exercises and boxing drills to work the muscles and brains affected by Parkinson’s disease. The exercises are designed to improve mobility, balance, and cognitive function while managing the symptoms of the disease. Some of the exercises include walking the plank, shadow boxing, and heavy bag work.
Real-Life Participants
One of the participants in the program is Steve Robinson, a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2017. Robinson is an inspiration to everyone in the program, as he is still able to walk the plank and shadow box despite his condition. He says, “I used to be able to walk the plank perfectly. Now, sometimes I can’t. It just depends on the day.”
Community and Support
The program provides a sense of community and support for the participants. The participants have a good sense of humor and often make verbal jabs at each other. They also discuss their experiences and share their struggles with each other. Zale said, “They’re all in it together. You know, in that association, knowing that everybody’s going through the same issues, it’s important in those little breaks that we have for them. In the little time off, they discuss a lot.”
A New Path for Mike Hudson
Mike Hudson, 79, is another participant in the program. Hudson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease less than a month ago, but he is already back in the program. Hudson says, “I had a twin brother, and he had Parkinson’s but he didn’t do any of this. He was diagnosed two or three years before me, his son couldn’t get him out of his chair. I wanted a different path when I was diagnosed.”
A Good Sense of Humor
The program provides a good sense of humor for the participants. The participants have a good time and often make jokes about their condition. Hudson said, “They’re all in it together. In the little time off, they discuss a lot.”
A New Way of Life
The program has given the participants a new way of life. They have a good sense of purpose and meaning, and they are able to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The program is a testament to the power of exercise and determination.
A New Path for Parkinson’s
The program is a new way of life for Parkinson’s disease. It provides a sense of community and support for the participants, and it helps them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
The Impact on the Community
The program has had a positive impact on the community. The participants have a good sense of humor and often make jokes about their condition. The program provides a sense of community and support for the participants, and it helps them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
A New Chapter in the Fight Against Parkinson’s
The program is a new chapter in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.
The Man Behind the Program
Ted Zale is the man behind the program. He is a dedicated and passionate individual who is committed to helping people with Parkinson’s disease. Zale said, “As soon as they found out I was a Zale, I was in a fight. So I learned to fight early. When I was five or six years old I had my nose broken in the ring by my older brother.”
A New Generation of Parkinson’s Fighters
The program is a new generation of Parkinson’s fighters.
The Future of Rock Steady Boxing
The future of Rock Steady Boxing is bright. The program is growing and expanding, and it is providing a new sense of purpose and meaning for the participants. Zale said, “The neural agents and nerves have been damaged by the disease. So what we do is by making them work, make mistakes, that actually ties those back together. Like Dave, one of our first guys, it gave him the opportunity to drive with it.”
The Benefits of Rock Steady Boxing
The benefits of Rock Steady Boxing are numerous.
The Power of Boxing
The power of boxing is a powerful tool for managing Parkinson’s disease. The program uses a variety of exercises and boxing drills to work the muscles and brains affected by the disease.
A Better Life for Parkinson’s Patients
The program provides a better life for Parkinson’s patients. It gives them a sense of purpose and meaning, and it helps them to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
A New Standard for Parkinson’s Care
The program sets a new standard for Parkinson’s care. When I was five or six years old I had my nose broken in the ring by my older brother.”
A New Generation of Champions
The program is a new generation of champions.