Looking For Parkinson’s Disease Treatment? – Try Boxing
Many people think that boxing is inherently violent. While there are plenty of boxing movies that come to mind where the end of the match often leaves one of the characters bruised and bloody, there are many ways boxing programs can help without hurting anyone. Take karate for example. Many people sign their young children up for karate, even though it involves punching and kicking. Why? Because karate teaches discipline and athleticism. Boxing is a high-intensity exercise program that has many health benefits without involving contact.
Rock Steady Boxing is a boxing program designed specifically for those with Parkinson’s disease. It is a non-contact program that has many more benefits than you probably realize. Keep reading to learn more about our program.
Why Boxing?
Boxing is a great high-intensity physical exercise that can help all people, not just those with Parkinson’s disease. While many people think that the act of throwing a punch is only good exercise for the arms and shoulders, it actually takes the full body to throw a punch. Boxing burns a significant amount of calories as well. 30 minutes of punching a speed bag can burn 200 calories. Boxing also helps improve hand-eye coordination, and balance, and helps with agility. Boxing classes are a great combination of both cardio and strength training.
While many workout regimens can get stale after a while, because of the fast pace and focus needed for boxing, many people stick with boxing longer than other exercise programs because they find it doesn’t get boring. There’s always something new to learn and skills that can be improved.
How Boxing Classes Can Help Slow Parkinson’s Disease Progression
Parkinson’s disease progression is caused by neurological changes in your brain. Exercise increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth factors that promote the growth of healthy cells. other studies have shown that exercise increases dopamine-producing neurons which improves mood and relieves stress. Exercise elements that are common in boxing programs like punching are especially stress relieving.
When someone is first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, they will most likely be prescribed physical therapy. Studies have shown that exercise can slow down the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. High-intensity physical therapy like boxing programs can be especially helpful and studies have shown that participants who exercised at a lower intensity noticed worsening symptoms.
Boxing programs like Rock Steady Boxing can help improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including:
- Better Posture
- Stronger Core
- Improved Balance
- More Fluent Rhythm
- Improved Gait
- Bigger Range of Motion
- Improved Motor Skilled
- Better Hand-Eye Coordination
How To Find A Boxing Program for Parkinson’s Patients Near You
Rock Steady Boxing classes are located in affiliate gyms all over the world. These non-contact community-based group exercises not only provide physical exercise but also helps connect a community of Parkinson’s disease patients and their corner people with each other. Many of our attendees make new friends for life because they understand the issues they are going through together.
We are adding new Rock Steady Boxing classes to communities very frequently. Physical therapists, gym coaches, fitness professionals, and current boxing trainers can gain a Rock Steady Boxing affiliation to help people who are affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Use our “Find A Class” tool to locate the nearest Rock Steady Boxing Program near you. Regardless of your fitness level, you can join one of our boxing groups to start the training you need to improve your life with Parkinson’s disease.
Sign Up For a Rock Steady Boxing Class Today
Once you’ve found a class, contact the local gym to sign up. We work to understand everyone’s needs individually to provide a safe and productive environment for all of our members. Let us help you improve your Parkinson’s disease symptoms. Sign up for a Rock Steady Boxing class today.
