There has been a growing buzz in the Parkinson community about boxing as a means to combat symptoms and improve function, especially after CBS aired a feature on “Sunday Morning” about Rock Steady. The gyms carryout non-contact boxing fitness curriculum specifically for PD. Rock Steady is a non-profit organization that is expanding throughout the country. As this point in time, the Gainesville Florida area does not have a Rock Steady gym. But we do have a hidden gem that has recently started a program that incorporates boxing, tai chi, and martial arts for those with Parkinson Disease looking to kick their exercise programs up a notch. The Gainesville Dojo has been around since 1985 and is now offering the “Champions Boxing” classes 2x per week under the instruction of the owner Keith Teller.
As a physical therapist, I am biased to believe that all exercise is good exercise; I want to find an exercise my patients like and keep them doing it. But, when boxing is incorporated into treatment sessions, the patients reach another level of physical potential. I find that boxing can reduce muscle rigidity to enable improved posture, cardiovascular endurance, postural reactions, and even mood.
For more information, please contact the Rehab Department at the UFCMDNR @ 352-294-5385 and/or Keith Teller @ 352-378-3070.