Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a unique exercise program that enables people with Parkinson’s disease to fight their disease by providing non-contact boxing-style fitness program that improves their quality of life. Recent studies also suggest that intense exercise programs may be “neuro-protective”, actually working to delay the progression of symptoms. RSB provides encouragement through a “tough love” approach, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance, and flexibility. Boxing works by moving your body in all planes of motion while continuously changing the routine as you progress though the workout.
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) was founded in 2006 by former Marion County (Indiana) prosecutor Scott C. Newman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 40. Newman witnessed the dramatic improvement in his physical health, agility and daily functioning through the intense and high energy workouts. Newman’s quality of life improved dramatically in a short time due to his fighting back against Parkinson’s disease. Private donations and a personal passion to help others living with Parkinson’s allowed Newman to open a small gym and boxing ring in a donated corner of a corporate employee gym as Rock Steady’s first home. Today there are over 200 RSB affiliates throughout the US and Canada. FYZICAL Fitness in Fort Myers is the only provider of RSB in Lee County. “Some of our members/fighters drive from Naples and Punta Gorda to participate in the program” said Coach Angie Moran, who successfully completed the Rock Steady Boxing Training Camp, and is certified to offer Rock Steady Boxing training classes to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. “I am awed by the improvements I see daily in the fighters attending class. These fighters push themselves to their limits and see themselves walking taller, not falling down and being able to take part in everyday activities that would have caused difficulties only a couple of months ago. Being a Rock Steady Boxing Coach is the most rewarding job anyone in the fitness industry could have” said Coach Angie.
Training classes include an exercise program that attacks Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points. While focusing on overall fitness, strength training, reaction time and balance, workouts include: heavy bags, speed bags, focus mitts, jump rope, core work, and calisthenics. No boxing experience is necessary and people of all ages are invited to participate. Boxers, both male and female, range in age from mid-30’s to early 90’s.
View our classes on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/rocksteadyboxingfortmyers or call FYZICAL Fitness at 239-561-1177.
FYZICAL
Therapy and Balance Centers
Fort Myers
13010 Metro Pkwy
Fort Myers, FL 33966
239-561-1177
www.fyzical.com/swfl
