Rock Steady Boxing

Don Hoffman, Kristy Follmar, Marcy Hoffman, and Christine Timberlake

Kristy Follmar, Program Director and Head Coach of Rock Steady Boxing told Kiwanis about their innovative approach to Parkinson exercise therapy.  Christine Timberlake, Members Services and Coach accompanied her.  Chirstine’s husband Tom is a client of Rock Steady Boxing.  Rock Steady Boxing gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing based fitness curriculum.

Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s. 

In the gym, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

90 % of the clients are referred by their neurologists.    RSB provides 4 levels of classes depending on the stage of disease.  Insurance does not cover the costs so the $60 a month fee is usually paid out of pocket.  Lower fees are available for those on lower income.  Contributions are accepted to help with the program and volunteers are needed to help with the boxers.

For additional information go to https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org.