In a small gym in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, Parkinson’s patients are punching their way to better health. Known as Rock Steady Boxing, this unique program offers a beacon of hope for many battling the degenerative disease, providing them not just physical exercise but a supportive community.
Fighting Parkinson’s with Boxing
Three years ago, Bill West, now 75, received a life-altering diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. This prompted his daughter, Kristy Karluk, to move from West Virginia to be closer to him. Karluk encouraged West to join Rock Steady Boxing, a gym dedicated to helping those with Parkinson’s through specialized boxing classes.
“Watching him, I mean, he’s starting to slow down a little bit, but he’s also getting going because of the gym,” Karluk said. “The gym is what helps him go. When we miss a day or two, it’s definitely noticeable.”
West has seen marked improvements since starting the program. “My stability and my balance were really bad, and coming here has helped out a lot,” West shared. “I don’t shake so much, but my stability and my balance are really bad, and by coming here, it’s helped me a lot, as far as strength-wise, in my legs and everything.”
A Gym with a Mission
Rock Steady Boxing of Northeast Pennsylvania, with locations in Tunkhannock and Old Forge, serves around 90 participants. Kathy Reap, the owner and head coach, explains that the program is designed to accommodate individuals at every stage of Parkinson’s.
“Everyone who comes to Rock Steady Boxing has Parkinson’s,” Reap said. “We think we can accommodate every level of Parkinson’s… It’s how well you’re able to physically participate in a class so that you’re working in a class of your peers, where I can challenge you, yet keep you safe.”
The gym offers varying levels of classes to suit different abilities and needs, from independent, faster-paced sessions to seated classes with additional support.
The Origin and Impact of Rock Steady Boxing
Founded by Scott C. Newman in 2006 after his own diagnosis at 40, Rock Steady Boxing has grown to include over 800 affiliate gyms nationwide. Reap, whose husband was diagnosed in 2015, credits the program with significantly aiding his health and maintaining his active lifestyle.
“He’s had symptoms for 11 years now,” Reap mentioned. “We feel like he would be much more impaired if he wasn’t working out here. The disease still does progress, so we do see some changes… Overall, for 11 years, that he’s still doing all the same things is pretty good.”
Community and Camaraderie
Beyond the physical benefits, the gym fosters a strong sense of community. Reap organizes group outings, monthly conversations, and encourages social interactions among participants. This community aspect is vital, as Parkinson’s can be isolating.
“They love the camaraderie. There’s the socialization aspect, feeling like they’re not alone. We make it fun,” Reap shared.
West has found great support and understanding among his peers at the gym. “The friendships that you gain in here help you out a lot in understanding what’s going on… and we talk a lot about the symptoms, and it really helps a lot,” he said.
For more information about Rock Steady Boxing, visit their official website.
To learn more about Parkinson’s disease, see Penn Medicine’s comprehensive overview here.
