New Gym Gives Purpose To Punches

POSTED: 11:51 am EST January 23, 2007
UPDATED: 12:26 pm EST January 23, 2007
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/10823367/detail.html

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new Indianapolis gym is giving hard workouts and hope to visitors who suffer from Parkinson's disease.

Rock Steady Boxing provides a haven for sufferers who want to give their obstacles a beat down, 6News' Emily Gimmel

Holding out his arms has not always been easy for former Marion County prosecutor Scott Newman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease four years ago.

At one point, Newman could hardly write his own name. All of that changed when a friend introduced him to boxing.

"I really have improved the symptoms, cut back on the meds and live a lot healthier," Newman said. "That is what boxing has done for me."

Newman opened Rock Steady six months ago with the aim of helping others like him.

"Adversity always comes in various shapes and forms, and it is how we address adversity -- I thank God for opportunities like this to be challenged and be built up, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually," said Fred Anderson.

In the future, all proceeds from the program will go toward Parkinson's research in hopes of knocking out the disease with a one-two punch.

Participants don't have to have Parkinson's to work out at the gym. Other classes are designed especially for executives and women.

Trained professionals inspire those they might normally think can't box. Participants don't have to get hit, but they do benefit from a boxing-based fitness program.

"Our message is that you can feel better tomorrow, and that is earthshaking for people with Parkinson's and probably other diseases. For us, that is the life changing thing," Newman said.

Boxers don't know if their activity has slowed the progression of the disease, but they are certain that they have improved their quality of life as they deal with disease each day.