[lou_lou]

interesting segment on how some people that are boxing are not shaking anymore. People with Parkinson's. It was really interesting.

Take a look at the video :

http://i.abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4396193&page=1

[lizzy4451]

Tena, It thrills me that you picked up on this story! I just read your comment. I've been participating in this exercise program since it started in Oct, 2006. I'm a believer ... and very indebted to Kristy, Vince and Scott (as you see in the video). Thanks for your comment!

[lou_lou]

please tell me if you do not mind,

how long have you had PD?
and whatever you can tell us about your individual experience

[lizzy4451]

TenaL, Thanks for your interest in Rock Steady Boxing. My real name is Paula.

I was diagnosed 7 years ago ... symptoms 2-3 years previously, as is common. My primary symptom is tremor on my right side, have slight stiffness on right now, am VERY fortunate to have had a slow progression, still work full-time and do everything I ever did ... just with a bit of a shake.

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) opened their doors to 5-10 folks in October, 2006. I was there. Although I consider myself to be fairly physically fit, I had never attempted to stick with a regular exercise regimen in my life. It's one of the hardest things I've done. In fact, after going to classes for about 3 weeks, I was out of town and missed the next 2-3 weeks of classes. I decided I wasn't going back ... it was too hard ... took too much effort and commitment. Then I got 'the call'. The founder, Scott Newman, called me on the phone and harassed me into returning. I am forever indebted to Scott for that call!

Rock Steady Boxing provides a free, boxing-based fitness program in Indianapolis, Indiana to approximately 70 people each week who have Parkinson's. I have been involved with the program for a year and a half. Since starting I have noticed an improvement in my posture and gait. I'm also more agile, stronger, and feel more physically confident (I think folks with PD understand what that means). I have witnessed improvements in every person who has stuck with the program for at least a couple of months. One 60+ old gentleman, Romeo, shuffled in with his head down on the first day. Two months later he was more upright, had an immensely improved gait and could jump rope! Too cool!

The workouts do not involve hitting other folks. They do involve hitting heavy bags and speed bags (my passion). We also jump rope, do jumping jacks, do 'Chase the Rabbit' (from inside the boxing ring we move sideways around the perimeter, then someone yells ..... 'SWITCH' ... and we switch directions), do pushups and crunches/sit ups plus work out on exercise/weight equipment. I sweat and am exhausted at the end of class. My tremor is aggravated for 30-60 minutes ... but better for 2-3 days!

Rock Steady is more than a gym. It's an unofficial support group. Everyone there is fighting for the same thing - to be able to do tomorrow what we did today. To not let this beast get the best of us. And we are winning!

The camaraderie is like none other. If Fred falls, we help him up and carry on. If Anne is having a bad day, we cheer her on. When my hand tremors, no one seems to notice. We are as one ... fighting together ... pushing our bodies to their individual limits. We are winning the fight against Parkinson's!

The stories of Kristy Follmar, Executive Director, professional boxer, and trainer; Scott Newman, person with Parkinson's, founder, politician and attorney; and Vince Perez, Golden Gloves boxing champion, trainer and attorney; are a story for another day. They have an undying commitment to people with Parkinson's.

Wow! Enuf! The classes are offered free to people with Parkinson's. Rock Steady Boxing relies heavily on donations. If you know of any individuals, Foundations, etc. that we might contact, PLEASE let us know. The link you previously posted will soon be available on youtube - add www and a dot to beginning of site and a dot plus com to end (I can't post URLs cuz don't have 10+ posts to the site .... argh) There is already a video there called 'The Battle' that tells the story of Rock Steady Boxing.

Can you tell I'm passionate about Rock Steady? uh huh rocksteadyboxing - add www plus a dot to beginning of site and dot plus org to end

[Howardh]

stuff Tena. I am a big believer in a balanced exercise program between cardio workouts and strength training with weights. As a former gym owner www.harbourfitness.com I totally concur with the folks from Rock Steady Boxing www.rocksteadyboxing.org and may their program grow and prosper.

If we don't exercise Parkinson's will make the body weaker over time. So why not turn that around and strengthen our bodies while giving the one finger salute to the unwelcome marriage to grumpy Mrs Parkinson. Or in your case....Mr Parkinson.

[MikeTTF]

And it just goes away? I get so sick of these miracle articles - time to stop reading this crap

Originally Posted by CTenaLouise

interesting segment on how some people that are boxing are not shaking anymore. People with Parkinson's. It was really interesting.

Take a look at the video :

http://i.abcnews.com/Health/story?id=4396193&page=1

[paula_w]

Paula,

Are you Paula T from PAN who we also saw at the Cleveland Clinic? I'm just curious because now, if I do know you, I'm trying to picture you boxing. The lady I am picturing is sort of delicate looking, but then we have to wear real clothes at PAN...lol.

Regardless of who you are - enjoy!

Mike, I feel like you many times and the overload of what we are supposed to do just makes me tired and want to shut down - often - especially when it involves exercise. I can shut down in a heartbeat and watch movies for the rest of the day without getting dressed, because of overload. People talk about boxing and when off, i have such bad dystonia I'm locked and can't function.

You seem angry - have a right to be - if you want to spill it here - there are many kind people who will listen. I don't doubt that boxing helps, but the bottom line is there is no cure, there are only a few treatments, and most of what there is to offer has limited results. Paula says her tremor goes away for a few days.....it's a trade off. not a cure. She is getting other things out of it too...like friendship.

But sometimes, the media, makes things sound like the "answer". EVeryone is guilty of it. Scientists talk about things that may cure us in 20 -30 years and call it a breakthrough. Pharmceuticals will produce what makes big money. And alternative methods, such as Rick and others experiment with, are not coming from the establised medical community....but that could be a good thing. lol Nevertheless, when I listed ginseng as a medication it was recommended that I do not take it because we don't know what's in it for sure. It definitely increases energy.....our biggest problem on a good day.

No one knows. We have to find ways of dealing with the suffering that could be ahead. Someone is always here to listen. Not too many Pollyannas here either. Many of us have had it for a long time - been around the block - and don't share illusions. This disease sucks....bottom line.

paula

[Howardh]

Having read your situation it is not too difficult to understand and share your opinion. All the best mate

In my own case exercise, and a healthy diet, has kept the dreaded Parkie gremlins at bay after year 12 with the disease. And we can see looking at the parkie group doing their fitness thing they are ovrwhelming getting beneficial results.

Exercise is not a cure, but allows those that do a bit too at least be fitter and stronger during those dreaded off times that make it a struggle to move about. And of course newbies to this site can make informed decisions that may benefit them.

Originally Posted by MikeTTF

And it just goes away? I get so sick of these miracle articles - time to stop reading this crap

[lou_lou]

dear paula,
thank you for all the details! I am very glad it helps you, and I know
Howard is devoted to exercise, he our Aussie friend -
Howard do you still lift weights?

for some it is a matter of more brain damage to certain areas -
some have extreme balance issues -some are frozen - some are shakers,
some do abit of both...

and Mike,
I am sorry - you feel so poorly, but you must realize, that we all have different parkinsonism's - it is still very hard with all types to be motivated,
and I have met hundreds of people with PD, and we all have to a certain degree, our very own personal PD, so I am sorry this upsets you...

but one persons miracle does not fit all...
YET
we must hope for a cure - or detoxifying or better absorption of the nutrition
because we are not just what we eat, we are what our bodies are able to break down - by enzymes - so that we can absorb our nutrients,
it is very complicated yet we all started off - with being over stressed - number one bell that tolls - of all health issues...

[lizzy4451]

Paula W, Yes I am Paula from PAN. (And I know who you are ... lol)

MikeTTF, I'm not implying that the boxing program is a cure. It does help minimize my symptoms. And ... more than anything, the camaraderie of all those people with Parkinson's each working towards their personal best and cheering each other on is priceless. Studies prove that exercise is beneficial to people with Parkinson's.

A cure ... no. Encouragement and hope ... you better believe it! And if I think I can ... I can.