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Boxing - Holding target pads

START BOXING for BRAIN and BODY HEALTH

Why Boxing?

Boxing is a excellent  high-intensity physical exercise that can help all people, not just those with Parkinson’s disease. It taps into many components of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to rewire and make changes. Boxing helps improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. It also places demand on an individuals cardio, strength, flexibility and mobility. Learning and memorizing different punches and combinations is an excellent brain and body task that takes attention and cognitive challenge.  While many workout regimens can get stale after a while, because of the fast pace and focus needed for boxing, many people stick with boxing longer than other exercise programs because they find it doesn’t get boring. There’s always something new to learn and skills that can be improved. It also happens to be pretty fun to punch things.

Jab - punch

THE SCIENCE

How Boxing Classes Can Help Decrease Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease progression is caused by neurological changes in one's brain. There is still a lot of research to be done in regards to what accelerates the progression of disease and what slows it. A neurologist specializing in movement disorders can advise individuals in regards to what medications may be able to help manage their condition. What we know from research about physical activity, is that forced high intensity exercise training is effective at minimizing symptoms. It is hard to get to the level of intensity that is considered neuroprotective, meaning the exertion level that has been shown to impact motor and non-motor symptoms, while exercising solo. Additionally, novel tasks like boxing which is outside of the normal daily routine, demands higher levels of cognitive engagement and activation.

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 The intensity of a boxer's regimen and format of a Rock Steady Boxing Tetons class is designed to maximize brain and body benefits and leave participants feeling and moving better than when they come in the door. The class curriculum is also set-up to be engaging and fun and address many of the non-motor symptoms as well.

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Boxing programs like Rock Steady Boxing can help improve and decrease symptoms of Parkinson’s disease including but not limited to:

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  • More upright posture

  • Stronger core

  • Improved balance

  • Improved gait and positional transfers

  • Increased range of motion

  • Better Hand-Eye Coordination

  • Improved tolerance to motion sensitivity

  • Improved energy level

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