We help people Fight Back!
RSB enables people with Parkinson’s disease to fight their disease by providing non-contact boxing based fitness programmes that improve their quality of life and sense of efficacy and self-worth. Recent studies also suggest that intense exercise programmes may be “neuro protective”, actually working to delay the progression of symptoms. RSB provides encouragement through a “tough love” approach, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance and flexibility. Boxing works by by moving your body in all planes of motion while continuously changing the routine as you progress through the workout. RSB classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s can actually lesson their symptoms and lead a healthier/happier life.
Background
Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a first of its kind gym founded in Indianapolis in 2006 to provide an effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson’s.
Though it may seem surprising, this non-contact boxing based fitness routine is dramatically improving the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. RSB was founded by former Indiana County State prosecutor Scott C. Newman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 40.
RSB Glasgow is the first RSB programme in the UK and there are nearly 750 Rock Steady programmes in 13 countries worldwide.
We have experienced the benefits of the programme first hand and our head coach Stuart was trained at the Indianapolis headquarters of Rocksteady prior to launching RSB in the UK.
Benefits
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder in which certain dopamine producing cells in a region of the brain begin to die. When these cells die, neurons in the brain fire erratically, leaving patients less able to direct or control their movements.
Current research is primarily related to drug studies, but in recent years more attention has been devoted to the importance of exercise in maintaining and improving the patient’s quality of life.
Intense exercise, like the boxing-inspired RSB programme we offer, may result in neuroprotection and thereby slow, stop or reverse the progression of symptoms. The sooner patients begin the RSB programme, the better the possibility of results.
Why bother?
Research is proving the importance of exercise in the life of a person with Parkinson’s. The statement “use it or lose it” truly applies to anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s. If Parkinson’s disease and it’s symptoms are not met with resistance, the disease will likely take the path of least resistance, progressing more rapidly than without exercise intervention.
Meet like-minded people
The Parkinson’s boxers at Rock Steady know no strangers. They all share the same fight and the camaraderie in the gym is just as important as the fitness training. We can help re-establish their self-esteem, and most of all, to not feel alone as they “fight back”.