Rock Steady Boxing

About Rock Steady Boxing at the YMCA

What Are the Physical Benefits of Rock Steady Boxing?

Many benefits are linked to the Rock Steady Boxing training methods. There’s a plethora of scientific research that supports routine exercise for people who live with Parkinson’s Disease. Regular RSB training sessions help people with Parkinson’s to experience less muscle stiffness and pain while generally improving their balance and capacity for motion.

RSB training is an effective training method that’s hugely beneficial for people in all stages of PD, including those who have just been diagnosed and those who have lived with PD debilitation for decades. Rock Steady Boxing helps Parkinson’s patients to move easier and safely while improving their posture, gait, flexibility, and resistance to injury. It opens the window to healing and happiness.

For the majority of Parkinson’s patients, increasing physical activity levels to a minimum of 2 1/2 hours weekly significantly slows down the decline in quality of life.

Who teaches Rock Steady Boxing at the YMCA?

Rock Steady Boxing at the YMCA is currently available at the Macomb Family YMCA, taught by nationally certified personal trainer Mark Losinski. As an RSB-trained professional, Mark is able to customize fitness programs based on the individual needs of each Rock Steady Boxing participant, to target specific impairments. Rock Steady Boxing with Mark can help clients of all kinds to:

• Improve their confidence
• Decrease the severity of PD symptoms
• Experience reduced fear of falling down
• Perform daily activities more efficiently with higher quality
• Understand physicality better and improve self-management
• Be able to perform activities that many of us take for granted, like climbing stairs, entering a vehicle, and simply standing up and walking across the room. Regular training sessions will improve every area of their lives.

Is there medical evidence that shows exercise can help alleviate Parkinson’s Symptoms?

Yes. The value of exercise has been corroborated in several studies, including some at Lakehead University in Ontario and University of Utah in Salt Lake City. According to a Cleveland Clinic study, aerobic fitness can be improved in Parkinson’s patients following forced and/or voluntary exercise. Studies are showing that exercise induces brain repair and accompanying behavioral recovery. Some suggest that continuous, intensive training may confer neuro-protection, and subsequently slow, stop, or reverse the progression of Parkinson’s or promote neuro-restoration.

(References to any studies on this website are for informational purposes only and do not imply a specific endorsement of RSB by the researchers.)

Before beginning any type of exercise program including RSB, those with Parkinson’s are encouraged to consult with their physician.

Can anyone with Parkinson’s disease participate… no matter what their age or condition?

A: Nearly everyone with Parkinson’s disease can participate and receive benefit from Rock Steady Boxing. An intake evaluation process is conducted prior to the first class to determine the recommended class level. Some participants will require a caregiver partner to assist in each session. Individuals of all ages are benefiting from the Rock Steady Boxing’s program. We strongly encourage you to also discuss Rock Steady Boxing participation with your physician prior to your first workout.