The Perky Parkie

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30 Days at Rock Steady Boxing

By: PerkyParkie36 Comments

When I first became a member of the Parkinson’s community in 2010, there weren’t many resources available to us… in fact, my Neurologist didn’t even have an informational pamphlet to hand me with the diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease at age 32.  That’s one of the main reasons I decided to get involved in helping others.  Back in my day… I sound so old… I would have to walk 10 miles each way, barefoot, in the rain, uphill, just to meet another person with Parkinson’s disease. There were very few Parkinson’s specific resources such as support groups, fitness classes, or community events. 

But today, we have plethora of programs, books, blogs, outreach events, webinars, fitness classes, radio shows, pharmaceutical speakers, informational summits, movies, video blogs and multiple national foundations that satisfy every level of disease progression.  Heck, we even have The World Parkinson’s Congress which travels to a different part of the globe every 3 years, providing days of speakers, activities, research, and caregiver support…. which by the way, is being held in Kyoto, Japan next week.

After the hellish year of medical challenges, that left me weak, 98lbs, and emotionally drained, it was time to get back into shape again.  Enough of Boost protein shakes, pot pies, pancakes and pasta… I was started growing a muffin top and no, I don’t mean the tasty baked treat. But where could I go that would accommodate my limitations while still recovering, hold me accountable for showing up and help me regain the confidence in my body that I had lost.  

Which lead me to my quest…  I would commit myself to Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) for 1 month. 

For those of you who don’t know what RSB is, their website states,

“The mission of Rock Steady Boxing is to empower people with Parkinson’s disease to fight back. Rock Steady Boxing, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, gives people with Parkinson’s disease hope by improving their quality of life through a non-contact boxing-based fitness curriculum.”

Well, ok… but what does that mean?  I had some friends who were already taking RSB classes, so I asked my friend Pete if I could join him.  When I arrived, I didn’t feel out of place at all.  Everyone was so welcoming.  It was kind of like a secret society that isn’t a secret and I instantly feel a part of the group… technically I guess that’s just a society but I felt like I belonged.  

Over the next couple of weeks, I was learning boxing combos, doing muscle strengthening exercises, working on challenging my brain and my balance improved… but there was something else that I hadn’t expected. I became more confident in myself, I learned I could push myself and more importantly, I made friends.  People who held me accountable and encouraged me when things got tough.

There are modifications for any level of mobility so I didn’t have to explain to anyone if I couldn’t do an exercise or if my Parkinson’s was acting like a diva.  It wasn’t like going into your local gym and spending so much time on trying to look normal.  I was accepted for who I was and not pushed out because of my limitations, because in the end, we’re all there for the same reasons.  

After a couple more weeks my RSB held a BBQ in a local park.  I went and was greeted by an awesome group of Parkies who are now in my Wolfpack.  As we walked the beach, I felt safe and connected to my community. I get excited when I go to class and I’m bummed when my schedule doesn’t allow me to attend.  

As you can imagine, with my personal 30-day commitment, I was hooked… seriously, watch out for my right hook.  Now, I understand that not everyone would be interested in doing Rock Steady Boxing, but there is no excuse to try it.   You could surprise yourself … you might just be a boxer.  With over 800 affiliates across the nation and growing, it’s becoming much easier to find an RSB group near you and let me tell you, back in my day…

To get more information about RSB, click here.

To find a RSB class near you, click here.              

Comments

  1. Rich mcgann says

    Hi Allison – Rich here.
    I’m so happy to see you’re coming back! We both had a tough year in 2018. However, you appear to be doing great. You had a much tougher assignment than I did and it appears you have come through with flying colors. Keep up the good work.

    Sincerely
    Rich

    Please call me if you get a chance. Claudia and I would love to talk to you.

    Reply

  2. Gloria Moon says

    So I read that you are a blogger here at the WPC in Japan! My name is Gloria and I’m from the RSB in Indianapolis (RSB HQs).

    I would love to meet you , love your story

    My email is below

    Reply

    • PerkyParkie says

      Hi Gloria, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to Japan, I’ve been recovering from non-Parkinson’s related health issues. Hopefully, we can meet some other time.

      Reply

  6. john bennett says

    Welcome to RSB Ashley! I discovered RSB 3 years ago and have found that it has made a huge difference for the exact reasons you cited.

    Reply

  7. Sharon greif says

    I started it last year and I love it. It is so nice to walk imto a place and feel totally comfortable And so welcomed. I made some great friends as well. It is y support group!!

    Reply

  8. Peter Whyte says

    Allison, ………. you are truly amazing, and that right hook of yours is getting pretty good. Shall we refer to you as Immaredhead Ali? Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,the tribe is all altogether at RSB.

    Reply

  9. Tom says

    You are right, 9 years ago there was little info available in the way of PD and all its wonderful attributes! Even in the neurologist office! I don’t even think the neurologist could pass through his lips, “Exercise!”

    Reply

  10. Meryl Schwartz says

    NEURO docs in general are little help in providing leads to helpful activities where one lives. My husband has PD and it was up to me to find resources and activities for him. Luckily our community has a strong outreach program. My husband attends 3 separate exercise programs resulting in 8 sessions per week. We have to drive 2 hours twice a year to see a PD specialist. He has a very positive attitude and he has improved greatly in his gait and even cognition. Our community health center is moving very slowly in addressing the medical needs of the growing PD population.

    Reply

  12. Claudia and Rich says

    Soooo glad you discovered Rock Steady! It’s a great program and you’re correct. Everyone welcomes you and you immediately become ‘family’. Rich always looks forward to going. It’s not only physically good, but boots your spirits. Good for you, Allison!

    Reply

    • Becky says

      I joined RSB bout 3 months ago and absolutely LOVE IT!!!! Unfortunately, I fell last Friday at RSB and shattered my wrist 😢😬😢😬😢😬😢😬😬While I can’t do it right now, I will be back ( said in my best Arnold school voice)

      The accident was a freak one where I fell and my hand hit a weight bar……

      I wish more people would at least try RSB

      Reply

  14. David H Engman says

    Check out those “guns”.

    I have to say you are looking very improved. Glad to see you up and around.

    Reply

  16. ELlen says

    Wow, I had the exact same experience with my boxing group LDBF Boxing for Parkinson’s. This group has become family, and I actually look forward to going to the gym. Just passed my one year anniversary boxing, and I am in the best shape of my life. I love these people. Keep it up!!!!

    Reply

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