Rock Steady Boxing Program Arrives at The Becoming Center

This story appears in the Spring 2024 issue of At Liberty.

Rock Steady Boxing is a unique exercise program based on Training used by boxing pros and adapted to people with Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to the generosity of a Liberty Lutheran donor, the program will be available, starting April 9, at The Becoming Center in Ambler, PA.

Why boxing? Boxers train to improve balance, hand-eye coordination, movement, speed, agility, muscle power, mental focus, and rhythm, all beneficial to someone with the disease. Exercise has been medically proven to slow the progression of the disease.

Led by experienced, specially trained coaches, the program involves regular exercises, such as stretches, bicycling, running, jumping rope, push-ups, balance, and non-contact boxing. Each Rock Steady Coach brings different elements to the mix into the workouts.

Each participant is assessed before joining the program so the Coaches can learn about the client and work appropriately with each person based on individual needs. The emphasis of Rock Steady is on the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s until a cure is found.

“We are fortunate to be able to bring this program to The Becoming Center,” said Anthony Byers, Director of The Becoming Center, who completed the Rock Steady Boxing Certification Training last year. He became certified as a “Coach” to offer training classes to individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Anthony points out, “Rather than focusing on the disease, people can learn a fun, new skill that helps relieve stress while also addressing many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. We hope to help others experience the benefits we observed during Training. One gentleman explained that he progressed from being in a wheelchair to regaining significant mobility by working on his balance, coordination, footwork, and boxing in this program.”

“Classes at The Becoming Center will be available to Becoming Center members, and residents from the larger community diagnosed with Parkinson’s” says Anthony.

Approximately 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, with as many as 1.2 million expected to be diagnosed by 2030. Additional information about Rock Steady Boxing Inc. is available at www.rocksteady.boxing.org

Contact The Becoming Center to learn more: