L
“Every exercise we do
has a purpose. It is to
combat the disease, to
slow the progression of
Parkinson’s.”
Adam Hodges, general manager of
Anderson’s fitness center
eon Ashmore leans forward and throws a left jab into a heavy
boxing bag hanging in front of him. It’s not a hard punch.
Parkinson’s disease has robbed much of his strength these
days. He follows with a right cross, his hand slightly trem-
bling, and then a left hook.
“Left, right, left, right,” he listens intently and follows instructions
as they are being called out by his boxing coach.
Nearby, his wife, Cathy, punches her own boxing bag. She, too, has
been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but her symptoms are much milder.
“I feel like I am more physically fit than I have been in a long
time,” said Cathy, tired but excited after their boxing class concludes.
The Ashmores, both retired, are participants in the Rock Steady
Boxing program started at Anderson Health & Fitness Center last
August. Rock Steady is a non-contact, boxing inspired fitness program
designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.
“Every exercise we do has a purpose. It is to combat the disease,
to slow the progression of Parkinson’s,” said Adam Hodges, general
manager of Anderson’s fitness center.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that
affects movement. Tremors are one of its more recognizable signs, but
the disorder can also cause stiffness, slow movement, poor balance,
difficulty swallowing, softness of voice, sleep disorders, and cognitive
impairment.
While there is no known cure for Parkinson’s, medication and rig-
orous physical exercise are helping patients manage the symptoms.
Opposite page: Martha Bancroft shows off her boxing prow-
ess during a morning class of Rock Steady Boxing at Anderson
Health and Fitness Center. The boxing-inspired fitness program is
designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Asif Lala
DMD, MD
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