“What we have seen here has been amazing. Out of the
34 boxers, I can’t think of a one that hasn’t improved in
some way,” Hodges said.
The first Rock Steady Boxing program started in 2006
after a young Parkinson’s patient in his 40s noticed boxing
exercises helped keep his symptoms from progressing.
Medical research on Parkinson’s and physical exercise had
already reached many of the same conclusions. From that
first Rock Steady gym in Indiana, the program has grown to
871 affiliates worldwide, including six in Mississippi.
The Anderson program began with a request from Wade
Jones, former president of the East Mississippi Business
Development Corporation. Jones was diagnosed with
Parkinson’s about three years ago and REM sleep behavior
disorder, an early warning sign of Parkinson’s, 10 years
prior to that
A year ago, he was driving to Jackson three days a week
to participate in a Rock Steady program on the advice of his
doctor. Finding success with the fitness program in helping
manage his own symptoms, he lobbied Anderson adminis-
trators to start an affiliate for local Parkinson’s patients.
“Everyone I meet who has Parkinson’s, I tell them you
have to get involved in this program as soon as you can,”
said Jones. Even though he had no experience with boxing,
he credits the fitness program with helping to curb the stiff-
ness he was experiencing in his hands that made handwrit-
ing and holding utensils challenging. The gait, or shuffle,
8•
he was developing in his walking also has disappeared. He
works out almost every day and even runs.
“I have watched people who were using canes drop their
canes and walk on their own. I have seen people in wheel-
chairs get up and do more,” he said. “It really is a remark-
able program.”
The 34 boxers in the Anderson class range in age from
88 to the mid-50s. Ten are women. All boxers must have
a doctor’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s to participate, Hodges
noted. Those who have physical challenges are encouraged
to bring their caregiver with them to assist.
The program’s exercises are largely adapted from boxing
drills. Boxers participate in warm-up activities, which can
include walking, arm circles, and light stretching. Then,
they split into two groups depending on their symptoms
and abilities. One group works on strength training on
machines, walking and jogging while the other group works
on boxing exercises and footwork. They use both speed bags
and heaving punching bags. Then, the groups switch so
both groups get to work on the same skills. While exercis-
ing, they practice shouting to strengthen their voices to com-
bat swallowing problems that can lead to choking hazards.
“We do a lot of voice activation,” Hodges said. “We yell
a lot. We talk a lot. Sometimes, we sing. We are constantly
encouraging them to speak loudly. A lot of times they are
speaking softly, and they don’t even know it.”
Hodges had to complete the Rock Steady online certifica-
Above: Adam Hodges, general manager at Anderson fitness center, left, spars with Rock Steady
Boxing participant Fred Richardson. Opposite page: Wade Jones works out with a punching bag.