Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a non-contact program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease. It was started in Indianapolis, Ind. in 2006, by a young man who had developed Parkinson’s disease. He wasn’t content to sit back and let the damage from Parkinson’s take over. He knew he had to fight back. Everyone tells us that to fight back against Parkinson’s disease, exercise is the key.
This young man had a friend who owned a gym and between the two of them they modified regular boxing moves to meet his needs and abilities. He noticed that he was gaining strength and agility. His health improved and he noticed a reduction in his Parkinson’s symptoms. Together they formed Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) so they could bring this program to others.
“At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to empower people with PD to fight back.”
We are fortunate that Sonya Brooks, owner/operator at Hope Therapy Center went and took the training in Indianapolis so that she could bring this wonderful program to us, here in Lake Charles, La. RSB is intense, trying, frustrating, satisfying, and powerful all at the same time.
Non-contact boxing is not all there is to it. RSB addresses cognition, agility, balance, gait, dexterity and comradery. The members work together to promote success in achieving their goals. Here you will see members of Rock Steady Boxing Lake Charles at work.
The Eljay Foundation for Parkinson Syndrome Awareness provides gloves, wrist straps, and the RSB tee shirts for people with Parkinson’s disease who sign up for Rock Steady Boxing at Hope Therapy Center.
For more information, please call
Eligha Guillory Jr. at 337-310-0083, or
Peggy Woodson at 337-496-4941, or
Hope Therapy Center at 337-478-5880.
It is free to come by and watch a session and see if this is something you might be interested in.
Working hard, having fun, pulling together to fight Parkinson’s disease!
Classes meet Monday and Wednesdays each week!
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Hope Therapy Center
1727 Imperial Blvd, Bldg. 3,
Lake Charles, LA 70605
(337) 478-5880
