“The Rock Steady Boxing Program has been very enlightening and is very much a blessing from where I was two years ago to where I am today,” said Bob, reflecting on the progress he’s made since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Bob’s symptoms first began while he was attending a college football game with friends. “A buddy of mine and I were walking in front of the ladies and they noticed that my right arm wasn't swaying," explained Bob. "And so my wife pulled me aside and said, ‘Bob, what's wrong with your right arm?’”

From there, Bob’s Parkinson’s symptoms began to worsen, particularly when it came to his handwriting skills. But beyond the physical limitations he was experiencing, the emotional impact of the diagnosis is what Bob said set him back the most.

“I kind of took it pretty hard and was sitting around pouting in my own feelings,” said Bob.

His 32-year-old daughter was not going to let him give up without a fight.

“She was pretty blunt with me," Bob noted. "She said, ‘Are you gonna sit around on your rear end and let this thing take care of you? Or are you going to get up and do something about it?’”

Fighting Back Against Parkinson's

It was Bob’s daughter who found Rock Steady Boxing, and not even three months after his diagnosis, he was in the program fighting back. He attended classes regularly from that point forward.

Research shows that high-intensity exercise like boxing can help slow Parkinson's progression and even improve brain health in the areas most affected.

“I haven't felt a deterioration of any kind,” said Bob. “My physical strength has gotten better. I'm more in shape than I ever was!”

He attended Rock Steady Boxing classes at The Inn on Westport, a community managed by The Goodman Group. Though located within the senior living community, it’s open to everyone, no matter where they are in the Parkinson’s journey.

Since the program's founding in 2006, Rock Steady Boxing has expanded to over 950 affiliate gyms worldwide. The evidence-based curriculum continues helping thousands of people with Parkinson's fight back.

“The workout programs are directed by our coach, Lisa, who is a phenomenal coach because she truly understands the meaning of what Rock Steady is all about and leverages the different areas of workouts to each individual's needs,” said Bob.

Not only did Bob benefit greatly from Rock Steady Boxing, he also inspired others as a coach alongside Lisa.

“It’s such a self-satisfaction to work with fellow Parkinson's residents and be a part of a curriculum that I know is putting a smile on their face,” said Bob. “It's an unbelievable program. I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

Rock Steady Boxing Near You

Parkinson’s affects every patient differently, whether it’s their motor skills, balance, speech or sensory functions. Rock Steady Boxing is designed specifically to help manage those symptoms and even slow the progression of Parkinson’s.

Bob's journey shows what's possible when you refuse to give up. The Goodman Group offers Rock Steady Boxing at communities nationwide, giving others the chance to write their own comeback story.