Three years ago, Gene noticed something was off. 

"I was always careful to exercise and eat right and take care of myself," Gene shares. "Things weren't going well, and I wanted to know what was happening to me."

Gene’s diagnosis brought an unexpected sense of relief. Finally having an answer meant he could plan. 

As a former Air Force pilot and Northwest Airlines veteran who retired in 1999, Gene was no stranger to discipline. He knew that facing situations head-on was the only way forward.

Taking the First Swing

When Gene first heard about Rock Steady Boxing at The Commons on Marice in Eagan, MN, a community managed by The Goodman Group, he wasn’t sure what to think. The idea of boxing while managing walking difficulties seemed counterintuitive. But now, a year and a half into the program, Gene calls it "a big part of my life."

So what changed his mind? Results.

"My symptoms were easing off when I exercised properly," Gene explains. Before starting Rock Steady Boxing, he needed special eating utensils just to hold a fork. Now, he's back to using regular silverware. 

While the process still requires focus, the improvement is undeniable.

More Than Physical Exercise

Twice a week, Gene arrives at The Commons on Marice a half hour before his Rock Steady Boxing class begins.

"It's fun to sit and talk with the classmates before we start," he says, describing the camaraderie that has developed among participants. "We are very encouraging and supportive of our fellow class members."

The program is led by Coach Jeff. 

"Jeff is knowledgeable of the things that we are dealing with," Gene notes. "He manages to make it personal for each person in the class."

The Mental Game

Gene describes how Rock Steady Boxing "requires active participation and mental hookup with what you're doing." This mind-body connection is crucial for managing Parkinson's symptoms.

"When it's time to come to class, I think, ah, I'm tired. I don't want to do it," Gene admits. "And when I'm finished with the class, I feel great compared to how I felt when I started."

The exercises, from working the speed bag to movement drills, help with daily activities that many take for granted. Housework, meal preparation and basic mobility have all become more manageable since Gene began the program.

Moving Forward with Purpose

After losing his wife a year ago, maintaining his health and independence has taken on new meaning for Gene. Rock Steady Boxing classes provide structure to his week and helps him stay active for his family.

"It's important for them to know that I'm taking care of myself as best I can," he says. The twice-weekly classes keep him "tuned to what's happening" with himself, his family and the world around him.

Gene's walking is still a work in progress. He tends to bend forward and must focus on maintaining proper pace and taking long strides. But he approaches it with determination and the knowledge that consistent effort brings improvement.

Trust the Process

For those newly diagnosed with Parkinson's or considering Rock Steady Boxing, Gene says, "Trust the process that is designed to help."

He acknowledges that participants might wonder why they're doing certain exercises. After a year and a half in the program, Gene has learned there are good reasons behind every movement and drill. 

"Even though you don't know much about what's happening to you and why you're here, if you just trust the process, you'll eventually work into a position where you know what's happening to you, and what is helping."

Gene's story reminds us that progress happens gradually. There may not be a cure, but "You're going to have a nicer life because of what we're doing."

For Gene and his fellow Rock Steady Boxers at The Commons on Marice, that nicer life includes renewed energy, stronger connections and the realization that they can still do things, they just need to keep showing up and doing the work.