April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and to our members suffering from the nervous system disorder, Power Hours mean so much more than a great workout. Every Power Hour gives people with Parkinson’s disease the chance to feel stronger, steadier, and in control again. Parkinson’s disease is a result of damaged nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain which causes dopamine levels to drop, affecting movement and bringing tremors. The symptoms begin to take form as slower movement, stiffness, trouble with balance and trouble with walking.
What’s makes Power Hours so powerful for Parkinson’s disease? The combination of strength, endurance, power, flexibility and hand-eye coordination required in every TITLE Boxing Club workout help people improve their symptoms. Boxing not only helps to tone muscles, but it puts underused and rigid muscles through a full range of motion. Studies continue to show that certain “forced” exercise like boxing may actually slow its progression, deeming it “neuroprotective.”
Across the country, TITLE Boxing Clubs are becoming certified to offer Rock Steady Boxing classes, a program specific to helping the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Watch how TITLE Boxing Club Newbury Park is helping people with Parkinson’s disease overcome their daily symptoms and feel in stronger again. According to Jennifer, diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 32, “It has really made such a huge impact on my life. It completely turned my symptoms around.”
CBS Sunday Mornings’ correspondent Lesley Stahl recently highlighted her husband’s journey through the program. Watch the segment here, where Aaron Latham says, “First of all you get to put on these great gloves, it gives you enormous giant hands and a different attitude toward the world. You get your physical courage back and mental courage seems to kind of come along.”
In Lexington, Kentucky, TITLE Boxing Club is helping Parkinson’s patients like Tom Mowery, who said, “When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a number of years ago, I was determined to do whatever I could to fight back against the disease. Boxing has given me the opportunity to do that.” Watch the video here from the Lexington Herald Leader.
In Overland Park, Kansas, Parkinson’s patients are taking a swing at the disorder with TITLE Boxing Classes too. Watch the KSHB segment with Dr. Rajesh Pahwa, who says, “You’re hitting something. You’re actually using your strength to hit it. You’re using your coordination. I think in a way, boxing kind of completes a whole picture that will help with their Parkinson’s.”
All month long, join us in the fight to #endparkinsons. If you know someone with Parkinson’s disease, let them know we (and our heavy bags!) are here to help.