For those of you not fluent in 'Parkinson's speak', it is a disease of endless small good-byes. Little pieces of ones mobility slip away and sheer determination allows a person with PD to 'fight it'! This is a non-combat inspired class which has shown that with determination one might reduce or even delay the onslaught of symptoms. So why not try it?
In Katy's class at The Good Fight Boxing Gym in Durango, Colorado, she has tailored a class just for folks with mobility issues. Our PD community fits right in! Katy's enthusiasm showers the participants with hope and confidence. She offers a full-body workout; with warm-up and stretching to prepare the body for the coming workout. There are punching bags for strength and muscle work. She incorporates voice into the moves to help with the voice and swallowing issues that accompany PD. And then there are sequences and footwork motivating participants to feel a part of something bigger than themselves. All this combines to help cognition, depression, fatigue and sleep. (Though many do need a nap upon returning home!) There is no punching others or being punched by others...it's non-combative with a fair share of bobbing, weaving, jabbing and punching (the bags).
- Lunge
- Rock - Shift
- Jab
- Hook - Cross
- Tap
- 1-2
- Breathe
- Slip (a quick move trying to make someone miss)
Some encouragement I heard given by Katy to an individual or the class at large:
- When I say GO, give (the bag) 4 hard ones
- Good Job!!!!
- I love when people are tired and still trying!
- Nice!
- Good...Great....Awesome!
- Higher. That's better...you've got it!
- I want you to get these 'clean' before we move on.
- Good job...our brains get in the way sometimes.
- Breathe
- Pow!
I am fairly certain that we all know exercise is important. Sometimes though our motivation is low and it's easy to say 'not today' (and truly, on some days it is important to listen to that voice). But when you have PD, exercise helps you manage symptoms and regain control of your life. In my experience, I saw how exercise helped Russ' mood, his symptoms and his adjustments when he had to acknowledge a small good-bye. And Russ was motivated to maintain his independence for as long as possible. He made me proud everyday!
Katy shares variety, fun, camaraderie and intensity. She uses these core elements in her boxing program, adjusting to different abilities and different stages of the disease. So put away your first image of what a boxing class will be like and join others dealing with PD...join 'the fight'.