Boxing proves a big hit for Islanders living with Parkinson's

PEOPLE living with Parkinson’s are punching above their weight thanks to a new class designed to exercise both their bodies and minds.

Parkinson’s Jersey has teamed up with Boxing.je to run a fortnightly ‘boxercise’ class at Maison des Landes in St Ouen – where Islanders with the neurological disease, their carers and supporters come together to improve their strength, predictive function, mobility and coordination.

The JEP was invited to the second session recently to find out more about the activity – one of eight gatherings that the volunteer-run charity holds every week.

Together, the group carried out various exercises, practised different punches, and donned gloves to spar with the instructors.

Parkinson’s Jersey chair Janine Coxshall said that the reaction to the new class had been very positive, including the opportunity to have refreshments after the workout.

She added that the charity had about 80 patients but around 200 members in total, including spouses, partners, friends and supporters, some whom, like her, had lost a loved one to the disease.

“The movement of the boxing is very good for patients because it exercises the muscles as well as the brain,” she said. “There also the social side, and many of us will stay for a coffee and biscuit afterwards.”

Boxing.je founder Dan Dufour, who ran the class with colleague Jacques Stead, said that although it was the second seated boxing class they had run with Parkinson’s Jersey, Boxing.je had been involved with the charity for about a year, running another session for people in the early stages of the disease.

“This new session improves mobility and strength in the arms,” said Mr Dufour. “The gloves also add a bit of weight so once they come off, you get an increased range of motion. It’s also good for coordination, because you are often punching across the eyeline.”

Mr Dufour added that he ran boxing sessions in several care homes and with other charities.

George Connolly, who worked for Jersey Telecom for 32 years and has had Parkinson’s for the past nine years, said: “Exercise like this definitely works because it gives you a bit more confidence in yourself. Parkinson’s affects your balance as well as your strength, and I’ve surprised myself at how hard I can hit the pads after just two sessions.

“I can feel the benefits already.”

Mr Connelly added he attended several other Parkinson’s Jersey sessions, including other exercise classes and a singing / vocal therapy group.

Another class member, Bob White, said he had enjoyed the session immensely, and recalled that he had fought in several bouts himself, and trained with Joe Bugner when he had boxed at Leonis, just before the British heavyweight had fought Muhammad Ali.

Boxing proves a big hit for Islanders living with Parkinson’s

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