The Village of Key Biscayne is fighting against Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders through boxing.
The Key Biscayne Community Center turns into a boxing spectacle but with a different kind of an approach for older adults living with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders.
They can participate in non-contract boxing-inspired fitness programs designed to improve mobility, balance, strength and quality of life.
Rock Steady Boxing classes are set for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon-1 p.m.
Adult Boxing is scheduled on Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-noon.
Older adults can learn boxing fitness by certified Rock Steady boxing trainer Alexandre Furtado through an adaptive guided exercise that incorporates fancy footwork used by boxers, punching combinations and stress relief conditioning.
Adult Boxing is for older adults suffering from mobility issues. The Rock Steady Boxing event focuses on people suffering from Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders.
Rock Steady Boxing classes have shown that anyone regardless of the stage of Parkinson’s disease can reduce symptoms and work toward a healthier, more independent lifestyle.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement and is characterized by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, leading to symptoms.
The symptoms include slow movement, tremors, rigidity and balance problems.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, although some cases may be inherited. As the disease progresses, symptoms can worsen, significantly impacting daily life.
Older people are more at risk for the disease with the average age of onset 67 years old, with 10 percent of people diagnosed before the age of 50.
According to ParkinsonsDisease.net, the male-to-female ratio in PD is approximately 1.5:1, meaning there are 1.5 male cases for every one female case.
The risk of PD increases with age, from 40 cases per 100,000 people in those aged 40-64 to over 1,000 cases per 100,000 in individuals over 80.
Early-onset PD progresses faster, with symptoms worsening in 2-5 years compared to 10-20 years for late-onset cases.
With Key Biscayne using boxing to fight Parkinson’s Disease, one of the greatest boxing champions in history might be an inspiration.
Five-time world heavyweight boxing champion Muhummad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1985 and went on to live a normal lifestyle despite the visible symptoms.
Ali died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease at the age 74 in 2016.
To participate in Adult Boxing and Rock Steady Boxing sessions, contact Key Biscayne Parks and Recreation Director Richard Perez at 305-365-8900 or Rperez@keybiscayne-fl.gov.