KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) – Parkinson\u2019s disease patients in eastern Carolina are now using the fundamentals of boxing to help manage their symptoms, thanks to a new class at UNC Health Lenoir\u2019s Minges Wellness Center.<\/p>\n
Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact fitness program built around boxing techniques, is now being offered at the Kinston facility \u2014 one of a select few Rock Steady Boxing certified locations in eastern Carolina.<\/p>\n
Chet Harrison is among the boxers in the Tuesday class. He said the program has made a measurable difference in his daily life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do better with Rock Steady Boxing \u2014 it keeps me exercising, it keeps me moving, and it keeps me stretching my joints and muscles,\u201d Harrison said.<\/p>\n
Harrison also said the group dynamic is a key part of the experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like the camaraderie that we get at Rock Steady Boxing. It\u2019s not just boxing, it\u2019s a group of us guys that have Parkinson\u2019s, and we\u2019re dealing with it the best we can,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Rock Steady Boxing Instructor and Exercise Specialist Alyssa Dunn said the physical demands of boxing directly address symptoms common in Parkinson\u2019s patients.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Parkinson\u2019s disease, several people develop a shoulder slouch \u2014 so some muscles in your shoulder become overactive, and some become underactive. So, pushing your chest while you\u2019re punching, keeping a defensive position with your hands, is helping you keep those muscles intact that really don\u2019t get the work that they need,\u201d Dunn said.<\/p>\n
Dunn said the sport\u2019s broad physical requirements made it the right fit for the wellness center\u2019s programming. Originally, Minges Wellness Center had a \u2018Punching through Parkinson\u2019s class. This was separate from the Rock Steady Boxing organization and funding.<\/p>\n
Harrison was also a part of that class and said he notices a big difference when he is boxing and when he isn\u2019t. <\/p>\n
Dunn became certified to hold the Rock Steady Boxing classes, and now, this is their second week of having class. <\/p>\n
\u201cBoxing is the most physically demanding sport that there is. There are multiple different studies \u2014 it works on upper body strength, gait mobility, picking up your feet, and correcting your incorrect posture. It works on almost everything physically affected by Parkinson\u2019s,\u201d Dunn said.<\/p>\n
The class incorporates footwork and shadowboxing, among other drills.<\/p>\n
Harrison used to do the Rock Steady Boxing classes in Greenville and said they closed during COVID. Greenville was already a drive for Harrison, who says he is glad to be closer now.<\/p>\n
In talking about his experiences in Greenville, he fondly remembered the group closing each session with a shared motto:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would put our hands out and go \u2018Rock steady, fight back!\u2019 And that\u2019s what we\u2019re doing \u2014 we\u2019re fighting back,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
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