INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Boxers at an Indianapolis gym are battling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, one punch at a time.
Rock Steady Boxing was founded in 2006 by former Marion County Prosecutor Scott Newman after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40. The gym’s 125 clients range in age from their late 30s to 90s.
The boxing-inspired fitness classes aim to slow the symptoms of the progressive neurological disease that causes tremors, stiffness and slowing of movement.
Neurologist and Rock Steady board member Dr. S. Elizabeth Zauber says studies suggest exercise helps reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. She says her patients who exercise tend to function better and see improvements in their balance, sleep, mood and energy level.
Parkinson’s affects about 1.5 million people in the United States.
Source: Associated Press
