Power Over Parkinson’s Fighting Back by Boxing

Power Over Parkinson’s Fighting Back by Boxing

Research is proving, people suffering from Parkinson’s disease can fight back against their disease, gain better control over their bodies, build strength, and increase their speed and flexibility! April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and to Title Boxing Club members suffering from this neurological disorder a Power Hour, where they gain power over Parkinson’s, means that much more. 

What is Parkinson’s Disease?
We’ve seen Michael J. Fox battling a body betraying him, but do we know why?   Truth is, damaged nerve cells in his brain cause chemical imbalances affecting movement and causing tremors.  With Parkinson's disease dopamine levels drop causing slower movement, difficulties with balance and severe stiffness in his muscles and joints making something as simple as walking, difficult to do. Parkinson’s disease affects motor skills, speech and sensory functions. Currently more than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease with more than 60,000 new people being diagnosed each year! One out of every ten people over age 55 are likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. 

Why is Boxing a Powerful Exercise for Parkinson’s?
Studies conducted in the 80s and 90s support the belief that exercise focused on motor skills, balance, rhythmic function and strength can improve the activities Parkinson's patients find increasingly difficult.  The Cleveland Clinic went on to suggest, "Certain kinds of 'forced' exercise may be neuro-protective, i.e., actually slowing disease progression." While the University of Indianapolis and Butler University documented improved quality of life among Parkinson's patients participating in a non-contact boxing based fitness program.

How can a Power Hour help?
A Power Hour at Title Boxing is geared towards strength, flexibility, power, endurance and hand-to-eye coordination, everything a Parkinson's patient needs to improve symptoms and slow progression.  Boxing eliminates muscle stiffness allowing people living with Parkinson’s to live fuller, more independent lives which in turn improves their mood and attitude toward the future. Medical director of the Brain Injury Program at Texas Neurological Rehab Hospital Dr, David Morledge states, “For the patients who have started actively participating...I’m seeing positive results that can’t be explained by medication change. Some patients are walking faster, with improved flexibility and breath support, (showing) evidence of stronger voices." 

What Do You Need to Know Before Attending a Power Hour?

• No prior experience is needed!  At a Title Boxing Power Hour you hit bags, not people, you are there to fight a disease, not a person!
• Patients report hitting the bag gives them a sense of power not felt in years.
• Researchers are reporting, though there is no cure, you can get better from Parkinson's (Combs-Miller Research)
• Your first class is always free!
• Every Power Hour gives Parkinson's patients an opportunity to regain strength and to feel steadier.

Watch this video from a TITLE Boxing Club in Newbury Park and meet Jennifer, diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 32 she says, “It has really made such a huge impact on my life. It completely turned my symptoms around.”

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month at Title, take power over Parkinson's and start fighting back by boxing, call Title Boxing Club Brandon or Title Boxing Club South Tampa today to schedule your first Power Hour!  Out of the area, locate the nearest Title Boxing Club here.

Cover photo courtesy of  Daily Camera  Boulder, Colorado