ROCK STEADY BOXING FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S at the Boothbay Region YMCA
Rock Steady Boxing, a unique exercise program, based on
training used by boxing pros, and adapted to people with Parkinson’s disease, is available in the
Boothbay area. The program involves regular exercises, such as stretching, bicycling, running, jumproping, push-ups, balancing, and lots of non-contact boxing, led by experienced trainers/coaches.
Rock Steady Boxing serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
The Boothbay Region YMCA has been offering this program (as well as a similar program, Boxing
for Parkinson’s) free for members for several years. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates
there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, with
more than 60,000 people being diagnosed each year.
“We are fortunate to be able to have this program in Boothbay,” said Robin Maginn, who
successfully completed the Rock Steady Boxing Certification Training, and is certified to offer Rock
Steady Boxing training classes to individuals with Parkinson’s disease who live in the area. Classes
are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 am.
The Rock Steady Boxing Method was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. In
2012, the Training was launched to share the Rock Steady Boxing Method with other people who are
fighting back against Parkinson’s. Today, there are over 770 Rock Steady Boxing affiliate programs
around the world, initiated by certified Rock Steady Boxing “Coaches.” All coaches completed the
requirements of Rock Steady Boxing and have been officially certified.
“Since its inception, there has always been something special about the Rock Steady Boxing
Method,” said Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., President Ryan Cotton. “In 2006 when Rock Steady was
founded, there was little scientific evidence for this method of exercise. Today, there is growing
scientific evidence supporting the Rock Steady method. We can confidently say that participants in
Rock Steady has few falls, better balance, and better quality of life. Regular and consistent exercise
is now considered an essential component for the management of Parkinson’s symptoms.”
Contact Robin Maginn at rmaginn@clcymca to participate in a class at the Boothbay Region YMCA.
Additional information about Rock Steady Boxing Inc. and Parkinson’s disease is available at
www.rocksteadyboxing.org.
