LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A free boxing program is helping delay the progression of Parkinson's for many Louisvillians.
Rock Steady Boxing Louisville is the most popular Parkinson’s program. It takes place at Christy’s Garden at Paristown Hall.
Robert Schack has been coming for years.
"The more you go, the better you feel. That's just a plain simple truth," Schack said.
Doctors diagnosed Schack with Parkinson’s nearly 14 years ago.
“I was diagnosed actually on my birthday in 2009. So that was September 29 2009. And it was a real simple, I went to the neurologist and she said, Well, you have Parkinson's and I actually was kind of relieved because I knew something was wrong with me," Schack said.
Even so, Schack remains positive.
"The inevitable is going to happen, but to be surrounded by your friends, helps you get through it," Schack said.
The non-contact boxing is paired with a heavy bag, footwork, stretching, resistance exercises, and aerobic training.
Each activity improves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as balance, stiffness, tremors, coordination and voice.
Eric Richardson, The National Parkinson's Institute President and CEO, helps lead the hour-long experience.
"They are like family. They really are truly family," Eric Richardson, The National Parkinson's Institute President and CEO, said. "I've been in department security for about 15 years. So we have people that started with me from day one that are still doing it today and and it's ever-growing. And so I wouldn't I wouldn't give them up for the world."
Richardson helps lead the hour-long experience. He says the intense exercise also helps slow the progression of the disease.
"If you're hesitant, come and watch it. Because usually if you come and watch a class, without even participating the first time, you will end up doing it," Richardson said. "It also helps you make you more limber, helps with your core, your balance, your strength through stamina, cardiovascular system."
"I punched away. I liked it really give it a good workout. It makes me feel strong and makes me feel alive still," Schack said. "Everybody with Parkinson's. We need each other."
Schack’s father also had Parkinson's. He died earlier this month.
"He was 91 years old. So, he lived a good life. He was happy. He stayed involved and so I use him as my benchmark. I look up to live the way he did and I got another 25 years away I see it.”
Not just relying on medication, but activity and comradery.
Participants of Rock Steady Boxing class.
There are two more Wednesday sessions left this September. You don’t have to sign up. You can just show up day-of.
The next one is Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. There is another one scheduled for Sept. 27 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Christy’s Garden at Paristown Hall is located at 720 Brent Street Louisville KY 40204. These classes are a part of special September programming, however, they do host weekly, free classes on River Road Monday through Thursday, too.
For more information, click here.
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