GREENSBORO, N.C. — Shakiness, Stiffness, and dizziness are just some of the many symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If left untreated, it can lead to the deterioration of all brain functions and early death. A Greensboro gym is helping patients punch out Parkinson’s.
Living an active lifestyle is a priority for Al Kennedy or as his classmates call him… “Hard Rock.” At 85 years young, he rocks a mean jab-cross-punch.
“I feel like I’m accomplishing something,” Kennedy said. “My body is being strengthened. I need the exercise outlet.”
Kennedy is a member of Rock Steady Boxing in Greensboro. The program is designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that can affect balance, strength, walking, and confidence.
“When my primary doctor first started treating me for tremors in my hand, I noticed that it didn’t stop,” Kennedy said. “It started getting worse. My brother-in-law encouraged me and said go get tested. So, I went in late 2017 and it came back as Parkinson's.”
That’s when Kennedy decided to throw on the gloves and jump into the ring.
“Parkinson’s isn’t something that’s going to go away,” Rock Steady Boxing Coach Christi Mackey said. “Like Alzheimer’s, once you’re affected you must take medication. You must work at it and fight back against the disease. So, we do that here in our classes by fighting back and our exercises are meant to trigger and pinpoint specific symptoms.”
Mackey said participants meet twice a week for an hour and 15-minute workout. Each class combines exercises meant to address coordination, voice activation, and memory.
“We do a strength and condition part of our class where we actually incorporate some weights and some different equipment,” Mackey said. “A lot of times, some of these folks are rigid, stiff, or shaky. So, our workouts can combat some of those things and they’re able to work out and be effective in movement in their everyday lives.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly one million Americans are living with the disease, with nearly 90,000 diagnosed every year. Given the number of individuals who go undiagnosed, Physical Therapist Amy Marriott with Cone Health said the number could be much higher.
“High-intensity exercise is shown through research to help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease,” Marriott said. “The high-intensity aerobic activity can help to promote neuroplasticity. It can help promote the damaged pathways that you have in Parkinson’s to be more efficient with the dopamine that you have in your body. So, exercise has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.”
While there is currently no cure, patients like 69-year-old Fred Johnson are optimistic. He was diagnosed just two years ago.
“There’s no question I’m in better condition than when I first started,” Johnson said. “The symptoms may not have improved, but they haven’t gotten worse. I feel good, I feel active, vigorous, and strong. I think even if we’re not as strong as we think we are, it’s good to feel that way. It’s a positive outlook.”
With each jab-cross, it’s laughs and love that keep members coming back for more.
“Here, you’ve got family and you’ve got support,” Kennedy said.
Parkinson’s disease can impact, both men and women. Doctors say exercises like biking, running, dancing, and Tai Chi can also help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.