Parkinson's patients find community in boxing class
Rock Steady Boxing is a no-contact boxing program held in Ilderton, Ont. which specializes in boxing for people with Parkinson’s disease.
For several years, the internationally recognized program has benefitted Parkinson’s patients, with locations across the United States as well.
For Bob McMillan, the class is helpful with his coordination and balance, something he's been working on since he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015.
“I look forward to it. I may be shaking a lot but I can still throw a good punch,” McMillan said at his weekly class.
While there is no cure, physical activity like boxing has been shown to help some patients slow down symptoms. Some common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, difficulty balancing and with coordination.
“Parkinson's takes its toll on all of the muscles of the body and mine has been very bad over the last few years,” he said. “My balance is pretty good but the tremors throw it off.”
McMillan trains twice a week in the class which typically for over an hour, at their location on Ilderton Road. He’s been attending Deirdre O’Connor’s class for four years. O’Connor also owns the Rhythm n’ Box Studio.
“Bob's went through quite a few different challenges in life and with his Parkinson's but he's one of my biggest supporters and keeps pushing every day,” she said.
With a love for teaching and training, O’Connor started running the program seven years ago
“We started with five people and progressively got bigger and bigger,” she said.
Though the focus of the class is on boxing, the sense of community is what brings people back, O’Connor explained.
“Having that support for each other is huge and also the physical aspect for them is very important. We also focus on vocal, eye-hand coordination, balance, and core work,” she said.
“This group is what inspires me,” added Jennifer Kerkoff, a coach for Rock Steady Boxing.
“They have to come and workout and be active in order to hopefully slow the progression of their symptoms.”
The class was originally being run out of London, but O’Connor said they relocated to Ilderton during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.