Rocky Steady boxing program helps those in Bibb County with Parkinson’s disease

Dan Collins, 57, concentrates as he punches a double end boxing bag at the Macon Bibb United Boxing Club. Then at the end of his exercise routine, he does 15 pull-ups at the Freedom Park gym.

Every Monday and Tuesday evening for the past year, Collins of Forsyth has worked out at the club. He’s not training to be a boxer. Collins, who is a land surveyor, is battling Parkinson’s disease.

Collins and a small group of peers participate in Rock Steady Boxing, a therapeutic exercise program for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“Can’t say enough how much it’s done for me personally and my wife can attest to the fact that I’m better this time (than) I was last year,” Collins said.

The boxing program is a collaboration between Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health and Macon-Bibb County Parks and Recreation.

Collins, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January of 2017, has participated in the program since it was introduced in Macon.

When he was diagnosed, Collins said one of the first things that went through his mind was “the unknown component of what’s next.”

An estimated one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, according to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

Collins said diet, exercise, a positive attitude and his faith have helped with his diagnoses. Rock Steady is one of his regular exercise components.

“It’s hard to describe how good it makes me feel physically and mentally... the friendship is just as important,” Collins said.

Rock Steady Boxing is a nonprofit organization founded in Indiana in 2006.

The program has 900 affiliation locations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and 16 countries, according to Anthony Elias, senior affiliate specialist, Rock Steady Boxing, Inc.

“Sitting around with Parkinson’s is absolutely the worst thing you can do,” said Jennifer Peth, Navicent Health occupational therapist and local Rock Steady Boxing coach. “The more you move, the more you’re actually in control of the destiny of your progress in the disease.”

The national Rock Steady organization cites several studies that support the idea that exercise like boxing can make a difference for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

“Rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, and rhythm, could favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living,” according to their website.

Collins wrote in a newsletter to others diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, “My advice is simple. Get up and move. Exercise is the key and is proven to help those diagnosed with this disease. Also, reach out and connect with others. Friendship and fellowship with others fighting the same battle is another key component in our fight.”

Rocky Steady Classes

Morning classes are offered Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Evening classes are held Monday and Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

If anyone is interested in participating or volunteering contact, Jennifer Peth at navicentmaconbibb@rsbaffiliate.com