Rock Steady Boxing is a unique exercise program at the Boothbay Region YMCA, based on training used by boxing professionals and adapted for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Through the use of non-contact boxing and a range of other cardio, agility, speed, muscular endurance, eye-hand coordination, and balance and flexibility work, this program is proven to slow and even reverse the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. It also empowers participants and extends their perceived abilities.

Sessions are led by experienced coaches, include a specific format, and are designed to meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease of all ages and all levels of ability and functioning.

Our Y’s Rock Steady Boxing coach Catherine Giles Stecher has been leading the program for over three years in both Massachusetts and the Boothbay community. Working in the fitness industry with a variety of programs for almost 25 years, Catherine finds Rock Steady Boxing to be impactful and exciting. She is continually impressed by boxers’ progress as well as by their growing pride and commitment to their health. She is passionate about providing a structured and supportive environment for her participants to engage in exercise and movement following the Rock Steady Boxing program.

She explains, “Every component of this class is thoughtfully included to engage people’s voices and their entire bodies. While many forms of exercise can be helpful in combating the effects of Parkinson’s, boxing has been determined to be most rigorous, and it involves training methods that are particularly helpful for folks who function with Parkinson’s Disease. In addition, it is empowering for participants, as they are quite literally fighting Parkinson’s. As with any exercise program, it can be hard to start and stick with it, but the camaraderie and sense of community make it easier for people to feel connected and committed to the program. At that point, participants feel and function better, cementing their commitment.”

The Boothbay Y 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.