In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, HealthWorks Fitness Center is conducting a T-shirt fundraiser for its Rock Steady Boxing classes.
The classes, which are currently three days a week at HealthWorks, are non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routines geared toward helping those with the degenerative movement disorder.
The T-shirts, which are available in two different designs, include the Rock Steady Boxing logo on the front with “I box, what’s your superpower” and “We are … Rock steady” on the back. Shirts are being sold at HealthWorks for $20 through May 17, said Terry Clark, who is one of the certified trainers for the Rock Steady Boxing program.
The classes started at HealthWorks in January for men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
It was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years and training in the method was launched in 2012. Four community leaders received certification to teach the class before it started in El Dorado. Prior to HealthWorks starting to offer the class, the closest place to take classes was in Ruston, Louisiana.
Today, there are over 725 Rock Steady Boxing affiliate programs around the world, initiated by certified Rock Steady Boxing “coaches.” Each class consists of two to four certified coaches and several volunteers and corner men. The certified coaches in El Dorado include Terry Clark, Jimmy Massey, Rhonda Sayers from HealthWorks and Lori Dewese from South Arkansas Center on Aging, a division of UAMS.
The program involves regular exercises, such as stretching, bicycling, running, jump-roping, push-ups, balancing and lots of non-contact boxing, led by experienced trainers/coaches. The class works on a pattern of exercising for 45-second or one-minute intervals then rest and repeat. The idea is to keep those with Parkinson’s stretching out. The program conditions participants as boxers would, building their agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength.
It is estimated that 1 million to 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, with as many as 400 diagnosed in South Arkansas.
In 2018, then El Dorado Mayor Frank Hash proclaimed April as Parkinson’s disease awareness month for the city.
The Rock Steady Boxing program was the recipient of this year’s Boomtown 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk, and received a $1,994 grant from the Union County Community Foundation for additional supplies for the class.
“Parkinson’s Awareness Month not only raises awareness about the disease our Rock Steady Boxers live with every day, but also shines a light on their incredible tenacity in ‘fighting back’ against the disease,” said Jimmy Massy, personal trainer and coach of Rock Steady Boxing. “We are about more than just one class or one program. Rock Steady’s mission is to provide hope and better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease worldwide.”
The T-shirts can be purchased at the HealthWorks front desk or over the phone at 870-852-5442.
Michael Shine may be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook @MichaelAZShine for updates on Union County school news.