‘Rock Steady Boxing’ empowers those with Parkinson’s to fight back
Moves are under way to bring Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact fitness programme designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, to Mullingar.
A garda based in Mullingar Garda Station, Nigel Hogan, has this week spoken to the Westmeath Examiner about the benefits physical fitness can offer for those who have Parkinson’s Disease.
As a member of YPI, Young Parkinson’s Ireland, a branch of Parkinson’s Association Ireland, Nigel was diagnosed seven years ago with the progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Aged just 49, he was placed in the young onset of Parkinson’s bracket. He has taken up Rock Steady Boxing in Portlaoise, and hopes that more coaches can train to get groups going all across the midlands, including Mullingar.
Nigel said: “I am currently employed as a garda in Mullingar and I have three children, two boys aged 18 and 16, and my 13-year-old daughter.
“There are 15,000 persons in Ireland living with Parkinson’s of these, approximately 1,400 are under the age of 55.
“I joined the committee of Young Parkinson’s Ireland in late 2019, and up to that point I was isolated because of the Parkinson’s. I only knew one other person in Mullingar who had it.
“Young Parkinson’s Ireland and, in particular Rock Steady Boxing, has opened the door for me socially to meet and exercise with people also living with Parkinson’s.
“Rock Steady Boxing started in the USA over a decade ago. It has research behind it to promote the benefits of exercise and in particular non-contact boxing for persons with Parkinson’s.
“It’s for all ages and we in YPI are currently endeavouring to promote this for Parkinson’s sufferers. The benefits for people are almost immediate. It gets people out of the house to meet people like themselves. It’s helps socially, physically, mentally, and neurologically.
“Rock Steady coaches are trained with a specific knowledge of Parkinson’s. I recently participated in a class in New Ross which was filmed by Nationwide for a programme that was aired last week.
“YPI are looking for persons interested in becoming Rock Steady coaches in the midlands. Any queries or questions I’ll be delighted to talk about this or Parkinson’s and YPI at any stage.
“Boxing helps with balance and co-ordination, and participants come out feeling energised; it’s rewarding and you get fit. It began in Indianapolis in the US in 2006. Its aim is to empower people with Parkinson’s to fight back.”
Helping set up in Mullingar
Anyone who is interested in finding out more information about Parkinson’s Disease, attending Rock Steady Boxing, or training as a coach can go to www.parkinsons.ie or check out Rock Steady Boxing on Facebook.