ROCK Steady Boxing South West was launched on World Parkinson’s Day, (April 11th) on a high intensity, non-contact boxing and exercise programme specifically designed for members of the Parkinson’s community.

Starting in June, classes will initially be held at B. Health & Fitness locations in Honiton on Tuesday afternoons and Lyme Regis on Thursday afternoons. They will be run by RSB South West head coach, Tony Colston.

There are nearly 750 Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) programmes actively engaged in 13 countries worldwide, and whilst a cure isn’t available yet, evidence over the past four years shows that participating in the Rock Steady Boxing programme has helped to improve the quality of life for many living with Parkinson’s.

These improvements have been identified in people at all stages of the condition by helping to improve balance, strength and range of motion, as well as training the brain to move the body.

Last year, as part of their physical activity programme, Parkinson’s UK agreed to extend their partnership with Rock Steady Boxing beyond the first two locations of Glasgow and Widnes, Cheshire.  The launch of Rock Steady Boxing South West is another step forward in the fight against Parkinson’s.

Tommy O’Connor, who himself has Parkinson’s, runs the Widnes group said: “Our group helps people to realise there are actions we can take to help fight against the symptoms and improve our quality of life”.

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Parkinson’s UK said: “We are delighted to be in partnership with Rock Steady Boxing.

"They offer the absolute gold standard in equipping providers to become excellent boxing coaches, equipped with an understanding of Parkinsons and the ability to help people with the condition understand the benefits of being physically active”.

Craig Bernhardt, owner of B! Health & Fitness agrees and said: “We’re excited to be collaborating with Rock Steady Boxing and to bring their training to more people in the South West. “Parkinsons has affected my own family, so I am very happy to be in a position that I can make my facilities available to Rock Steady Boxing and help improve the lives of local people affected by Parkinsons”

Physical activity has been proven to help people living with Parkinson’s to manage their symptoms and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.  Current evidence from the Parkinson’s community supports regular, vigorous activity to help manage symptoms. 

The non-contact boxing regime of Rock Steady Boxing is a great programme through which to deliver life-changing physical activity for people living with the condition - allowing them to build up a sweat in a fun and social atmosphere.

For more information about Rock Steady Boxing, South West facebook page: rsbsouthwest

To see what good work Rock Steady Boxing in Widnes is achieving visit www.rocksteadyboxingwidnes.co.uk.