“We are fighting back against the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and it gives us hope,” said Lyn Batzer, a Rock Steady Boxing program participant at Northwest Health – La Porte.
Rock Steady Boxing is a program designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. It’s based on boxing exercises that emphasize agility, endurance, hand-eye coordination and strength. With the assistance of start-up funds provided by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte, Northwest Health – La Porte began offering the program in 2021.
Now an active rock steady boxer, Batzer recalls that she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in October of 2021. Her initial treatment plan included medication and an order for Big & Loud physical therapy – a program designed to help patients with Parkinson’s improve function and slow motor deterioration. After her last session of Big & Loud, Batzer’s therapist took her to observe a Rock Steady Boxing Class. “I remember I was filled with trepidation. I never considered boxing, nor imagined I could even do it,” said Batzer
But that all changed once Batzer observed the class. After seeing firsthand the support and interaction, as well as how accommodations were made for each participant’s ability level, she knew she was in!
Has Rock Steady Boxing made a difference?
“Oh my gosh yes, immeasurably! We do challenging exercises – boxing routines, weight training, obstacle courses and more. My classmates and I have seen improvement in core strength, coordination, stamina, cognition, balance and even confidence,” said Batzer. “Also the socialization is supportive and encouraging. In class there’s laughter – hard work all the time – but also laughter. We are 100% in each other’s corner and it’s a real boost to our morale.”
Would you recommend Rock Steady Boxing to others?
“Absolutely! Parkinson’s is a progressive disease and research has shown that exercise helps slow the progression. So instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop, we’re doing something – we’re fighting it and that gives us hope, and hope is so important,” added Batzer. “When I’m hitting the boxing bag, I pretend it’s Parkinson’s, and I’m giving it a good shot!”
“And for us here in La Porte County, Big & Loud Therapy and Rock Steady Boxing are both offered right here at The Crossing,” shared Batzer. “It just couldn’t be any better.”
To learn more about the Rock Steady Boxing program offered at Northwest Health – La Porte, call 219-326-2397.
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.
About Parkinson ’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder that causes deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory functions. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year.
