Gloves tighten. Music fills the room. Across the gym, someone steadies his balance before stepping into the next drill while another boxer calls out encouragement from across the room.
For individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, everyday movements can become more challenging over time. Walking across a room, speaking clearly, standing up from a chair, or maintaining balance may require more effort than they once did.
Inside CaringEdge’s Rock Steady Boxing program, participants are working to preserve those abilities through movement, determination, and support.
More than an exercise class, Rock Steady Boxing gives people living with Parkinson’s a place to challenge themselves, build confidence, and continue doing the things they love.
For Willie Gruenwald, Rock Steady Boxing became one of the ways he began fighting back. Parkinson’s had gradually affected his walking, balance, speech, and confidence. Like many families facing the disease, Willie and his wife, Patty, were searching for ways to stay proactive and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Today, boxing days have become some of Willie’s favorite days of the week.
“If he’s having a hard day and I mention boxing, something shifts,” Patty shared. “You can see it in him right away. The heaviness lifts a little.”
Parkinson’s changed many of the simple things Willie once took for granted. Walking became harder. Speaking clearly became harder. Even his confidence changed.
“But during boxing, you can see pieces of him come back,” Patty said.
Nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, balance, coordination, speech, and cognition.
While there is currently no cure, research continues to show that regular, targeted exercise can play an important role in helping individuals maintain mobility.
That’s where Rock Steady Boxing comes in.
Originally founded by Scott C. Newman after his own Parkinson’s diagnosis, the program uses non-contact boxing-inspired exercises specifically designed for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Classes combine strength training, balance exercises, stretching, agility drills, voice activation, cognitive challenges, and boxing movements that engage both the body and mind.
At CaringEdge, these sessions are led by therapy professionals who understand the unique challenges Parkinson’s presents and how movement can support long-term function and independence.
As an Occupational Therapy Assistant and certified Rock Steady Boxing Coach, Cassidy Frank sees firsthand how the program impacts participants beyond the physical benefits.
“Your health matters,” Cassidy shared. “Asking for help is not a weakness, and you don’t have to fight this alone.”
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals maintain independence and continue participating in meaningful daily activities.
Rock Steady Boxing creates another opportunity to work toward those goals in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Participants challenge themselves physically while also building connections with others who understand the realities of living with Parkinson’s.
"Your health matters," Cassidy shared. "Asking for help is not a weakness, and you don't have to fight this alone."
One of the most powerful aspects of the program is the community it creates.
No one in the gym has to explain the frustration of slower movement, balance challenges, tremors, or changes in speech. Everyone understands the daily realities of Parkinson’s disease and the determination it takes to keep moving forward.
Each class becomes a place where participants celebrate progress together, encourage one another through setbacks, and remind each other that they are not facing Parkinson’s alone.
“Don’t back away from a challenge,” shared participant Tome Holmes. “I may do things slower and differently now, but I still try.”
Families often notice meaningful changes outside the gym as well, including improved confidence, increased motivation, stronger engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Keep Moving Forward
Parkinson’s may change how someone moves, but it does not define who they are.
Through occupational therapy, specialized Parkinson’s programming, and Rock Steady Boxing, CaringEdge helps individuals continue building strength, maintaining independence, and finding support throughout their journey.
Every jab, every step, and every class is a reminder that there is still strength to be found, progress to be made, and life to be lived.
To learn more about CaringEdge therapy services and Rock Steady Boxing programs, contact our team today at info@caringedge.com.
"Don't back away from a challenge," shared participant Tome Holmes. "I may do things slower and differently now, but I still try."
Parkinson’s may change the fight, but it does not take away the will to keep moving forward.
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