“Hey guys?” Amy Johnson paused. “That was a hot mess. I don’t — I don’t know.”
Johnson’s comment elicited a wave of chuckles from the Rock Steady Boxing class last week. The sound of laughter was quickly replaced by upbeat music and the squeaking of sneakers on the gym floor as participants prepared for another round.
Fifteen seconds passed — and a new intense exercise was introduced. Gloves on, gloves off. On the mat, in front of the bag, and so on.
The method of fast-changing exercises is intended to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease — something all participants of the class have been diagnosed with. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
Johnson, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor for over 15 years, is the head coach. Johnson has been with the group since the beginning, along with trainers Laurie Baumgartner and Richard Shoenherr. Taylor Mayotte is the newest trainer at the gym.
“We change what we do often so that muscle memory doesn’t kick in,” Baumgartner explained. “Memory games, weights, yardsticks out on cones, practice stepping up and over, medicine balls, you name it. But we always do boxing.”
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that can result in shuffling, trembling, stiffness, slowed movement, and impaired balance and coordination. The disease typically impacts those over 50, though onset can begin earlier.
People diagnosed with Parkinson’s can progressively lose the ability to complete day-to-day tasks or struggle to walk. Certain forms of intense exercise are proven to help.
“The same aspects that boxers train for are the aspects that Parkinson’s Disease patients struggle with,” Baumgartner explained. “We apply that curriculum in a non-contact way.”
The Indianapolis-based program was started in 2006 by former Marion County prosecutor and Parkinson’s patient, Scott C. Newman. There are now chapters all over the world. Baumgartner said the seed for the Bluffton group was planted in 2015 when Dick and Pattie Troxel approached the Bluffton Parks Department with the idea.
It quickly began to take root as support from the community grew. The funds allowed for the purchase of equipment, as well as the training for those who lead the class. The boxers began to meet at the CrossFit gym with the help of Jake Higgins. After about six months, however, Baumgartner said they outgrew the space.
A new location on Main Street then provided enough room for nearly five years — until they outgrew the space again. In January 2020, the group found a permanent home at the new Dick Troxel Boxing Gym, located at the Washington Park Pavilion in Bluffton.
“The gym is named in his honor,” Baumgartner said proudly. “We keep his picture on the wall. He is very missed. Patti still volunteers every week.”
Dick Troxel battled the disease for 20 years. He died in May 2018.
“Parkinson’s is still a progressive disease, and that can be tough,” Baumgartner said. “We can slow it down but we can’t stop it. However, research has proven that it is easier to slow it down than to get it back. The sooner they come, the better off they are.”
The physical benefits of the program have become more obvious over time. Baumgartner said people have reported excellent feedback from their neurologists after beginning the class. The intangible aspects are more difficult to measure, however, and something Baumgartner said the group did not expect.
Pictured from left to right are Amy Johnson, Richard Shoenherr, Taylor Mayotte and Laurie Baumgartner laughing after a fun class. (Photo by Sydney Kent)
“It has become an exercise class and a support group and a friend group,” Baumgartner laughed. “That’s the part we didn’t count on. We didn’t realize the emotional and social impact we can have. It is a reason to get up in the morning.”
Greg Kitson, a participant in last week’s class, wholeheartedly agreed with this sentiment.
“This group is as much about family as it is about exercise,” Kitson said. “We may not know each other’s last names, and we may forget each other’s first names. But — we are family.”
Jack Shoaf, who said he has been attending the group since 2015, said the fellowship is a great aspect. He encourages those with Parkinson’s Disease to give the class a try.
“It’s also a good workout,” Shoaf said. “It mentally gives me an idea of how far I can push myself. No one is going to make fun of you if you can’t do it. We will work on it together.”
Baumgartner emphasized that the group is specifically for those with Parkinson’s Disease and that all levels of ability can benefit from the exercises. She also noted that most people who participate are stronger and in better shape than those their age — they simply happen to have Parkinson’s.
She also said that very few people choose not to come back to the class. The cost for participants is $5, and assistance is available for those who may need it. The one-hour class takes place at 10:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The gym is located at 710 South Mulberry St. in Bluffton.
Anyone who would like to learn more information about donations, volunteering, or attending may call Rock Steady Boxing at 260-824-6069.
“Most people tell us at first that they’re tired,” Baumgartner concluded. “Then they say that class days become their best days. When someone comes in and says that they can’t do this — someone else tells them they can. We are here for each other, and we are loud and fun. This is a family.”
The words Baumgartner chose to describe the group fit perfectly as the class came to a close. Participants gathered around to say goodbye. One member told a friend to make sure they make it to the doctor’s on time, adding a “don’t worry, it will be fine.” Another member quipped a witty joke to the crowd about the program’s choice of music.
The class ultimately ended the same way that it began with laughter among friends.
