Fighting Back: Standing up to Parkinson’s with Rock Steady Boxing

By Remy Sisk • Photos by Kathryn Harrington 

In 2006, Scott C. Newman founded Rocky Steady Boxing after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 40. Working with a boxer Newman found his symptoms improved drastically, which led to him starting the nonprofit in order to share that same triumph with others dealing with Parkinson’s. Today, Rock Steady is a worldwide phenomenon, bringing health professionals together with those in the fitness industry to spread this innovative and therapeutic modality to over 800 affiliate locations across 14 countries. 

“I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s for 12 years,” says Doug Pifer. “One piece of advice the doctor gave me was to exercise. It’s one of the best ways to possibly reverse the progression of the disease.” Pifer is the president of TKO Parkinson’s, a Louisville organization that offers free Rock Steady Boxing classes for the benefit of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, their families and their care partners. 

Pifer first learned of Rock Steady at a support group and gave it a try at a local gym. “Exercising in this program, I noticed my strength and flexibility improved,” he shares. “In class our routine included 50 minutes of functional exercises, which includes stretching, bending, weight and bad jokes. The jokes break up the session. Then we do some punching, ropes, balance and drumming. All the different exercises help build confidence and strength and stabilize symptom progression.” 

Now, Pifer is a leader with TKO, helping others on a similar journey experience the positive effects of this specific style of training – and it’s not just for those with Parkinson’s. Loved ones can also take part, sharing in the experience and helping each other along the way. “People ask what they can do to help a friend who has recently been diagnosed with PD,” says Ann Pifer, Doug’s care partner. “I say ‘be their support!’ Encourage them to exercise, or better yet, exercise with them. Some of our class participants are friends and family that come to our program with their loved one.” 

And all of this is at no cost to the patient. Ann shares that the team is cognizant of the financial strain a Parkinson’s diagnosis can place on a family and thus offers Rock Steady at no charge. She recognizes instructor Bob Keene, the volunteers and supporting organization that help make this programming possible. Programming that, as Doug says, sees most participants notice improvement in functional movement and also gain confidence. 

While there’s no question that the program provides real concrete benefits, Ann maintains that those who show up to try out Rock Steady already harbor immense strength. “One of the things we didn’t know when we began this journey was that we would meet some of the most incredible people and toughest fighters in the world!” she says. “Daily, they make a commitment to fight PD with the help of their family and support team – doctors, physical therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, etc. They can’t do it alone, and with such programs as these, they don’t have to!”

Indeed, in this process, not only do those with Parkinson’s develop new strengths but they also form meaningful connections and find a supportive community. “Participants begin to realize they are not the only ones on this Parkinson’s journey,” Doug says. “They now are a part of a group that’s fighting against the progression of the disease with others. We all understand that we have good days and bad days but it’s always a good day to come and be with the group. It’s an uplifting experience.”

For more information call Ann or Doug Pifer, 502.491.3388 or 502.387.6092.

In-person class is every Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Buechel Park Baptist Church, 2403 Hikes Lane, Louisville KY 40218. They also offer Zoom class Monday and Wednesday and just Zoom on Friday.