By: Lakyra Banks
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – April is Parkinson’s awareness month but a local gym in Springdale is helping people diagnosed with Parkinson’s stay in control of their disease all year long.
Straightright Boxing and Fitness holds a boxing class twice a week for people looking to fight off symptoms of Parkinson’s. Every jab and punch is used as a way to help participants feel better.
“So long as I can slow down the progress of Parkinson’s,” participant Chuck Leverett, said. “The longer I’ll be around and healthy and be able to do what I want to do.”
Each person who participates in the boxing program, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Every Monday and Tuesday they all come together to do various exercises to help alleviate the symptoms. Although they’re all at different stages in their diagnosis, they all said the program helps.
“I have not fallen since I started boxing,” said Chuck.
Bernard Leveritt, the boxing coach, said “you see balance issues corrected. You see it in their quality of life. They know that I’m going to work the crap out of them, but I think they also see the benefit because they’ve been coming back for six years.”
According to the Parkinson’s foundation, other than taking medication, biking, yoga, dance and weight training have all been found to have a positive effect on Parkinson’s symptoms. However, for participants at Straightright, their medication of choice is boxing.
“The difference between maybe something you know like a medication is it works when you take it and it wears off. Boxing is with you all day. It’s always with you,” said Bernard.
Data from the Parkinson’s foundation found that there are more than 5 million people worldwide who are taking part in Parkinson’s boxing classes. Bernard said he was not surprised by the statistic because of the overall benefits of boxing.
However, many of the participants at Straightright Boxing and Fitness, said it’s not the boxing that keeps them coming back. Instead, participant Adrian Luther said it’s the camaraderie that keeps them motivated.
“We all have the same common disease,” said Luther. “All of us have different forms of Parkinson’s and it is very different for each person.”
Straightright Boxing and Fitness hold classes every Monday and Tuesday at noon. Before starting the class, those who are interested must first complete a mandatory physical. A certified professional completes the evaluation to ensure that all future participants are fit enough to box.