Rock Steady Boxing

Rock Steady Boxing gives people with Parkinson's disease hope by improving their quality of life through a noncontact, boxing-based fitness curriculum. Columbus Community Hospital offers classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Columbus Wellness Center.

Who we are:

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is an international nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis. It has more than 740 affiliate programs. RSB was founded by Scott C. Newman, a former Indiana prosecutor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 40. The classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life.

What we do:

During the classes, instructors adapt exercises from boxing drills. The exercises vary in purpose and form, but they are all rigorous and intended to delay or stop the loss of participants' functional abilities. Science is showing that intensive exercises, such as those performed in Rock Steady Boxing, may be neuro-protective, actually slowing disease progression and the loss of functional abilities. There is also evidence that referral for therapy early in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s shows even better outcomes through the RSB program.

Cost

YMCA members: $15 per month
Non-YMCA members: $40 per month

Coaches

Matt Wesch, PT, DPT
Physical therapist
Certified RSB coach

Brittany Zoucha, PT, DPT
Physical therapist
Certified RSB coach

What’s a class like?

Training classes, taught by personal trainers and physical therapists, include an exercise program that attacks Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points. While focusing on overall fitness, strength, training, reaction time and balance, workouts include: focus mitts, heavy bags, speed bags, double-ended bags, jump rope, core work, calisthenics and circuit weight training. No boxing experience is necessary, and people of all ages are invited to participate. Boxers, both male and female, range in age from mid-30s to early 90s.

Rock Steady Boxing came to Columbus thanks in part to generous donations received for Parkinson’s rehab through the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation.

Contact us

To learn more or to sign up for a Rock Steady Boxing class, contact Rehabilitative Services at the Wellness Center at 402-562-3333.

Rehabilitative Services at the Wellness Center
3912 38th St., Suite A
Columbus, NE 68601
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.