Rock Steady Boxing, a unique exercise program, based on training used by boxing pros, and adapted to people with Parkinson’s disease, will now available in the Storm Lake community thanks to the support of donors to the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation.
A donation of $2500 was given by the Taylor Family Farms Foundation and another $2500 was given by the Stine Family Foundation to pay for initial equipment costs and specialized training to setup the program.
According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a type of movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time. It is characterized by its most common motor symptoms – tremors, stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement. PD also manifests in non-motor symptoms including anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.”
The program involves regular exercises, such as stretching, bicycling, running, jump-roping, push-ups, balancing, and lots of non-contact boxing, led by experienced trainers. Rock Steady Boxing serves both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
“We are fortunate to offer this program at the BVRMC Fitness & Health Center,” said Evan Franzmeier, BVRMC Fitness & Health Center Manager. “Thanks to the support of the BVRMC Healthcare Foundation, we were able to send two of our fitness specialists to get certified to offer Rock Steady Boxing training classes to individuals with Parkinson’s disease.”
Attendees are required to complete a one-hour assessment before attending class. Classes will be held on Mondays from 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. beginning Monday, September 8, 2025 at the BVRMC Fitness & Health Center.
The Rock Steady Boxing Method was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. In 2012, the training was launched to share the Rock Steady Boxing Method with other people fighting back against Parkinson’s. Today, there are over 770 Rock Steady Boxing affiliate programs around the world, initiated by certified Rock Steady Boxing trainers.
“Since its inception, there has always been something special about the Rock Steady Boxing Method,” said Rock Steady Boxing, Inc. President Ryan Cotton. “In 2006 when Rock Steady was founded, there was little scientific evidence for this method of exercise. Today, there is growing scientific evidence supporting the Rock Steady method. We can confidently say that participants in Rock Steady have few falls, better balance and better quality of life. Regular and consistent exercise is now considered an essential component for the management of Parkinson’s symptoms.”
For additional information or to set up your initial assessment, contact the BVRMC Fitness & Health Center at 712.732.7722 or email bvrmc@rsbaffiliate.com. Additional information about Rock Steady Boxing Inc. and Parkinson’s disease is available at www.rocksteadyboxing.org.