Gloves tighten. Music fills the room. Across the gym, someone steadies his balance before stepping back into the next drill while another boxer calls out encouragement from across the room.
Parkinson’s disease can make everyday movements harder over time, such as walking across a room, speaking clearly, standing up without assistance, or simply feeling steady again. Inside Rock Steady Boxing at Edgewood Healthcare in Watertown, participants are fighting to hold onto those moments of independence for as long as possible.
For many participants, the program becomes about far more than exercise. It becomes a way to push back against a disease that slowly changes movement, confidence, communication, and daily life.
For Willie Gruenwald, Rock Steady Boxing through CaringEdge became one of the ways he began fighting back.
Living with Parkinson’s had gradually affected Willie’s walking, balance, speech, and confidence. His wife, Patty, wanted to find something that could help him stay active and engaged instead of withdrawing from the activities and relationships he loved.
Today, boxing days have become some of Willie’s favorite days of the week.
“If he’s having a hard day and I mention boxing, something shifts. You can see it in him right away. The heaviness lifts a little.
Parkinson's changed so many simple things, walking became harder. Speaking clearly became harder. Even his confidence changed. But during boxing, you can see pieces of him come back. He stands taller. He jokes again. He pushes himself. For that hour, Parkinson's is not deciding everything."
Nearly one million people in the United States are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, speech, balance, coordination, and cognition. While there is currently no cure, research continues to show that structured exercise may help improve mobility, mood, and overall quality of life.
Rock Steady Boxing was inspired by founder Scott C. Newman, who discovered that intense, non-contact boxing training helped improve his symptoms after being diagnosed with Early-Onset Parkinson’s disease at age 40. Classes are intentionally designed around the realities Parkinson’s presents. Sessions include stretching, balance work, strength training, cognitive exercises, voice activation, and non-contact boxing drills designed to challenge both the body and mind.
No one inside the gym has to explain the frustration of shaking hands, slower movement, balance struggles, or words that do not always come easily anymore. Everyone there understands what Parkinson’s can take from a person and why fighting to hold onto independence matters.
Each week, participants move through drills together while encouraging one another through victories and setbacks alike.
“Don’t back away from a challenge,” shared Tome Holmes. “I may do things slower and differently now, but I still try.”
The support extends beyond workout days. Recently, team members at Edgewood Watertown completed specialized education through the National Parkinson Foundation to deepen their understanding of Parkinson’s disease and the realities residents may experience.
“Each member of our team goes through education specifically geared toward supporting residents living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Jacqueline Clark, Executive Director at Edgewood Watertown. “It helps our employees gain a deeper understanding of the disease and how we can enhance the care each resident receives.”
"Rock Steady Boxing gives me the chance to talk about my symptoms and see how others are similar or different, it makes me not feel so alone in this."
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Families often describe meaningful changes at home, improved mood, renewed motivation, stronger confidence, and increased engagement in everyday life. Staff members say one of the most rewarding parts of the program is watching people who once felt hesitant gradually become more determined, connected, and empowered over time.
“Your health matters,” shared Cassidy Frank, Occupational Therapy Assistant and Rock Steady Boxing Coach. “Asking for help is not a weakness, and you do not have to fight this alone.”
To learn more about Edgewood Healthcare and how we support individuals and families, or learn more about our Parkinson’s programs, contact us at info@edgewoodhealthcare.com.
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