Program uses boxing workouts to keep Parkinson's patients 'Rock Steady' in South Bend area
Phil and Todd Miller are a team. They are father and son and they are in the fight for the long haul. They are using their superpowers to fight Parkinson’s disease. After a few years, there are a lot more local heroes in the game. All are putting up a good fight.
Todd was diagnosed with PD when he was 41. He is 55 now. He noticed a tingling in his toes and that was the start. Like any father, Phil wanted to do whatever he could do for his son including a boxing class called Rock Steady Boxing.
Co-founders Phil and Don Sheliga brought the non-contact boxing workout program to the area.
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Rock Steady started in the area eight years ago and now nearly 70 boxers participate in the non-contact classes at two sites, one in South Bend and the other in Elkhart. There is a monthly fee for each boxer.
Boxing might not seem like the type of exercise regimen that would help. It does. The benefits associated with Parkinson's boxing include, increased strength, improved hand and eye coordination and improved posture, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Participants agree. It keeps the symptoms at bay. Balance improves. The social aspects benefit everyone.
How do you celebrate helping people? Have a party. In honor of the boxing group anniversary, Rock Steady will have a fundraiser on April 20 at Morris Park Country Club.
Visit Rocksteadyboxingmichiana.org for dinner details, auction items, speakers and general information. You will see that area fan favorite, Gary Sieber, is the master of ceremonies. The proceeds are for programming and equipment.
Back to the boxing story. Rock Steady’s space in South Bend is north of Roseland at 50680 Ind. 933. It is a modest area in a former storefront. Along the walls are exercise stations with small speed bags, heavy bags and punching manikin. On the floor are truck tires and two-by-fours.
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After a warmup and some stretching, participants move from station to station — punching a bag, kicking tires, a light jog around the room and walking toe to heel on the plank. Each station has a benefit, a way to improve movement. Groups get a set time at each station, then a break and then move on to the next one.
The session leader asks questions and makes them yell. That keeps their minds and voices working.
Some participants bring a spouse, a relative or friend to lean on at times. Just like in boxing, the helper is called the “cornerman.” Walking the planks takes a little bit more help at times.
Phil said there are various levels of ability. People enjoy the exercise and the friendships that are made. “We have members who come and think they will try it once. Then they feel encouraged. It helps and it is for them.”
Some participants really slug it out with the bags. Others have a milder hitting technique. All get cheered on.
The story actually started downstate. Rock Steady was started in Indianapolis in 2006 by former Marion County prosecutor Scott Newman. Scott was diagnosed with PD while he was in office. Eventually, he withdrew from participation in life and others took notice. A friend, who had a Golden Glove, suggested working out in a nearby gym. Scott noticed a change in mobility.
Rock Steady had its beginning. Now there are nearly 900 gyms in every state. There are now gyms across the world. Phil said 60,000 people are diagnosed every year in the U.S. and everyone knows someone with it.
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Local resident Don Sheliga was traveling once a week to Indianapolis to take a class. Later sessions opened in Fort Wayne. Then the Michiana version opened with all the credentials and a board of directors. “In 2016 we had three fighters and one was Todd,” Phil said. “Now we have 70.”
The trainers are all certified and enthusiastic. Don is one of the trainers in South Bend and keeps the boxers moving. Trainer Jeff Lewis said he is rewarded every time he is there when he sees changes and mobility improving. “They have been dealt a crappy hand and they are doing something about it.”
David Ready said he comes to three sessions per week and it improves his balance and his movements. “The more I do, the better I feel.”
Mike Pettis said he heard about it and was encouraged to come recently. “I’m taking baby steps now. It is a good group of people, and it is a great experience.”
Contact Kathy at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Namely News: Boxing workouts keep Parkinson's patients 'Rock Steady'
