April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, but a program at the YMCA of Washington County is offering support to those affected by the disease all year round.

Called Rock Steady Boxing, the national program is based in Indianapolis, but started in Washington last year. It uses non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum to improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers.

Wellness Director for Wellman and Kalona YMCA, and Rock Steady Boxing Coach, Angie Boyse, explains. “They did a lot of research, and they found that a lot of your higher-intensive exercises help stimulate the brain more with Parkinson’s. The nervous system is affected a lot. So they found with boxing, that kind of hits all those areas for balance, for core strength, for high intensity training.”

Washington County has approximately 100 individuals living with Parkinson’s. One fighter, Dallas Schrock, tells KCII the areas he’s experienced the benefits. “The eye-hand coordination, balance, making your brain do two things at once which is difficult at times.” Caregiver and fellow participant in Rock Steady Boxing, Rose Schrock, encourages those affected by the disease to give it a shot. “We’d highly encourage people to at least check it out. I think it’s a great program that incorporates both the fighter and the caregiver. And I think the group camaraderie is a real key piece of the program as well.”

Thanks to funds from the Parkinson’s Foundation, costs are covered through this year. The group meets on Monday and Thursday from 1-2:15 p.m. For more information on Rock Steady Boxing, contact the YMCA of Washington County at 319-653-2141, or click here.