Fighting back against Parkinson’s Disease in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - No one takes any punches in this boxing class, but they're all fighters. Neuroboxing Santa Maria is helping people with Parkinson's Disease and other neurological conditions improve the quality of their life through exercise therapy.
"They're the ones that put in the time," trainer April Sargeant said of her students. "They're the ones that have to really put in the effort, or it's not going to benefit them."
There is no cure for Parkinson's Disease, a degenerative condition that can cause tremors, rigid muscles and impaired posture and balance, among other possible symptoms.
Those who do the hour-long workout up to three days a week use it to improve their quality of life physically, mentally, and socially.
"I've made really good friends with these people," Cindy Shubert said. "They're good, strong, willing to fight for their lives' kinds of people. They're my kind of people."
Shubert was one of the first to join Neuroboxing Santa Maria more than five years ago. The retired teacher says when she told her grandchildren she was taking a boxing class they couldn't believe it.
Ernie Salazar has also been with the program for more than five years. The 87-year-old moves slowly, but says he's never been in better shape.
"I used to shuffle and fall," Salazar said. "I give (Sargeant) a lot of credit for getting me to this stage."
Every exercise Sargeant runs the class through has it's purpose, even down to the smallest movements like touching one finger to another. Toe taps and high knees help get feet off the ground. Big punches on the heavy bag keep arms moving. Boxing training improves core strength and balance, a trouble spot for seniors with Parkinson's Disease.
Oldies music is played at a high volume, forcing people to speak loudly to keep their vocal muscles strong.
Like many in the class, a doctor recommended Debbie Wilkinson sign up for the class.
"I always feel better after I come," Wilkinson said. "It's a joy to come."
Brenda Miranda says Neuroboxing Santa Maria helped stop her husband Pete's rapid physical decline. She says the 72-year-old can do things he couldn't do before.
"Tying his shoes. Buttoning his shirt. He has more confidence," Miranda said. "His posture is better. It's improved almost in every area."
Besides her family, Sargeant says teaching the class is the best thing that's happened to her.
"Sometimes it's the smallest thing. It's just like, oh," she said, pausing to put both hands over her heart. "You know?"
Insurance doesn't pay for the exercise therapy. Sargeant has special training and certifications and runs the program as a non-profit. She charges a small fee and never turns anyone away with the help of donations.
"Anybody with any type of neurological disease should be in this class," said retired high school football coach John Durant. "Because you're socializing, you're exchanging ideas, and you're doing it together. You never give up."
There are similar classes around the country that have been going on for over 15 years. Neurologist Dr. Scot Richardson cautions against viewing this as a major breakthrough for Parkinson's patients, but says it can be a tool to help them feel better.
Recommendations from the Parkinson's Foundation encourage some of the types of exercises used in the class. Some early research on boxing training for people with Parkinson's Disease has shown promising results.
Cindy Shubert knows how limiting Parkinson's Disease can be, but she says working out helps her feel really good about what she can do, rather than what she can't do.
"I can't imagine spending my later years sitting in a chair not able to move," Shubert said. "That's why I fight for my life. I don't want that to ever happen to me."
