Boxing classes help people fight Parkinson’s Disease

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. - Rock Steady Boxing Central Coast is a boxing gym designed to help people with Parkinson's Disease improve their movement, strength, motor skills, speech and other symptoms brought on by the disease.

Dave Sanchez started the gym in San Luis Obispo in 2017 to help his father-in-law, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. With a background in fitness, he wanted to help him enhance his quality of life. Sanchez said he did not know much about the disease before he started his company, but worked with experts to better understand how exercise could help.

One boxer, Steve Andrews said he was unable to tie his shoes before joining Rock Steady. When he approached Dave about taking classes, he did not believe he would be allowed to participate. “I realized how much I can do - and still have abilities that I thought I did not have,” said Andrews.

Another boxer, Alleen Trexeira said her father also had Parkinson's Disease and witnessed his struggle. After she was diagnosed a couple of years ago, she joined the gym right away. “So long after not being able to do anything and all of a sudden I could function again - and it was a life saver,” said Trexeira.

During the stay-at-home order, classes are conducted online, also allowing the participants a chance to socialize beforehand.

Sadly, Sanchez's father-in-law, Tony, passed away recently. Sanchez hopes to keep his legacy alive through helping others in the area improve their condition.

For more information, visit Rock Steady Central Coast's website.