★ 5

I began working as a volunteer assistant coach about 2 months ago. In that time I have learned boxing punches, combinations and exercises to help members with Parkinson's disease. It remarkable to see the members go through our workouts and improve their condition just by following the routines. The members behave more like family than gym members, encouraging each other and making friendship connections. I'd recommend this for anyone contending with Parkinson's disease.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in June of this year . I have noticed a great improvement in my health since starting Rock Steady Boxing Thousand Oaks. My balance has improved, my strength in my left arm is way better (I no longer shake when using 5 lb weights). I feel so much better and have made a lot of Parkinson’s friends). Coaches and Volunteers are amazing are encouraging and helpful while assisting us through various routines.
I look forward to the classes and the time together with others for the social network.

Source: Google

★ 5

For years, Parkinsons was grinding me down. I found Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA (RSB) early in 2024. RSBN literally gave me my life back.
I can't say enough about RSB's Coaches' dedication and guidance to those of us who must daily find a way to deal with this disease, but I will provide a few specific examples of the benefits.

The Coaches provide us with a wide range of exercises to help us with balance, strength, flexibility. They change them up and are constantly bringing in new exercises. I personally like the squatting exercises (although I hate them when we are doing them!). These have helped me understand how to squat properly in order to avoid falls when I am at home. Due solely to exercises like these, my balance has improved to the point where I have not taken a fall once since I started with RSB. Neither have I used my walking sticks or walker! Prior to starting at RSB, I used these fairly regularly. This turnabout is due to the RSB program--and nothing else.

We do more than box. We also stretch (a lot), breathe, yell, use hand weights, weighted ropes, weighted rubber balls and many other tools. In particular, I like the weighted balls. Passing them around to our circled teammates improves our balance, thinking process and teamwork.

The Coaches know each one of us--our specific traits and challenges. For example, the central focus of the "boxing component" is teaching us how to properly execute the boxing skills as if we were not Parkinsons patients--i.e, performing the jab, crosses, hooks and uppercuts. When I first started, I was not executing a " hook" properly. The Coaches worked with me and would remind me of the proper technique when they came around. I now can demonstrate a perfect hook.

Perhaps most importantly, RSB provides many peripheral benefits. The social networking with other Parkinsons patients alone is worth attending. I frequently engage in discussions about medicines, Parkinsons challenges they are facing, medical issues and family topics.

In addition, I appreciate the Coaches' approach. When its time to work we get to work, but we also laugh a lot.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

Kevin Slattum

Source: Google

★ 5

Best boxing experience ever, such a loving family!

Source: Google

★ 5

Parkinson's exercise for east coast, night owls

Parkinson's gives you no choice. You have to exercise. Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA on Zoom is the main reason I exercise regularly. The class meets 3 days a week, lasts about 75 minutes each and best of all, they meet at 10:30 am Pacific Standard Time. As a night owl, living on the east coast, that makes it 1:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. Because of them, 3 times a week, I get great exercise and a full night's sleep.

Coach Lisa Oliver, Coach Yvette Israel and the rest of the team cheer, laugh, dance, coach, encourage and push us through every class. Even when I don't want to exercise, I always feel better after class. More energy. Brighter mood.

My favorite part of class is boxing. It is interesting learning it, then learning how to do it better and faster. Working the brain as well. The balance work is hard but definitely pays off. I am now much steadier when getting dressed.

They create a support system that includes giving their full attention to any question during class or in private zoom conversations outside of class. Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA is a very professional organization with a knowledgeable, experienced and compassionate team. I feel very lucky to have found them. (on PST!)

Source: Google

★ 5

Review of VC/LA, Rock Steady by Gail Summerville
“Gail, you’re walking stronger, and straighter than you were a year ago. You look great.” When I get responses like this from others, I know that that wouldn't be true without Rock Steady. I am more fit, overall, more active, and I feel I have more power than before to fight Parkinson’s. This is because of my consistent participation in the VC/LA Rock Steady zoom class.

The coaches at VC/LA are the key to the program’s success. They are extremely knowledgeable, skillful and experienced. Even in the zoom setting format, they make personal connection with each of us. They are tuned in to us during the work out. For instance, one time when I was doing squats, I heard “Heads up ,Gail.” We work very, very hard, and the coaches make it doable by giving us lots of sincere, positive feedback, and by being funny. There is a unique mixture of clowning around in the midst of challenging exercises. Also, there is a huge variety of exercises, weightlifting and boxing moves.

The coaches inspire and encourage us relating to our individual daily lives combating Parkinson’s. We learn a variety of exercises that we can do on our own, and we learn phrases that will help keep us going. One of those sayings is: Push Past Perceived Limits.

The fact that when I schedule appointments and activities, the
VC/LA zoom class is my top priority, demonstrates how critical I think the program is for me and how grateful I am that I have the opportunity to participate.

Source: Google