Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is a non-contact exercise program developed for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease using a boxer’s fitness curriculum. The first RSB program was founded in 2006. Rock Steady Boxing at Family Health West has been giving Parkinson’s Disease the one-two punch since April 2018.

Different boxing drills and all the fitness components a boxer trains for correspond with symptoms that may be experienced by someone with Parkinson’s Disease. When we include those same components in workout routines we have the ability to positively impact symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

We repeat the same workout for a few classes in a row in order to progress and learn new things. When the workout changes, it will be different, but have some consistency you will notice overtime. We include a mix of: cardio, balance, strength, agility, coordination, core strength, flexibility, boxing, facial work, voice/breath work, hand dexterity, cognitive exercise, and FUN!

Kara Griffith is the Wellness Supervisor for Family Health West. She offers personal training and wellness coaching, as well as instructing a variety of group exercise programs. As an Exercise Physiologist, she has over 20 years of experience working with a variety of clients across all age groups and abilities. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Fitness and Wellness at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI. Additional training and certifications include: Personal Training, Mat Pilates, SilverSneakers, Stepping On Fall Prevention, Cancer Rehab, nutrition, and RSB coach certification in 2018. With her training and work experience she is confident in helping all levels of clients achieve their goals, especially those with extensive medical history. Her passion for wellness and mission to empower individuals to reach their goals is rooted in education, guidance, and motivation for optimal quality and quantity of life!

You are encouraged to schedule a time to come watch a class, chat with Kara and other participants about their experience in the class, and their improvements since taking the class. Please call the office at (970) 858-2502 to schedule a time to come by and see for yourself. 

Kara will need your legal name, date of birth, and primary care doctor’s name to fax a communication and release form. Once the completed form is received from the doctor’s office, you will be contacted to schedule your one-on-one assessment. Your assessment will include paperwork and fitness testing to help get to know you prior to group glasses, aid in class level recommendations, and measurement of progress after consistent participation in RSB.

Scholarship money is available for those who can not afford the following expenses: $50 for the one-on-one assessment, $20-40 for gloves depending on style, in addition to class passes. Class passes are $15 for singles, $100 for a discounted package of 10 classes, or $105 charged monthly for unlimited classes.

Payments can be made with cash, check or credit card. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not allow billing for Rock Steady Boxing. If you have HRA or FSA dollars you may be able to use those or submit your receipt for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company to find out if this is an option for you and what is needed. We will do everything we can to assist you in getting reimbursed if that is an option for you.

There are 10 RSB classes offered Monday through Friday in the mornings depending on your recommended level. Your level will be determined by many factors including current fitness level, symptoms, orthopedic concerns, and personal scheduling needs.

Short answer: Come as often as it works for you. Most attend the recommended 2-3 times per week. You can still benefit from 1x per week or less, especially if you are involved in other fitness and therapies, but to maximize benefit from RSB aim for more often and consistency. 

Flexible, comfortable clothing is best for movement. Sturdy, supportive, yet flexible shoes for fall prevention. Our building is old and often has heating/cooling struggles. Consider layers, wearing athletic/wicking type fabrics.

Bring water to drink, especially cold ice water if you tend to be hot. Bring your gloves to every class. Sometimes we include brain exercise that may require reading so consider keeping reading glasses in your bag as needed. Do you sometimes need a walking stick, cane, or walker? Think safety first and bring what you need.

Every class is designed to work for a variety of needs with the option to modify each exercise or station. You will be coached to work as hard as you are able within safety parameters. If you need more rest than what is given you can take it. If you need to start with less than the full class time, that is always an option. If an exercise doesn’t seem like the best option for you, be sure to communicate with the coach that you need a modification. Many times modifications are included and you may not even need to ask. Always let the coach know of any medical changes.

Personal training is offered before and after classes Monday-Friday by appointment only. Open gym time is available for those who can safely exercise independently. Both of these options have different costs.

Most importantly - keep up the great work getting to class and working hard. Next, tell the coach - it makes me so happy to hear how you are benefiting from classes! Tell your doctor. Tell your family. Tell your friends. Tell anyone who might know someone with Parkinson’s Disease, so they can share how helpful it’s been. Rock Steady Boxing is offered all over the country and worldwide and many people still don’t know about it and how beneficial it is.