"I didn’t realise how much I needed boxing in my life" - Rich's story
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do to live well with Parkinson’s. We speak to Rich, who was amazed to find himself in a boxing ring for the first time at the age of 58.
My mum was a huge boxing fan and would tune into Muhammad Ali’s fights on the radio late at night when we were kids. So I’ve always had an interest in boxing - but I’d never tried it myself. My journey with Parkinson’s began in 2019, at age 53, when I noticed a loss of fluid movement in my right arm and wrist.
Being right-handed, this was challenging and frustrating as it became harder to use a laptop keyboard and mouse, or write by hand. At first, my GP thought that the symptoms were caused by tendon damage from a blood donation needle.
Visits to a physiotherapist helped in the short term, but as time went on, gardening and DIY became more of a challenge.
After moving from Dorset to North Yorkshire, I went to see a GP at the start of 2022. He broke the news to me that he suspected Parkinson’s, which was later confirmed by a private neurologist. I was shocked by the diagnosis and it took a while for the news to sink in.
Getting started
My hand-eye coordination has never been great, and I’ve never been particularly interested in participating in sports. But once I learned about the positive effects of physical activity on Parkinson’s, I started doing regular Parkinson’s UK aerobics classes online.
A friend’s wife saw a BBC News item about a local non-contact Boxing for Parkinson’s group and thought that it would be a good fit for me.
On the day of the first class, I worried about what would be expected of me and if I would be able to keep up with the rest of the group.
You don’t need to buy any equipment to get started. I used gloves from the gym to start with, but I’ve since bought a pair of really cool black and orange boxing gloves.
Once there, they were all so welcoming, and any anxiety that I had was soon dispelled. After introductions and some fun warm up exercises, it was time to get a pair of boxing gloves on for the first time.
What a feeling! Straight into it, jabbing and punching at punchbags and then pad work where we get to “beat up” our trainer Ryan. I was soaked with sweat and on a bit of a high at the end of that first thoroughly enjoyable session.
After a cuppa and some banter with the other ‘punchers’ I had no hesitation about coming back every week.
Recently, I’ve added some circuit training to my sessions and even done some pad work in the boxing ring with Ryan.
Seeing the benefits for myself
The weekly classes have helped me develop my coordination as well as improving my fitness, and I’ve developed some arm muscles. I continue to work on my technique and still have lots to learn.
I remember driving home after one of my first sessions and was pleasantly surprised by how much less tense I was across my shoulders.
Through boxing, I fully appreciate that physical activity is such an important element to help me manage my Parkinson’s. I’m now doing other physical activities that aren’t with Parkinson’s-specific groups, but the Parkinson’s boxing classes are easily my favourite.
I wholeheartedly recommend them as it’s in a safe environment with like-minded people who understand our challenges.
The social side is equally important. We are a close-knit group and I’ve made some great friends. I find it rewarding to now welcome newcomers and support them as they find their feet.
- Find a Parkinson's-friendly club, class or activity near you or call our Helpline on 0808 800 0303