Watch: Tulsa Boxing Class Helps Fight Parkinson's

A Tulsa gym is fighting back against Parkinson's disease by helping people through specialized exercise programs.

"I would not be out functioning the way that I am today had it not been for this program,” said Don Paight, a Parkinson’s patient.

Paight was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018. Shortly after the diagnosis, he found Rock Steady Boxing.

"It's kind of a holistic approach and the boxing. I mean the boxing is fun. Taking out your frustrations on these heavy bags, so it's just been a great experience. It's kept my symptoms from progressing quicker than they would,” Paight said.

Paight's doctor told him the boxing routines and exercise have slowed down his disease and improved his quality of life.

Head Coach and Owner Kristen Phelps said as a fitness trainer, she fell in love with this community. Her passion is encouraging and helping people fighting Parkinson's disease.

"But we do see some improvement with people. They can get out of chairs easier; they can roll over in bed easier, they can put their pants on by themselves. They can put their socks on, so it's these little things that they see improvements in every single day. And that's what really makes a difference,” Phelps said.

Phelps said the program includes workouts three to five times a week.

Trainees work on everything from traditional boxing drills, footwork, balance, and strength training, along with fine motor and cognitive skills.

This program helps people with Parkinson's to exercise and build strength, but also, to build a community.

"That's another part of it is you get to socialize with people that are going through the same thing that you are, maybe in a different stage,” Paight said.

"It's coming into an environment where they don't feel alone anymore, where they get the comradery immediately with people that are going through the same thing or similar things. They don't get judged here,” Phelps said.

The gym is restoring hope simply by saying yes and showing up.

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