Rock Steady Boxing

Well we've started a new exercise program specifically geared for people with Parkinson's, and it's NOT for the faint of heart!

A friend of mine mentioned a boxing program for Parkinson's patients. Her friend's husband was recently diagnosed and his doctor recommended it for him. I asked Jamey's Neurologist and he gave it a big thumb's up (he is familiar with the curriculum and loves it). Since Jamey is now in his power chair about 98 percent of the time, we weren't sure it was going to do the trick for him. But, we decided to give it a try.

Drum Cardio

It turns out it is amazing! This program covers everything from memory issues, to movement, to cardio, and more! The instructors consider the abilities of each student and design the curriculum accordingly.

We've only gone to two sessions so far, but Jamey has already shown some improvement. He turned to me during the class today (only the 2nd one we've attended), and he said, "I have a muscle!" LOL Glad he's keeping his humor, because this is not an easy program! I'm exhausted when we're finished each time. He doesn't say much about how tired he is, but the fact that he took a two-hour nap the last time we did this is proof, I guess.

The instructors start with a warm-up where the students work on cognition and memory (they are very creative with the games they play). Then they do cardio (could be stationary bike, rowing machine, or something completely different). Next, they go to work on the speed bag, which is alternated with lifting weights. Everyone then switches to the punching bag, where the instructor teaches left jabs, right crosses, hooks and undercuts. Finally, they get to the cool down with stretches. It's a well-rounded course and lasts an hour and a half. They're going at full-steam pretty much the entire time; 45 seconds on, 10 seconds off for a full 10 minutes, then they switch places and start all over again!

Working the Speed Bag

I'm there right along with Jamey, even doing the exercises with him when I'm not assisting him. So I'm actually getting quite a workout myself!

Of course it is not contact boxing, but Jamey says he want's to call himself "Kid Gorgeous" and asked me to make him one of those satin capes they wear when they get introduced in the ring. While I appreciate his confidence, I'm more inclined to call him "Kid Presentable" like the character of Moe Sizlak, during his boxing days on the Simpsons.

Finishing with Hooks and Jabs

I've got to say, this is one of the best things to happen to us since he was diagnosed! It's exercise he likes because it's a sport; it makes him move around, and most of the people in the class are in about the same stage of the disease as he is. It makes for a social event as well as a physical challenge.

I just have to send a 'shout out' to the folks who think outside the box(ing) to come up with these programs for people like Jamey. What a blessing it is! He actually got out of his chair today and did the boxing standing up! Woo Hoo!


To find Rock Steady Boxing near you, go to www.rocksteadyboxing.org.

Will ASL Help?

It seems like each day we wake up, there is a new struggle! I suppose that's the case with any disease; grieving for new losses, navigating new challenges, creating new normals.

Jamey's speech has gotten difficult for me to understand. I have to strain to grasp what he is trying to communicate through the slurring words and low volume. I'd been thinking it is just me. After all, my hearing isn't what it used to be and I'm not at sharp as I once was (hard to believe, I know).  But, when we hosted a family game night recently, Jamey's sister and mother both took me aside and mentioned they were having difficulty as well. Actually, there was no need to tell me; I could see the blank looks on their faces when he was trying to tell them a story--and the glances in my direction, the look of "help!" on their puzzled faces.

It hurts me to see this happen. He wants to be part of the conversation so badly and he has so much to contribute. But, he just can't keep up with everyone talking so quickly and not allowing him any time to get in what he wants to say. The Human Race is an appropriate name for us because we are always in such a hurry. We rarely make time for the people around us who would like to participate but need more time and patience--or even just an opening in the conversation!

As his wife, and caregiver, I can do my best to pause people when I see Jamey wants to contribute, and encourage people to listen because I know what he has to say is important. But, understanding what he has to say is a different matter. If I can't understand him myself, how can I interpret for others? As I get older and lose more of my hearing and cognition, the challenge gets more difficult!

So, Jamey and I have decided to try learning American Sign Language. I know that learning a new language at our age will be tough, but we already know a few signs and we are willing to give it a try. So far he has been able to use his hands fairly well. Time will tell. For me, talking with my hands is something I've done since birth--I'm a woman, after all--it's just hard trying to do it without my mouth flapping, too! Actually, the books say you should also 'say' the words you're signing, so that makes it easier for me.😊 We haven't been able to find a class in our area, but we are starting with the book, ASL For Dummies. The key, I think, will be to start talking to one another often, with ASL, so the language becomes second nature to us.

I'm hoping this will help us communicate better and more often. After 40 years of marriage, the communication should be better, right? 😏 Granted, we do have an advantage being together that long. We can already finish each other's sandwiches...uh, I mean...sentences.

So, I'll keep you posted as we progress. In the meantime, if you visit, please give Jamey an opportunity to join in your conversation. And, don't rush him along. He will feel so much more a part of your visit if you just be patient and bring him into the dialog, too.