Boxing Training for Parkinson's... my thoughts and impressions!

      Over my 40 year career in the Fitness industry I have seen boxing training evolve from the stereotypical bastions of hyper aggressive masculinity practiced in sweaty, acrid, back yard gyms full of blokes with black eyes, busted lips and bad intentions, to today where there is usually some form of boxing activity in most corporate and commercial fitness centers throughout the world.  In my native Australia I was fortunate to be involved at the very start of this evolution, with my coach and great friend, former Aussie Olympic boxing representative Des Duguid, who pioneered the concept in the late 1980’s.

      Since 1990, I have taught the boxing skills I learned under Des Duguid, to people from all walks of life, from sedentary office workers, weekend warriors, and skilled sportsmen, to talented pugilists at the Australian Boxing Academy.  But it is only recently that I have become involved in teaching boxing to folks with Parkinson’s disease at the Virginian residences in Fairfax, Virginia

      So far I have taught one 4 week Pilot program and we are now at the halfway mark of our first 8 week Boxing program. 

      Here are my thought and impressions.

First Impressions

      It has definitely been a great learning experience. I continue to learn more about courage, perseverance and the power of a positive attitude in the face of adversity from these folks than any other group I have taught. Rather than sit back and feel sorry for themselves these people are taking positive steps to address the various physical issues they face.

Teaching the skills

           With limited space and equipment, much of the work involves using Focus mitts which enable participants to punch into pads worn on my hands. Depending on the progression of an individual’s symptoms some of the skills may take a little longer to teach and perhaps never be quite mastered.

            Fortunately Des Duguid’s was a great teacher of human movement.  He taught me patience and the ability to break down complex skills simply and effectively

           Like with most groups I teach it is important to keep in mind that we are not teaching prospective pro boxers or world champions here. While correct technique is always the goal, the movement and benefit of exercise should be our primary focus rather than 100% picture-perfect technique.

          Instruction has to be clear and concise, with skills progressing from basic to more complex as the participants become more adept and confident.  I generally try not to teach more than a 3 punch combination to beginners.  This is particularly important for folks with Parkinson’s, as many have issues with neuromuscular coordination and muscle rigidity.

        Many experience difficulties discerning between left and right hand. That is quite normal for all populations learning boxing skills, so positive reinforcement should be used to encourage and correct where necessary. The person shouldn’t be admonished and made to feel like a Klutz.

       We all have learning curves. I experience these same difficulties when I try to dance, so I certainly can relate!!! (NB: In my defense my wife says that I am a great dancer.. for a bloke with 2 left feet!!)

        Working within abilities and limits of an individual’s movement is essential. Actually physically moving the person’s arms through the movement pattern, whether it is a jab, cross, hook or uppercut, can help some who are having a difficult time mastering the movements.

Breathe in Breathe out

        Breath holding is another common issue you find in all populations. People tend to hold their breath and exhibit tension when they exert against a resistance or when punching. Breathing freely and indeed forcefully exhaling when punching, should be encouraged to avoid complications like the Valsalva maneuver. This is especially important for Parkinson where breathing and shortness of breath can be one of the side effects.

 Vast improvements in Hand eye coordination and Punch Power

            Hand eye skills come quickly for some and not so quickly for others. However it is the one area I have seen to be the most visible improvement for nearly all participants.  By incorporating challenging group activities like random reflex test with the pads and foam noodles, reaction time and hand eye coordination can be greatly enhanced.

              The strength and power of the punches also improves markedly. I always emphasize drawing the power of punches using the whole body chain,  from feet to hand not just flailing from the arms. The power individuals develop is enough to make me sure I am cautious when using the focus mitts. I don’t want to cop a punch and become like one of the black eyes and busted lips brigade!

Footwork, ducking and weaving

          Footwork takes a longer time to master as freezing of the gait is a common symptom of Parkinson.  I have found that given our space restrictions limited forward and backward movement is the best method right now. My general impression is that the gross motor movement patterns involved in punching, are easier to achieve than the fine movement patterns required in regular boxing footwork, which can be quite complex.

           However movement skills like ducking and weaving can easily be taught.  With all populations I encourage participants to keep their eyes up and feel the movement. Again this ability will vary between individuals but opening their minds into thinking about these movements leads to increases in the neuromuscular firing required.

             Even soft blocking and parrying of punches can be taught at low intensity to add some realism into the sessions.  With all groups I emphasize that while these classes doesn't necessarily teach you to be a boxer, we should also realize  that in real boxing people actually hit you back. So it doesn’t hurt to learn some defensive skills.

It’s got to be Fun

              I have been a longtime proponent of former International Health Racquetball and Squash Association (IHRSA) president John McCarthy’s view that the Fitness Business is primarily a Hospitality business. Providing a great service with a people focus by remembering names and building relationships is definitely the most important skill you can have for success in the Fitness profession, especially when teaching group exercise classes.

              Most importantly it has to be Fun!!  Injecting humor along the way goes a long way to build teamwork and esprit de corps.

           Finally the irony isn’t lost on me that some of boxing greatest champions including Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson’s.  Today the skills that Ali perfected are now being used to combat the effects of Parkinson’s

           Did the effects of boxing cause Ali and other boxers Parkinson’s? While there is no definitive proof, there appears to be increasing agreement in the medical community  that repeated punches to the head is likely a big factor that can cause Parkinson’s. 

            Sadly my coach and Ali’s fellow 1960 Olympian, Des Duguid eventually suffered from Parkinson’s before passing away in 2008.  But I take solace from knowing that my mate, coach and mentor Des is posthumously sitting up there smiling like the proverbial Cheshire cat. No doubt he is regaling folks at the pearly gates, in typical colorful Aussie Vernacular, about how very proud he is that the skills he taught are being put to such good use helping people deal with Parkinson’s disease. 

          The mental image I have of Dessies beaming smile mirrored by my happy class members is the biggest reward I can possibly ask for.