When I first became a member of the parkinson’s community in 2010, there weren’t many resources available to us… in fact, my neurologist didn’t even have an informational pamphlet to hand me with the diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease at age 32.Cognitive levels of learning that’s one of the main reasons I decided to get involved in helping others. Back in my day… I sound so old… I would have to walk 10 miles each way, barefoot, in the rain, uphill, just to meet another person with parkinson’s disease. There were very few parkinson’s specific resources such as support groups, fitness classes, or community events.Cognitive levels of learning

But today, we have plethora of programs, books, blogs, outreach events, webinars, fitness classes, radio shows, pharmaceutical speakers, informational summits, movies, video blogs and multiple national foundations that satisfy every level of disease progression.Cognitive levels of learning heck, we even have the world parkinson’s congress which travels to a different part of the globe every 3 years, providing days of speakers, activities, research, and caregiver support….Cognitive levels of learning which by the way, is being held in kyoto, japan next week.

After the hellish year of medical challenges, that left me weak, 98lbs, and emotionally drained, it was time to get back into shape again.Cognitive levels of learning enough of boost protein shakes, pot pies, pancakes and pasta… I was started growing a muffin top and no, I don’t mean the tasty baked treat.Cognitive levels of learning but where could I go that would accommodate my limitations while still recovering, hold me accountable for showing up and help me regain the confidence in my body that I had lost.Cognitive levels of learning

Well, ok… but what does that mean? I had some friends who were already taking RSB classes, so I asked my friend pete if I could join him. When I arrived, I didn’t feel out of place at all.Cognitive levels of learning everyone was so welcoming. It was kind of like a secret society that isn’t a secret and I instantly feel a part of the group… technically I guess that’s just a society but I felt like I belonged.Cognitive levels of learning

Over the next couple of weeks, I was learning boxing combos, doing muscle strengthening exercises, working on challenging my brain and my balance improved… but there was something else that I hadn’t expected.Cognitive levels of learning I became more confident in myself, I learned I could push myself and more importantly, I made friends. People who held me accountable and encouraged me when things got tough.Cognitive levels of learning

There are modifications for any level of mobility so I didn’t have to explain to anyone if I couldn’t do an exercise or if my parkinson’s was acting like a diva.Cognitive levels of learning it wasn’t like going into your local gym and spending so much time on trying to look normal. I was accepted for who I was and not pushed out because of my limitations, because in the end, we’re all there for the same reasons.Cognitive levels of learning

As you can imagine, with my personal 30-day commitment, I was hooked… seriously, watch out for my right hook. Now, I understand that not everyone would be interested in doing rock steady boxing, but there is no excuse to try it.Cognitive levels of learning you could surprise yourself … you might just be a boxer. With over 800 affiliates across the nation and growing, it’s becoming much easier to find an RSB group near you and let me tell you, back in my day…