Keep Believing All Things Are Possible, Even With Parkinson’s

Getting the news that you have Parkinson’s may be the scariest thing you’ve ever experienced. All the emotions come to the surface.

When I evaluate a new fighter for our boxing program, that is my time to learn more about them. I try to reassure them that this is not a death sentence, but you do have to think about your health in many different ways. You will have to train harder than you ever have before, optimize your nutrition and improve your gut health, manage your stress, and work on your cognition and balance.

I often hear that managing Parkinson’s is a full-time job. My answer is YES, and you will be in better health and stronger than your peers because everything you do matters.

Shouldn’t everybody be doing these things? Yes, but people who don’t have something they are fighting for often take their health for granted. Speaking as a trainer who has trained people without Parkinson’s, I would say hands down my fighters work harder. They feel so much better when they come to class. It wakes up their brain, they move better, speak louder, and dance around. They find joy in a class of people going through the same fight.

I really discourage people from trying to work out alone. It’s simply not as effective as having a group. The research supports this!

Staying optimistic and surrounding yourself with positive people (like your fellow fighters) will improve your outcomes. I see better results from people who work joyfully hard and show up to spend time with their workout partners.

I’m so proud of my fighters—they want to learn about taking care of their health, being strong, and moving well. Why? Because they are getting results! I wish everyone worked so hard on staying well, both physically and emotionally.

Watch this video to see how Roger came into the Rebel Fit Club walking slowly with a cane. His goal was to improve his balance and get rid of the cane. He remained positive and bravely started boxing. He was surrounded by positive, fun-loving fighters with PD and experienced coaches to guide him. In just a short time, this happened: 

Remember:

• Always stay optimistic
• Work as hard as your ability allows
• Believe results are possible
• Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people
• Don’t try to do it alone
• Have fun, sing, dance
• Love. Love always wins.

💜 Coach Kimberly