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Category: Fighters

A “Tail” of 4 Parkinson’s Service Dogs (Part 1)

Posted on by Landtiser

Several years ago, when I was teaching a Parkinson’s bootcamp class for people with young-onset PD, a man in his 50’s asked me if I could modify the workout for someone with Parkinson’s disease with HSP (Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia [basically neuropathy of the lower half of his body]) if he had a service dog to help him. This specific class was meant for very active people who do not fall. Steve explained that he couldn’t feel his feet on the ground (this is a huge fall risk), but he still tried to stay active. Of course, my heart goes out to man and his dog!

Continue reading “A “Tail” of 4 Parkinson’s Service Dogs (Part 1)”

Never Give Up, Ping Walked With A Cane, Not Now

Posted on by Landtiser

Ping has Parkinson’s Disease and attends my Rock Steady Boxing Portland, Oregon class. He came to my PD 3-5 level class for people with balance or cognitive limitations. Most fighters use wheelchairs and walkers. People in this class need extra assistance and usually bring a corner man (family member) with them. When Ping started, he was intimidated (his words) and weak. He had balance issues and walked with a cane unsteadily. When Ping would hit the bag or mitts, he hardly tapped them and his voice was soft. Each day my volunteers would tell me Ping is hitting harder and harder. He smiles and laughs more. He doesn’t use his cane anymore. His workout includes, speed bag, battle ropes, ladder precision walking, Rowing, squats and voice work. He is a delight to have in class. Continue reading “Never Give Up, Ping Walked With A Cane, Not Now”

Longevity: Getting Up Off The Ground Without Use Of Hands

Posted on by Landtiser

Can we predict longevity? Here is a great inspiration to start the new year, Steve B, a fighter in Rock Steady Boxing Portland. He has learned to get up and down off the ground without use of hands. This is no easy feat. It takes balance, strength and flexibility. Steve worked to be able to do this and yes, Steve has Parkinson’s Disease. You can hear him in the clip say one side is easier than the other. Obviously for someone with PD it’s going to be more difficult on his PD affected side, but I have taught many people without PD to do this over the years, and everyone has a more difficult side. Continue reading “Longevity: Getting Up Off The Ground Without Use Of Hands”

Cathie, “Changing the Face of Parkinson’s Disease”

Posted on by Landtiser

Our amazing fighters here at Rock Steady Boxing Portland challenge each other and themselves everyday. Cathie and her fellow fighters do not let Parkinson’s define them, they are enjoying their triumphs and enjoying the successes of each other. We are “Changing the “Face of Parkinson’s Disease”  Would you guess she has Parkinson’s disease?

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