Boxing with Parkinson’s

Why boxing

Boxing trains the very things Parkinson’s tries to take away, all in one session: coordination, balance, reaction time, strength, and rhythm. You throw combinations on the pads, catch and tap tennis balls to sharpen your reflexes, and work on your posture and footwork. It is also fun, and that matters: when you enjoy something, you stick with it.

Let’s be honest about the research: the results are cautiously positive, but boxing is no miracle cure. One randomized study showed improved motor skills after ten weeks of boxing¹, and in a US program, nine out of ten participants reported better motor control², while a review study stressed that results vary by person and by program³. What we do know is this: vigorous exercise helps people with Parkinson’s, and boxing is one of the activities people stick with the longest.

How it works here

You always train one-on-one: one trainer, one participant. With Parkinson’s, your balance can suddenly give way, so someone is right beside you at all times. And because no two people with Parkinson’s have the same abilities, every session is tailored to you. One person may work on footwork and combinations while standing, while another trains seated on a plyo box and builds from there. Both are boxing, and both count.

The sessions are led by Cedric, who has studied Parkinson’s training and gains hands-on experience with it every week. His exercises draw from boxing training and from methods proven to help people with Parkinson’s, from pad work to reaction drills with tennis balls.

Together, if you want

Your training is one-on-one, but you do not have to go through it alone. Once we have several participants, we will schedule sessions side by side and have coffee afterward. Sharing experiences with people who know exactly what you are going through can be just as valuable as the training itself.

The honest truth

Boxing does not cure Parkinson’s. The goal is to slow its progress and stay in control: keep fitter, stand more steadily, react faster, and have one hour every week when you are an athlete instead of a patient. Because the coaching is one-on-one, it is not covered by our regular memberships. The cost depends on what you need, and we will discuss it with you upfront, with no obligation.

Come meet us

Stop by the Achtergracht, or get in touch for a free, no-obligation introductory chat. Partners, children, and healthcare providers who would like to observe first are welcome too.