Our Mission
JAX HOPE INC aims to empower people with Parkinson’s to fight back against the daily symptoms and the known path of this disease for a better quality of life with the help of evidence-based exercise programs.
As a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, JAX HOPE INC is dedicated to providing an opportunity for those living with Parkinson's Disease to regain HOPE through fitness and camaraderie. Classes include Rock Steady Boxing, Dance for PD, Yoga, Thai Chi, as well as Balance and Flexibility. We are grateful this program is supported by a Community Grant from the Parkinson's Foundation.
"Forced Intense Exercise" Can Reduce the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease & Increase one's Quality of Life.
We are learning every day that there are ways in which people with Parkinson’s disease can enhance their quality of life and even build strength, flexibility and speed! By exercising with coaches who know the ropes, you can fight your way out of the corner and start to feel and function better. These non-contact, boxing inspired exercise classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can actually lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life.
Benefits of Rock Steady Boxing
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting 1 in 100 people over the age of 65. While 60 years is the average age of diagnosis, there is an increase in those age 40 and younger facing this life changing disease. There is no cure. Scientists from all over the world are searching for a way to stop this disease or at least slow its progression, but this takes time. People with Parkinson’s disease can’t afford to wait. The only power known to fight this disease lies with movement – pushing to exercise beyond the tremor, rigidity, pain, and slowness. Rock Steady Boxing is a program designed to stimulate the physical challenges of Parkinson’s at all different stages of this Disease.
This exercise regimen offers real change in one’s day to day life and that change brings hope. Rock Steady Boxing offers a way for people with Parkinson’s to fight back.
Get a glimpse into how our program can impact your life with PD.
Why Boxing?
Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, balance, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At Rock Steady the opponent is Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s causes a loss in many of the same elements that boxers condition to improve. And published medical research has shown that forced, intense exercise can reduce, reverse and delay Parkinson’s symptoms. We also know that a diversity of symptoms needs to be addressed simultaneously.
In comparison with other sports, boxing is the most physically demanding styles of training, according to a study conducted by ESPN and by people who have done it! But in addition to being an intense, diverse form of training, boxing is also an incredible stress reliever, confidence booster and FUN!
Clinical Study on Boxing and PD
A study completed by the University of Indianapolis, “A Longitudinal Analysis of Impairment, Activities and Participation in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease” led by Dr. Stephanie Combs-Miller will be released soon. This is a 2 year study that is followed 88 people with Parkinson’s and studied their exercise habits and how that affects their symptoms. While the print version of this study is not yet released, Dr. Combs-Miller’s video presentation on her study can be found by clicking here.
Dr. Combs also released a short term study in 2011 on the positive outcomes measured by those participating in Rock Steady Boxing classes.
Our Rock Steady Boxing Jacksonville Certified Trainers:
Nate Campbell - Jax Native, Our 1st Rock Steady Boxing Certified Trainer and the 3-Time Former Lightweight Champion of the World!
Zacharia Ignacio - Our newest certified RSB coach who is also a Muay Thai fighter!
Kristen Gray - Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, LSVT LOUD Certified and Fighter with Young Onset Parkinson's
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