Greensboro Retirement Community Launches Boxing Classes

A group of Greensboro seniors is jabbing, hooking and cross-punching their way to a fit lifestyle. The Seated Boxing Burner class at WhiteStone senior living community aims to give seniors a fun exercise that can help improve muscle tone and cardio fitness.

Leading the class is Bob Dellorfano, a resident of the retirement community. As a former competitive bodybuilder from East Boston, he’s seen the benefits of continuing fitness programs like the Seated Boxing Burner class. The format is unique and can fit any senior’s fitness program. The class is only 15 minutes long: Residents are encouraged to do five sets of intense boxing movements for 20 seconds, with 30 seconds of rest in between.

“When they finally realized what it was about and that it wasn’t too stressful on the body, I think they enjoyed it,” Dellorfano told WXII-TV reporter Jackie Pascale. “You’ve gotta find something that stimulates your interest. If you enjoy it, then you want to continue with it.”

Some residents use weights, while others use body weights. Bob says since launching the program last year, they’ve had to add an additional class since more than a dozen residents participate every week.

Boxing is not only a great cardio exercise, but it’s also been proven to help counter Parkinson’s disease. Research indicates that regular exercise for those fighting the disease is associated with improved mobility and better quality of life.

The classes are held every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. at WhiteStone.