Boxing Coach Helps Knock Out Parkinson's Disease

For Amy Strong, supporting people on their journey toward improved health is a joy and privilege.

As a Rock Steady Boxing certified coach, Amy brings energy, knowledge and passion to her fitness classes for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact, boxing-inspired exercise routine that is dramatically improving the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. Every week, Amy teaches five elite and intermediate boxing classes at Neuro Path Wellness in New Berlin.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease that affects movement, but progressive, intensive exercise is actually beneficial for people with PD. In fact, studies have shown exercise and physical activity can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength, motor coordination and mood, plus possibly slow disease progression.

On Saturday, May 6, Amy will join approximately 35 Neuro Path Wellness team members at MovingDayMilwaukee.org, a walk to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation. Beginning at 9 a.m. in Wauwatosa’s Hart Park, Moving Day Milwaukee will bring together the Parkinson’s community for a celebration of movement and to fundraise for research, care and educational programs. The event will feature instructor-led exercises that have been shown to help manage PD symptoms, resources for people with Parkinson's and care partners, sponsor booths and a family-friendly walk.

While Amy has always been physically active and health conscious, it wasn’t until her father, Lee Catlett, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s that she learned about Rock Steady Boxing.

Lee’s health had been slowly declining, but he and his family attributed the changes to aging. And while he had been diagnosed with essential tremor, a neurological condition that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, his doctor assured the family there was nothing more serious happening with Lee’s health.

Amy suspected her dad might have Parkinson’s and encouraged her parents, who live in Virginia, to see a neurologist – and in 2017, Lee was diagnosed with PD.

Each family member found their own coping strategies. Amy started volunteering with a Parkinson’s organization in Milwaukee and eventually attending Rock Steady Boxing classes to simply help however needed. When Neuro Path Wellness owner Patrick Barron noticed how much she enjoyed being involved with Rock Steady Boxing, he encouraged her to pursue her coaching certification. She jumped at the opportunity.

Today, Amy feels fortunate to teach these fitness classes. She sees the results; boxers get stronger, their balance and posture improve, and they feel proud of their efforts.

Despite Amy’s encouragement, her dad has resisted exercising – until recently. Lee registered for his first Rock Steady Boxing class and will start throwing punches soon!

For more information about Moving Day Milwaukee, visit www.MovingDayMilwaukee.org.