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Vol. 38, No. 11
April 2025
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
St. JoSeph edition Reaching South Bend and SuRRounding countieS
Rock Steady Boxing Michiana:
A community for those with
DUCK-UNDER DRILLS — Rock Steady Boxing Michiana members take turns ducking and swinging over their partners’ head. These exercises improve coordination and head movement. In front from left are John Grcich and John Dalby. In back are Bill Kramer and Rick Blake.
Parkinson’s Text and photos By MAKSYM HART Staff Writer Michael Hoover had been living with Parkinson’s for six years when his wife discovered Rock Steady Boxing Michiana. Isolated and spending most of his time at home, Hoover wasn’t sure what to expect when he walked through the doors. But what he found changed his life. “It was overwhelming — in a good way,” Hoover said. “I had never met anyone else with Parkinson’s before, and when I came in and there’s like 40 people with Parkinson’s, (I was) like ‘Whoa!’ So it’s an emotional support group.” That’s the heart of Rock Steady Boxing Michiana, a
South Bend gym designed for people with Parkinson’s disease. More than just a boxing-inspired workout space, it’s a community where members push back against the disease together. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly 1 million people in the U.S., including celebrities like Michael J. Fox and Neil Diamond. The disease damages nerve cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiff posture and slowed movement. While medications help manage symptoms, research suggests exercise is the most effective way to slow progression. That’s where Rock Steady comes in. The program began when Scott Newman, a former Mar-
ion County prosecutor in Indianapolis, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 40. A friend and former boxer, Vince Perez, encouraged him to train. After six weeks of intense workouts, Newman found he could once again sign his name. Realizing they were onto something, Newman and former champion boxer Kristy Follmar launched the first Rock Steady Boxing gym in 2006. Since then, the movement has grown to over 900 locations worldwide. Rock Steady Michiana, the 129th location, opened in 2016 thanks to Phil Miller and Don Sheliga. Sheliga had Parkinson’s, while Miller’s son Todd had the disorder, so they knew firsthand the need for a supportive exercise program.
THROWING DOWN — Heather Moriconi works out with a small exercise ball. In each session, members take turns doing seven different workouts targeting each part of their body.
PUNCHING OUT — At the end of every session, Rock Steady Boxing Michiana members go toe-to-toe with punching bags. From left are Neil Siefert and Craig Blue. The gym started with just three members but has grown to over 80 today. Twice a week, members gather for warm-ups, a series of circuit-style exercis-
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es and rounds on the punching bags. While the workout improves strength, balance and speed, Continued on page 3
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