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You’ve likely heard about boxing for Parkinson’s disease because it combines high-intensity physical effort with complex mental challenges. Non-contact boxing programs, such as Rock Steady Boxing, are designed to push your body and brain simultaneously. While hitting a heavy bag won’t cure Parkinson’s, research shows that the rigorous, multi-dimensional movements involved in boxing can improve balance, build cardiovascular endurance, and may even support brain health by promoting the release of protective growth factors.

 For decades, doctors recommended gentle exercise for Parkinson’s. However, recent evidence has shifted focus toward high-intensity interval training, which elevates the heart rate significantly and pushes you harder than you might normally push yourself. This is sometimes related to the concept of forced exercise—moving at a rate faster than your voluntary capacity, which challenges the nervous system in unique ways.

 One of the most exciting aspects of rigorous exercise is its potential effect on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections and rewire itself while learning from experiences. In Rock Steady Boxing that is especially important with muscle movements, focus and control. 

 By participating in intense activities like boxing, you may encourage your brain to release proteins that protect existing neurons and build new connections.  While it is debated whether this definitively halts the disease, it serves as a powerful strategy that may optimize brain health and slow the progression of motor symptoms.  To maintain symptom improvements, high-intensity exercise must become a regular, sustained part of your lifestyle. Rock Steady Boxing Mesa offers classes three days per week that make this sustained high-intensity, forced exercise program available.