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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWith Hill\u2019s approval, her journey in boxing continued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With her fitness experience and love for boxing, Raths became the ideal candidate to take on the challenge. Boxing had already been a major part of her fitness training for clients. While attending Angelo State University, she completed a unique six-month, one-on-one boxing instruction course with a semi-pro boxer. Through that course, she saw how boxing could help people with Parkinson\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cClients often walk away from a boxing session feeling that they have released some bottled-up negative emotions. It is also a great full-body workout,\u201d she explained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launching the first Parkinson\u2019s boxing class was an exciting experience for everyone, but like many things, it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shutdown, Raths had the unique opportunity to work closely with Karen Nelson, one of the class participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cKaren didn\u2019t really enjoy exercise, but she loved poetry and art,\u201d Raths recalled. \u201cWe started going on walks together. She\u2019d recite her poetry, which helped take her mind off the exercise.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through working with Nelson, Raths began to understand the daily challenges of living with Parkinson\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere were days when Karen had trouble speaking, but you\u2019d ask her to recite a poem, and she\u2019d do it much more clearly than her regular speech. She was a firecracker. Always smiling, always happy. Seeing her fight this disease with such a positive attitude taught me that attitude really makes the biggest difference when facing something difficult.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though Nelson\u2019s battle with Parkinson\u2019s was tough, her determination, faith,\u00a0and strong support system helped her best manage her symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe had the best group of people around her,\u201d Raths said. \u201cStarting with her husband, Bob. Having a support system for the person with Parkinson\u2019s, as well as their main caregiver, is crucial.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since those early days, Raths has recognized how important exercise \u2014 particularly boxing \u2014 is in managing Parkinson\u2019s symptoms. Although there is no cure for the disease, research shows that exercise, especially boxing, can help slow its progression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany of our class participants found us because their neurologist recommended boxing,\u201d Raths said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Class members show up day after day, towels and water in hand, ready to give it their all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey show up regardless of which symptoms are affecting them that day, with an \u2018I\u2019m going to do whatever I can\u2019 attitude,\u201d Raths said. \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly inspiring to work with this group. It makes me think twice before skipping a workout or backing off just because something is hard.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Participants experience both physical and cognitive benefits. Boxing involves weight-shifting, changing directions, and using alternate arm movements, all challenging balance, coordination, and\u00a0even memory. It\u2019s a holistic exercise that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and cognition as participants count punches or name colors during training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Raths and many of her participants, a supportive class environment is key. Raths works alongside Kathy Duvenage, a colleague with a background in physiotherapy, and has received support from local therapists Karen Todaro and Lori Henley to provide the best care possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s inspiring to see them encourage one another and share what they\u2019ve learned,\u201d Raths said. \u201cThere\u2019s a real camaraderie that comes from facing this disease together.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n For participants like Randy Williams and his wife, Phyllis, the community aspect is just as important as the exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe exercise program is very helpful, and the social contact is his incentive to get out of bed on Monday and Friday,\u201d said Phyllis. \u201cAs the caregiver, I will add that the group is also a great support for me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The class continues to grow, and the team adapts the program to meet participants\u2019 needs. Instructors use gait belts for those with mobility issues or at higher risk of falling, ensuring participants can work at their own pace while being supported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, participants do exercises seated when standing becomes too much. Other times, they start standing and switch to a chair when they tire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As the class expands, Raths anticipates needing more helpers to maintain a high level of care and inclusivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She encourages the community to make fitness a priority and invest in their health, even when it\u2019s difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe all have days when we don\u2019t feel like doing what\u2019s good for us,\u201d Raths said. \u201cBut working with this group, I often find myself pushing through that resistance. When you see people fighting a disease like Parkinson\u2019s, it\u2019s incredibly inspiring.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n She added, \u201cIf you or someone you know has Parkinson\u2019s, you don\u2019t have to face it alone. There\u2019s a community right here in Tullahoma that\u2019s supportive and encouraging. They share daily struggles and best practices for combating symptoms.\u201d GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" GLOVES HIT punching bags, and their thuds infuse a large gym at FIT Beyond Therapy. The beat of tenacity bounces off the walls. Intensity and focus flow through the room, where Parkinson\u2019s warriors \u2014 many in their 40s to 90s \u2014 push their limits with every punch. To an outsider, it might look like any […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/tullahoma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/04\/DSC08972-1024x683.jpg\")
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