ITC event a knockout

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This article was published 28/9/2017 (207 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In This Corner Boxing Fitness Centre has been helping people living with Parkinson’s disease to go the distance.

This fall they’re inviting everyone to do the same while raising money to help people living with the disease.

On Dec. 2 the facility at 211-1460 Chevrier Blvd. will host a unique boxing event where the entrants collect pledges to get in the ring. The reason the organizers are telling you now is they are running a two-month training program to help participants, many of whom have likely never boxed before, get ready for the big day.

"We’ve quite often run a six to eight-week week fitness challenge," In this Corner co-owner Maureen Black said. "We have the ring and we have had competitions in boxing before so I thought why not combine those and we can raise some money for a good cause."

Black said her facility has been helping people with Parkinson’s disease for several years. They were first approached by Tim Hague, Sr. the winner of the first Amazing Race Canada, shortly after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Hague heard about an exercise program in the United States that helped people with Parkinson’s and wanted to start something similar here.

The result, the U-Turn Parkinson’s group, has been a hit. Twice a week, people come to the gym for Rock Steady, which is one hour of cardiovascular and strength training, hitting the heavy bag and other elements common to boxing training. Many also participate in a yoga program.

The results have been impressive, coach Joanne Conway said.

"The Rock Steady classes are absolutely amazing. There’s one lady who said her physiotherapist said she’s never seen her muscles look this strong."

Both Black and Conway said anyone who is interested in taking the classes must receive medical clearance before beginning. Assuming that is granted, participants may see some concrete benefits, including being able to return to cherished activities like golf, baking or playing the piano like current members have.

"Predominantly it’s the eye-hand co-ordination," Black said. "And in general, with any kind of illness or disease, or to stay healthy, fitness is the answer really."

Black, who has been involved in boxing for more than 20 years, said the U-Turn Parkinson’s members are sold on the benefits of the program.

"For some people it’s a chore, but people with Parkinson’s they show up 45 minutes early."

People considering joining the fundraiser but who are hesitant about getting in the ring can still take pledges and complete the training, Black said. Some gym members come for the fitness training and never have a match.

Conway did, after deciding to take part in a similar fund raiser at the gym earlier this year.

"It was five weeks of pretty intense fundamentals training — how to box, how to take a hit, how to give a punch," Conway said, while adding the earlier event attracted people of different ages and fitness levels.

Black said she is honoured to hold both the classes and the fundraiser.

"It’s great to help out people who need it to face their challenges. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to do this for them."

Registrations for the training begin Oct. 2, with sessions beginning Oct. 9. For more information, phone 204-453-6560 or email info@inthiscorner.ca.

Read more by Tony Zerucha.