PARKINSON’S AWARENESS MONTH: How a Boxing Class at ZOOZ Fitness is Empowering Dozens in the Fight Against Parkinson’s
- zoozfitness
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
A few days a week, you’ll find 75-year-old Stan lacing up his gloves at ZOOZ Fitness — punching the heavy bag, pushing the sled, and moving with purpose.
“I love it,” he says with a smile.
Stan is one of dozens of participants in the Rock Steady Boxing program held at ZOOZ four times a week. Designed specifically for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the class combines boxing techniques with movement training to improve balance, strength, and overall quality of life.
“When you have Parkinson’s, you usually struggle with balance,” Stan explains. “This class has helped me regain my strength and balance. Boxing has been terrific — it helps manage the pain that comes with Parkinson’s.”
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine — a chemical essential for smooth, coordinated muscle movement — begin to deteriorate. Symptoms can include tremors, muscle rigidity, slow movement, and balance difficulties.
Stan was diagnosed over a decade ago. Rather than backing down, he and his wife chose to face the challenge head-on.
“We took a positive approach. I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to let this thing knock me down,’” he recalls. “And we already had a lot of experience facing challenges — our son is developmentally disabled.”
It was through his son’s involvement as an athlete at ZOOZ Fitness that Stan first discovered the Rock Steady Boxing class, a class perfectly suited for his needs — a place that welcomed him with open arms.
The Story Behind Rock Steady Boxing
Rock Steady Boxing was founded in 2006 by a man named Scott C. Newman, who noticed that his boxing workouts were helping alleviate his own Parkinson’s symptoms. Since then, it has grown into an international nonprofit, with more than 800 affiliates in every U.S. state and 14 countries — including right here in the San Fernando Valley.
This local chapter is led by Dean Moskowitz, a coach with over 20 years of experience in martial arts and boxing. Dean first discovered the power of Rock Steady Boxing almost by accident.
“A friend asked me to sub in for his class — he said it was a group of seniors,” Dean recalls. “After I taught the class, I found out they all had Parkinson’s. That was the moment the lightbulb went off.”
Dean went on to earn his Rock Steady certification and brought the program to the San Fernando Valley in 2019, where he quickly saw a growing need for specialized support in the Parkinson’s community.
“Before the pandemic, we had about 70 participants over the course of a year,” Dean says.
When COVID hit, the program went virtual, which presented its own challenges — especially for a population that thrives on hands-on movement and community. But Dean adapted, and when gyms reopened, he partnered with Jake Weiner, founder of ZOOZ Fitness, to bring the program to their gym while continuing to offer online classes for those who prefer to stay home.
Why Boxing Helps Parkinson’s
While medication is a critical part of managing Parkinson’s, studies now show that exercise may be equally important — especially when started early and done consistently. Dean believes boxing offers a unique combination of benefits that directly counter the disease’s effects.
“The disease tries to take their strength away, so we fight hard to build it back. Exercise slows the progression,” Dean says. “We focus on balance, core strength, movement on both sides of the body — everything Parkinson’s tries to take from them.”
How Exercise/Boxing Helps with Parkinson’s:
- Neuroprotective Effects
Promotes neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize)
Boosts production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which supports brain cell health and dopamine production
- Motor Function Improvement
Improves balance, gait, mobility, and coordination
Reduces tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement
Supports postural control and reduces fall risk
- Mental & Emotional Well-Being
Reduces depression, anxiety, and fatigue
May slow cognitive decline and enhance focus
- Day-to-Day Living
Increases strength and stamina
Improves sleep, mood, and confidence
Who’s Boxing at ZOOZ?
Today, the Rock Steady Boxing program at ZOOZ is thriving — with in-person classes four days a week and virtual classes twice a week. Around 40 participants are enrolled, including Ron S., Debbie, and Cynthia, who all say the program has changed their lives.
“I started two years ago after my diagnosis — my neurologist actually recommended it,” Ron says. “Being here, surrounded by people going through the same thing, makes a huge difference.”
“I’ve had Parkinson’s for 10 years,” says Debbie. “Boxing keeps me moving, stimulated, and gives me a routine. It’s helped me tremendously.”
“I’ve been coming for about a year and a half,” Cynthia adds. “It’s helped with pain in my legs, my balance, and even my mood. The camaraderie here is so special.”
And the demand keeps growing.
Looking Ahead
While there’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, programs like Rock Steady Boxing offer something equally powerful: hope, strength, and community.
“This is more than a fitness class — it’s a support system,” Stan says. “People who don’t know about it yet are missing out on something special. There’s a revelation waiting for them here.”
As ZOOZ continues to grow, so does its impact — helping people with Parkinson’s fight back, one punch at a time.
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