RSB – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)?
A: Rock Steady Boxing is a one-of-a-kind, Indianapolis-based nonprofit gym founded in 2006 to provide a uniquely effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson’s. Though it may seem surprising, this non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness routine is proving to dramatically improve the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. Rock Steady Boxing and the information on this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, on this website is for general informational purposes only. You are encouraged to discuss any information found on this website with your physician.
Q: Who started RSB?
A: The foundational roots for what would eventually become Rock Steady Boxing began with a friendship between two Indianapolis men, Scott C. Newman and Vincent I. Perez. During his second term as the elected county prosecutor for Marion County (Indianapolis), Newman was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s at the age of 40. Perez, a former Golden Gloves boxer, began one-on-one boxing training with Newman. Through private donations and the use of a portion of a corporate gym, RSB began offering boxing training program to anyone with Parkinson’s. In 2011, RSB was able to open an independent gym through an Impact 100 Greater Indianapolis grant and a partnership with a locally owned fitness facility. (Please read Our Founders/History section for more information.)
Q: Is RSB limited to physical training? Does it offer other types of support for people with Parkinson’s?
A: On the 2nd Wednesday of each month, RSB Board member Leo Rafail, BSW, is at the gym from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. to provide support to Rock Steady Boxers, as well as their caregivers, family and friends. No appointment is needed. Parkinson’s, just like other illnesses, affects the entire family and Leo is available for anyone who has questions or just needs to talk. He has more than 15 years experience in the field of Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.
Leo is a social worker for Indiana University Medical Center and home to the Indiana Parkinson’s Center for Care. Through an interdisciplinary health care team, the Center provides comprehensive services for people affected by Parkinson’s disease including medical evaluation and treatment, social service referrals and opportunities to participate in research.
Leo can be reached directly at info@iupdclinic.org or (317) 274-4398.
Q. Does RSB provide any other support types of support or group activities?
A. Rock Steady Boxing is designed to be fun, combining an exercise program within a social atmosphere. Rock Steady Boxers and their caregivers, friends and families foster a culture of optimism by supporting each other in many ways other than in the boxing training. Activities include social events, moral support, fundraising and sharing news on various treatments and support resources.
Q: What types of boxing classes does RSB offer?
A: Training classes include an exercise program that attacks Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points. While focusing on overall fitness, workouts include: ring work, focus mitts, heavy bags, speed bags, double-ended bags, jump rope, core work, calisthenics and circuit weight training. No boxing experience is necessary and people of all ages are invited to participate.
RSB also offers classes to those who do not have Parkinson’s through a “pay as you” go Co-Ed class and an Executive Boxing Class. Class fees are used to support the gym’s operational overhead. Please see our current class schedule posted on this website.
Q. Why boxing training instead of more traditional exercises, such as physical therapy or just going to exercise classes at a fitness center?
A: Various studies in the 1980’s and 1990‘s support that rigorous exercise, emphasizing gross motor movement, balance, core strength, rhythm, and hand-eye coordination can favorably impact range of motion, flexibility, posture, gait, and activities of daily living. More recent studies, most notably at Cleveland Clinic, focus on the concept of intense “forced” exercise, and suggest that certain types of exercise are neuro-protective, which means that it is a type of exercise that may actually slow disease progression. The boxing regime at Rock Steady provides a framework which fits the mold for neuro-protection. Boxing requires a combination of endurance, strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility, durability, hand-eye coordination and the ability to react appropriately to strategic situations. Boxing improves balance and stability by forcing movements in all planes of motion. The rapid movements involved in jumping and punching increases over-all muscle fire ability.
Q. Is there medical evidence that shows exercise can help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms?
A: Yes. The value of exercise has been corroborated in several studies, including some at Lakehead University in Ontario and University of Utah in Salt Lake City. According to a Cleveland Clinic study, aerobic fitness can be improved in Parkinson’s patients following forced and/or voluntary exercise. Studies are showing that exercise induces brain repair and accompanying behavioral recovery. (References to any studies on this website are for informational purposes only and do not imply a specific endorsement of RSB by the researchers.) Some suggest that continuous, intensive training may confer neuro-protection, and subsequently slow, stop, or reverse the progression of Parkinson’s or promote neuro-restoration.
Because of the promising results seen through RSB, the organization has been selected to be a part of research to document the impact of boxing and rigorous exercise on the progression of Parkinson’s. RSB has also drawn the attention of local university researchers, who are now in the process of quantifying and evaluating the results in the people who have continued with RSB.
Before beginning any type of exercise program including RSB, those with Parkinson’s are encouraged to consult with their physician.
Q. What are the qualifications of the RSB Trainers?
A: All lead instructors are licensed as Certified Personal Trainers by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. They are also certified, as are many of the volunteers, in first aid, CPR and the use of the automatic electronic defibrillator (AED).
Q: Can I visit an RSB class before deciding if I want to participate?
A: Most definitely! You and your friends and family members are welcome to visit any of our regular classes at any time to observe. Because there is so much structured activity going on during classes, it is helpful if you call first so we can be prepared for your visit. Contact the RSB office at
Q. Is Rock Steady Boxing offered in other parts of the country?
A: At this time the program is only offered at one Indianapolis location and is reaching people primarily across Central Indiana. However, because of requests from those in other parts of the country for information about the program, there is interest in reaching an organizational level in which replication of the training model and methodology will be possible.
Q. When and where are the RSB classes held?
A. Currently, all RSB classes are held on the premises of Peak Performance Fitness Center, located at 62nd Street and Binford Boulevard in the Hawthorne Plaza in Indianapolis. Rock Steady has a dedicated portion of the Peak Performance facility for RSB use only. Each class is approximately 90 minutes in length, including stretching and warm-up. Please see our current schedule posted on this website.
Q. Am I required to attend every class once I get started?
A. To receive the maximum benefit we suggest that boxers attend at least 3-4 training sessions each week, but there is no minimal attendance requirements. We realize that personal schedules may require you to occasionally miss a class. However, continuity in training is important. If you miss a class, we encourage you to exercise at home or at an off-site fitness facility.
Q. Can anyone with Parkinson’s participate…no matter what their age or condition?
A: Nearly everyone with Parkinson’s disease can participate and receive benefit from Rock Steady Boxing. An intake evaluation process is conducted prior to the first class to determine the recommended class level. Some participants will require a caregiver partner to assist in each session. To facilitate maximum benefit we offer three levels of classes. Individuals of all ages are benefiting from RSB’s program. We strongly encourage you to also discuss RSB participation with your physician prior to your first workout.
Q: What should I wear to the classes?
A. We recommend that you wear comfortable gym clothes including shorts or pants, tee shirts, sweats, or yoga clothes, and comfortable athletic shoes. Street clothes and shoes are not recommended. Boxing equipment is available for free use while at the gym. Rock Steady also sells boxing gear and Rock Steady apparel at the gym.
Q. Is there a charge to attend RSB classes?
A: RSB is a non-profit organization largely supported by grants, private donations and fundraising events. There is a small, discounted fee of $25 per month for Rock Steady Boxers that allows for unlimited RSB classes and unlimited use of the Peak Performance Fitness Center during its normal hours of operation. Caregivers assisting Rock Steady Boxers with classes are not required to hold a Peak Performance membership. There are no additional “new member” or “registration fees” that you often find at corporate fitness facilities. If you cannot afford the cost of Rock Steady Boxing, please contact us and a scholarship may be available.
Q. Do I need a physician’s recommendation to attend RSB?
We do not require participants to have a physician’s recommendation, however some physicians do make referrals to our program. We recommend that Rock Steady Boxers always discuss any form of exercise they are doing inside and outside of RSB with their physicians as part of their overall wellness plan. RSB does request that individuals with cardiac problems clear their participation with their doctors to make sure that they can participate in activities requiring rigorous exercise.
If you have additional questions, please contact the RSB gym at 317-205-9198.
