From staff reports

Senior boxing, anyone?

The Inn on Westport this week is opening Rock Steady Boxing studio inside its Sioux Falls center at 4000 S. Westport Ave.

RSB is a unique exercise program used by boxing pros and adapted for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.

Inn on Westport created a 770-square-foot studio for the program. It’s the only one in the state and among few in the nation within an assisted living community.

A grand opening will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18.

The Inn on Westport’s RSB program director, Lisa Howard, has spent the past 20 years as director of Active Generations, developing programs in Sioux Falls for older adults.

“The Inn on Westport is thrilled to open the first Rock Steady Boxing gym in the state. Our team of certified Rock Steady Boxing coaches are committed to help individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” she said.

“Boxing by itself is a very intense and unique sport. Every muscle of the body is involved. It forces the body to find new ways to work. Parkinson’s is a degenerative movement disorder that can cause deterioration of motor skills, balance and sensory function; this program is designed to help the body fight back against the symptoms.”

Potential boxers go through an assessment process where coaches learn more about where they are at in their diagnosis. The assessment fee is $50, which includes boxing gloves and hand wraps.

“Our program provides encouragement,” Howard said. “We have a great time together.”

There are four levels to the program, from higher-functioning boxers with mild symptoms to those who use walking devices and may have cognitive impairments.

There are an estimated 3,000 people in South Dakota living with the disease, according to the South Dakota Parkinson’s Association. Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative neurological disease, and while a cure has yet to be found, there are several ways to treat and slow the effects. Recent studies suggest that intense exercise programs may be “neuro-protective,” working to delay the progression of symptoms.

RSB uses the focused movements of boxing to help improve coordination, strength and balance. Workouts are designed for people of all ages and abilities, and can include punching, stretching, jumping and jogging.

The RSB method was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. In 2012, the first training camp was launched to share the method. Today, there are more than 100 affiliates across the United States.