Putting up a fight against Parkinson’s

Marshalltown Y member credits Rock Steady Boxing for improving mobility

Having Parkinson’s disease can make a person feel like they are aging quickly. Cindy Luebbers decided she would not let Parkinson’s happen to her without a fight.

Luebbers started doing Rock Steady Boxing at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA this past summer and has noticed a remarkable improvement in her balance, strength, movement and confidence.

“I feel more confident in my walking and I don’t worry about falling as much,” Luebbers said.

Her husband, Kent Luebbers, said the Rock Steady Boxing class has been “a savior” for his wife.

“Cindy was walking with a cane in May,” Kent said.

Rock Steady Boxing is a program designed for those with Parkinson’s. Boxing is a portion of the class while it also includes exercises and activities to improve agility, endurance, balance, hand-eye coordination and strength.

Cindy likes the support everyone else in the class has given her as they share their Parkinson’s journey with each other.

“It always helps to know you are not the only one out there in any situation,” she said.

Instructor Angie Eastman said she loves Cindy’s attitude and smile in the class. Eastman said it’s good for the instructors to reward the participants with compliments as they make progress.

“That little bit of morale boost makes a person feel good,” Eastman said.

Both Eastman and Luebbers said they don’t want people to be scared away by the title of Rock Steady Boxing. It is more than just boxing activities, it’s about building better balance, movement and strength as well.

Rock Steady Boxing is held three mornings a week at the Y. For more information visit www.ymca-ywca.org or call 641-752-8658