When Leigh Barwin was 52 years old, he could feel something wasnB次元官网网址檛 right in his body, he just couldnB次元官网网址檛 put his finger on it.
It started with his loss of smell roughly 30 years ago, followed by a frozen shoulder for some time that he attributed to a sports injury. Barwin also began to walk more slowly and his arms lost their natural rhythm and just hung by his side.
In May 2015, the View Royal resident was diagnosed with early onset ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease. ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. There is no cure.
B次元官网网址淚 knew something was happening, I just wasnB次元官网网址檛 sure what it was,B次元官网网址� Barwin said.
In order to slow the progress of the disorder, Barwin was faced with the choice of taking a cocktail of medications or changing his diet and exercising. He chose the latter.
ThatB次元官网网址檚 when he found out about Rock Steady Boxing, a program led by former national boxing champion Jason Heit, for people with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚. Heit partnered with the Parkinson Wellness Project to bring the program to Island MMA in Victoria. Now after about a year of success downtown, the program is expanding to the West Shore and will be offered at Club Phoenix on Langford Parkway, starting this week.
As part of the program B次元官网网址� which is the first of its kind on the West Shore B次元官网网址� participants throw on a pair of boxing gloves and head into the ring for a number of non-contact activities.
And itB次元官网网址檚 making a difference for those living with the disease.
B次元官网网址淭he big thing is really getting the brain and the body to work together. I think thatB次元官网网址檚 why thereB次元官网网址檚 been such a benefit for people with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 disease to box,B次元官网网址� Heit said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of technique going on, thereB次元官网网址檚 a lot to calculate, thereB次元官网网址檚 a lot of strict form. The physical activity combined with the amount of thinking involving in boxing and the co-ordination is good for their development.B次元官网网址�
In the last year that Barwin has participated in the program, he has seen a change in his physical abilities. HeB次元官网网址檚 able to walk, run, drive and skip rope B次元官网网址� something he was unable to do since the diagnosis and has now mastered. Memorizing the moves also keeps his brain active.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 helped with my balance, itB次元官网网址檚 helped with my energy, itB次元官网网址檚 helped with my strength. ThereB次元官网网址檚 a good social element as well,B次元官网网址� said Barwin, adding the program has helped him emotionally and spiritually as well.
According to the Parkinson Wellness Project, there are roughly 1,600 people living with the disease in lower Vancouver Island, but that number could be higher because many do not come forward or are not properly diagnosed.
Rock Steady Boxing starts on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Club Phoenix and runs for six weeks, with programs continuing in the new year. There are also classes at Centurion Kickboxing in Sidney on Fridays. For more information visit .
Like us on and follow us on
