(Caption: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s Rock Steady Boxing class poses for a recent photo with certified coaches in Allentown. Photo by: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation)<\/p>\n
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 6, 2026) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>This year marks a decade since Good Shepherd Rehabilitation first entered the ring and brought the\u00a0Rock Steady Boxing<\/strong>\u00a0program to the Lehigh Valley.<\/p>\n In 2016, Good Shepherd became the first organization in the area to offer the high-energy, non-contact exercise program for people with Parkinson\u2019s disease, which is led by certified coaches.<\/p>\n The program helps people like\u00a0Patricia \u201cPatty\u201d Wargo<\/strong>, a Rock Steady Boxing participant for 10 years. At one point in her life, Patty stepped away from attending classes due to injuries and immediately noticed a difference. She physically and mentally missed the class until she successfully returned to the program.<\/p>\n \u201cI could see a real difference when I came back in needing to be here,\u201d Patty said.<\/p>\n Slowing Parkinson\u2019s Progression<\/p>\n Rock Steady Boxing classes use speed\/heavy bags, jump ropes, gloves and focus mitts. No boxing experience is necessary. Good Shepherd invites people of all ages and varying degrees of Parkinson\u2019s\/fitness levels to participate.<\/p>\n Rock Steady Boxing classes have proven that anyone, at any level of\u00a0Parkinson\u2019s<\/a><\/u>, can lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier and happier life. The exaggerated movements help members better manage their physical symptoms.<\/p>\n \u201cThe literature has shown that the more exercise you do, the higher intensity you do it at and the more frequent you do it has been proven to be the most neuroprotective and best for combatting Parkinsons disease,\u201d said Good Shepherd physical therapist\u00a0Nicole Weaknecht Jones<\/strong>, PT, DPT, a Rock Steady Boxing coach. \u201cSo, join as early and as quick as you can.\u201d<\/p>\n Every Journey Is Different<\/p>\n Recognizing every participant\u2019s journey with Parkinson\u2019s disease is different, Jones split the program into two different levels to meet participants at their abilities. Today, Good Shepherd offers a slower paced class and a faster, higher-intensity class.<\/p>\n The program at Good Shepherd evolved in more ways than one. Physical therapy assistant\u00a0Dori Billowitch<\/strong>, PTA, is Good Shepherd\u2019s certified Head Coach of Rock Steady Boxing and has witnessed the growth firsthand. From adding new equipment to welcoming more participants through the doors each week, with every addition, the community has grown stronger.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will push you hard,\u201d Billowitch said. \u201cYou are going to work hard, but that is the name of the game. Movement is exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n Call\u00a0610-310-4528<\/u>\u00a0or visit the\u00a0Rock Steady Boxing page<\/a><\/u>\u00a0to learn more about Good Shepherd\u2019s Rock Steady Boxing program.<\/p>\n Video:<\/strong>\u00a0https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/1jKHt6yxoks?si=GCpvLhK30KdFVf7X<\/a><\/p>\n Information provided to TVL by: (Caption: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s Rock Steady Boxing class poses for a recent photo with certified coaches in Allentown. Photo by: Good Shepherd Rehabilitation) ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 6, 2026) \u2014\u00a0This year … Continue reading 10 Years of Punching Parkinson’s<\/span>
\nMike Walbert<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"