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What is 75 Hard challenge? What to know about workout, diet program - USA TODAY

In the last few years, the health-meets-travel trend has reached new heights, in no small part thanks to gyms themselves. In 2019 the luxury fitness-club empire Equinox opened its first hotel in New York City. Now, everyone's taking their exercise routines with them wherever they go. Before the pandemic, my clientele was local, says Luke Goulden, a London-based personal trainer who now also coaches clients virtually. They don't want to break routines when they're traveling for work or pleasure. The good news: Hotels are paying attention.

Beyond upgrading their on-site hotel gyms, properties big and small are fusing exercise with travel, often by partnering with big names in fitness. Hilton and Peloton offer in-room bikes at select locations. Westin Hotels & Resorts spins sightseeing into a workout with its RunWestin program where, in Vancouver, group runs tour landmarks like the seawall and Stanley Park (all levels welcome), while its partnership with the Abbott World Marathon Majors helps guests train for marathons in Boston, New York, and elsewhere. At Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles, a Rest & Recovery Suite comes with Forme smart fitness mirrors for strength training and Hyperice gadgets like massage guns to relieve sore muscles. Just remember to pack your sneakers.

The gym at Pillar Wellbeing, Raffles London at The OWO, led by celebrity trainer Harry Jameson, offers custom exercise programs, a 20-meter pool, a movement studio, top-notch physical therapists, and more. The hotel's Lifestyle Suites come with their own gym and a virtual PT, and are specially set up for in-room massages. Book a suite and get access to Virgin Active, Tanjong Pagar, Sofitel Singapore City Centre which houses the city's only high-altitude studio, where you can train in a simulated high-elevation, low-oxygen environment for improved performance. For wellness at sea level, take an antigravity yoga class, or slip into a regenerative sleep pod.

Dedicated wellness suites at Hotel Esencia, Quintana Roo, Mexico, each have a steam room and a private gym stocked with fitness gadgets upon request, including a Peloton bike, TRX suspension training equipment, a Technogym treadmill and weight set, a Lululemon Studio (the smart mirrorslashvirtual trainer), and no-tech yoga mats. At Montage Kapalua Bay, Hawaii, the gym's la carte menu delivers workout equipment to guest rooms, from standard fare like free weights and resistance bands to Bosu balls and spin bikes (guest's choice: Peloton or Technogym). Recovery is covered by Hypervolt massage devices and Vyper vibrating foam rollers.

This article appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Cond Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.

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Hotel Gyms Are Getting Better and Better | Cond Nast Traveler - Cond Nast Traveler

Workout programs key to balancing lives of cardiac patients  Oakland Press

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Workout programs key to balancing lives of cardiac patients - Oakland Press

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While any way you move your body is better than no movement at all, it can be a difficult feat to find a workout or workout program that works specifically for you and your fitness goals.

Personally, Ive been there, and while Im not looking to crash diet or lose a certain number of pounds, I feel at ease when (1) theres consistency in my routine, (2) the workout isnt too intense and (3) I feel good both during and after movin and groovin.

Though Ive been using the Pvolve platform for less than a month (so far), it has already changed the way I work out for the better. It makes me excited to workout, excited to tone my body and excited to improve.

Not to mention, Pvolve is the fitness platform Jennifer Aniston swears by, in large part because she has previously felt burnt out and broke her body with intense cardio (in fact, the actress says shes in better shape than [she] was in her twenties, per a Page Six feature.

Impressively, Pvolve offers a holistic, individualized approach that differs from competing workout plans.

As a former dancer and lover of anything cardio, HIIT and pilates, Ive always been focused on mobility-focused workouts and ones where I would tone, maybe do some lightweight training and see results over time. For my preference, Ive never been into nonstop 40-minute workouts where I would end up exhausted, fatigued and sore the next day.

Ive been using Pvolve for one year now, though Ive really been consistent with the platform for about four months.

Pvolve is an online fitness program which also has an in-person studio in NYC that combines low-impact, functional movement and specially designed fitness equipment to effectively tone, sculpt and strengthen.

Unlike so much of our competition, we really prioritize the bodys function alongside the physical results you might see, Rachel Katzman, founder at Pvolve, told the New York Post. Our workout method is designed with the female body in mind, and that means we can truly support them at all stages of their life because womens bodies are constantly changing and in need of different things.

If youre looking for a more lifted booty, more sculpted arms and more defined abs, Pvolve is the picture-perfect platform for you. How it works? Once on the platform, you can select plans or take classes independently.

Pvolve is on a mission to change the conversation around fitness. For so long, women have been taught a pain equals gain mentality, and that looking good comes at the expense of feeling good. I started Pvolve to help teach women at all stages of their life that this isnt the case, and that they can get the physical results theyve dreamed of and feel good too.

The fitness classes go hand in hand with the equipment, and Pvolve offers several lacarte options and bundles. Ive been using the Essentials Kit and adore all of what it comes with.

The Pvolve Signature Bundle includes the P.ballto help sculpt your thighs, glutes and core (its a combined ball and heavy resistance band). The P.bandhelps tone your arms, back and shoulder muscles in every direction.

Also included is the Precision Matto help ensure good form, based on its allotted for angles and foot placement. And, of course, the included Membershipallows you to enjoy one month of free streaming classes. Access includes:

Pvolve offers a monthly or annual membership, with the annual pricing being the best option which comes out to $8 monthly. Its curated equipment kits come with a three-month digital membership as well.

All memberships include access to our robust on-demand library, live classes powered via Zoom and a free consultation with a trainer, Katzman adds. We also have memberships at our studios, where members have unlimited hybrid access to the Pvolve Method. This includes unlimited classes at the studio level, access to the brands on-demand library and live virtual classes and first access for studio events and launches.

For a program thatll redefine the way you work out, I believe this is a fair price. Its like having a personal trainer with you every step of the way, as every online workout is guided and uses the equipment in a way that will work best for you.

I could go on for hours about the benefits of Pvolve, but boiled down the fitness platform to a few main points.

The bread and butter of what makes the brand unique is its versatile fitness class options: strength & sculpt, cardio burn, progressive weight training and recover & stretch:

Additionally, Pvolve offers a category of programs called Movement Therapy, which are tailored to physiology, age and goals. They include the brands womens health-focused workouts and target specific needs like back strengthening and hip release to feel good.

Unique to Pvolve, the brand has a woman-leaning focus which is super important to me. Since Ive never had a personal trainer, something Ive always been curious about is how to work out effectively during my time of the month (TMI, but its a question we all inevitably have at some point).

Whats more, Pvolve has developed programs to support all these stages from the pelvic floor, endometriosis, menstrual cycle, fertility treatment, pre-and post-natal and menopause. Additionally, we have programs that can help with certain pain points someone may experience, like back, hip, ankle, wrist pain and more, she adds.

Sure, you can pick up a pair of dumbbells and resistance bands on Amazon but Pvolves equipment specifically, its Signature Bundle, is unmatched when paired with the brands mission-minded classes.

Like our methodology, our equipment is also purposefully created to give women the results theyve always been after, Katzman notes. We have three pieces of patented equipment, our P.ball, P.band and P.3 Trainer, that are unlike anything that youve ever seen in the market. They are all designed with such precision to activate muscles (both the major ones and the smaller), supporting muscles that other pieces of equipment and workouts dont engage.

My first experience with Pvolve to steer me into my membership was a 45-minute personal training session with Maeve McEwen at Pvolve. Not only were all the movements strength and mobility-focused but she corrected my form during our lower-body workout and explained to me how workouts focusing on the human form are beneficial for the array of Pvolve offerings.

While I didnt have my Signature Bundle at the time of this session, I noticed a huge difference when my kit came in the mail and I started taking online fitness classes. All of the pieces are made of great quality and I felt them toning and strengthening my body throughout the class!

As for my favorite classes, I thoroughly have been enjoying the Standing Full Body Sculpt, Full Body Mobility and Hip & Lower Back Opener (the latter being especially beneficial to my dancers hip which, if not taken into account, can lead to injury. The fact that Pvolve has classes catered to specific biological and personal needs is extraordinary.

Im also a big fan of Pvolves Progressive Weight Training catalog. Ive been taking both the upper and lower body workouts regularly as it adds a bit more elevation to day-to-day sculpting.

Since my one-on-one class with McEwan, Ive also enjoyed the 27-Minute Standing Full Body Sculpt with Kimmie Prokurat. Her philosophy of integrating small, intentional movements seems to speak volumes about the overarching mission of Pvolve, which I noticed was a core value from class to class, instructor to instructor.

Surprisingly, the movements of Pvolve dont seem like much at face value (compared to other platforms like Alo Moves and ob Fitness, where you may find more traditional movements, like push-ups and squats). However, you will sweat with Pvolve. Even better, youll feel good.

Whats wonderful about Pvolve especially as someone whos always wondering if my form is correct is how much each instructor values proper form. Many times, Ive noticed instructors turning to the side, which allowed me to see exactly where the feet and arms were placed, and how to cater my body movement to mimic the proper move.

While Pvolve didnt focus as much on stretching as I would have liked compared to other online fitness platforms Ive used this wasnt a dealbreaker for me. I typically opt to stretch before an online workout anyway, but I wasnt expecting to, quite literally, hop right into the exercise.

Interestingly enough, its classes are simple to integrate into your schedule even if its busy. At 10:30 a.m. on Christmas morning, I did a 13-Minute Mat Upper Body Stretch with Celestine Atalie (after a not-so-good nights rest after Christmas Eve) and it was exactly what my body needed.

Overall, Pvolve is my current favorite fitness platform of choice. For transparency, I have tried others, but none is more intentional and effective than Pvolve. Not to mention, the movements seem small but theyre nothing short of intentional. In other words youll feel good.

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The 8 Best Treadmills, Chosen By Our Fitness And Gear Experts  Forbes

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The 8 Best Treadmills, Chosen By Our Fitness And Gear Experts - Forbes

New Years resolutions to get and stay healthy? Use these 5 expert tips to help in 2024  Charlotte Observer

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New Years resolutions to get and stay healthy? Use these 5 expert tips to help in 2024 - Charlotte Observer

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These days, were all about staying at home and doing things on our own terms (especially after the height of COVID in 2020). And, fitness programs have been on our radar ever since.

Turning on your smart TV, grabbing a yoga mat and trying one of the thousands of virtual workout programs from your bedroom has become a regular habit for me for almost four years now. (Related: Pvolve review)

Enter ob Fitness the premium digital fitness platform with a focus on bringing entertainment, pop culture and design to fitness, Ashley Mills and Mark Mullett, co-founders and co-CEOs, told the New York Post.

I had the pleasure of using ob Fitness for years now and have been implementing new classes into my schedule at least three times a week. From movin and groovin with Dua Lipas discography in dance cardio classes to bopping to The Weeknds great beats in strength classes, I couldnt have asked for a better way to start my mornings or unwind after work.

The platform truly is one that works for everyone.

We call it fitness and enter-TRAIN-ment, Spencer Jones, an ob dance, sculpt and bounce instructor, told The Post. It has anything you can think of: boxing, sculpt, yoga, HIIT, weight-lifting, power classes, breathing, stretching and more. I cant imagine someone saying we dont have something that works for them.

With ob, youll have access to 22 live classes daily, and more than 6,000 on-demand classes to choose from if your schedule is jam-packed and you really want to squeeze yoga in. There are well-trained instructors, many of whom worked on Broadway and were part of the Rockettes, and an encouraging community otherwise known as the ob Fam.

Were live seven days a week, which is amazing, Jones said. If you cant catch the live classes, they have thousands of on-demand classes they record from live sessions and put in the vault.

Most importantly, ob is all about feeling good, trying a new routine and having fun.

Its a platform without the main focus of losing weight. Sure, you may look better from taking classes often, but showing up for yourself doing something good for yourself thats healthy is most important. And, ob focuses on that.

With ob, simply choose from the four class categories cardio, strength training, yoga and activate/recover and then select from 15 different class types that range from five to 60 minutes. Its customizable and catered to your fitness level and preferences.

For level-up members, theyll combine instructors to have a dance and HIIT workout instead of only one form, Jones adds. They also have weekly challenges. This summer, they had a Hard AF challenge.

Not to mention, the platform has personalized programs for kids, seniors, prenatal and pregnant women and even meditation and breathing.

Classes include barre, bounce, cardio boxing, dance, dance HIIT, foam roll, HIIT, pilates, power, sculpt, strength, stretch, yoga sculpt, vinyasa yoga and restorative yoga.

Not only can you filter your workout by class but also by fitness level (beginner, open level, advanced, prenatal, postnatal), class length, body focus (full-body, upper body, lower body, core), impact (low, high, none), instructor and equipment (if any).

Ob offers a monthly, quarterly. or annual subscription, Mills and Mullett told The Post. A monthly subscription is $27 per month, a quarterly subscription is $65 and an annual subscription is $199 per year.

Heres an overview of each ob Fitness membership option:

Yes, it truly is worth every penny.

Think of it this way: if your local gym charges $10 monthly, you can get your hands on a whole suite of personalized fitness classes and programs for a little bit more.

Heres why I think its worth your money. As someone with years of dance classes and recitals under my belt, Ive missed performing ever since I graduated college. Ive been on a wild goose chase trying to find the perfect dance class, but the only two options were a local barre class thats super expensive or online dance cardio workouts.

For a while, those YouTube online dance cardio workouts were great. I had my fitness fix, moved my body and felt great. But, I was missing the community aspect of dance: the people, the personalized encouragement and the variation of moves to try if certain ones are too advanced.

Thats why ob Fitness is truly worth it. Even if the instructors didnt say, Come on, Victoria from New Jersey!, the contagious energy, in-person class feel and customized approach to looking at the weeks class schedule is all worth it.

You dont have to dance to come to my class. I always say, Can you go to your bathroom, put on Britney Spears Gimme More and vibe to it? If you can do that, you can come to my class. Theres no judgment; we just have fun and move our bodies.

The golden question: how did I like the classes? I tried as many different live classes as possible, including a weekend dance cardio class with Spencer (one of my faves), a strength training class with Dorian (one that pushed me to the max) and an upper body power class with Kat E. (teaching me that consistency with reps is key).

Regardless of class type or instructor, Ive always felt rejuvenated to wake up at 5:00 yes, that early to tune into a live class. And, with a paired app to stream directly to your smart TV, you can enjoy the platform virtually anytime, anywhere. Its compatible with iPhone and Android, too.

Lets revert to the convenience factor once more. As soon as I log off of work at 5:00, it feels so nice to hop off my desk chair, roll out my mat and move my body to a pilates flow. While in-person classes are great for some people, youre still achieving that customizable, encouraging atmosphere straight from the ob platform.

I cant speak more highly about ob Fitness. Consistency is an aspect many of us myself included struggle with, and its beyond easy to achieve a personalized plan that works for you. Plus, with obs Strive for Five goal, youre even more motivated to add five classes weekly to your schedule.

Ob recommends five classes per week: three strength and two cardio-based workouts, Mills and Mullet said. The secret is just to show up and do your best!

Additionally, you dont need to have a pile of equipment and gear to make the most of some of the classes. While I have two sets of dumbbells, a yoga mat and a pack of resistance bands at home, the instructors will provide variations to each move that requires equipment.

The fitness motivation is unmatched, too. While Im pretty disciplined and tend to follow my to-do lists and jot-it-down planner, it sometimes becomes difficult to pencil in physical activity. But, especially with obs schedule where you can see whos teaching what class on what day, its never been more streamlined.

Even better, the classes are extremely engaging. In a 28-minute strength class with instructor David P., I appreciated how there was ample focus on both stretching and good form. He also has a penchant for inspiring he shared motivational words and stories during the class to make me feel encouraged throughout.

Additionally, I cant forego a mention of the 28-minute dance cardio class I took with instructor Spencer J. (side note: if you want the energy, his classes are the place to be!) As someone who formerly attended dance classes, I love the combination of going across the mat similar to going across the floor in ballet or jazz class infused with steps like squats and punches.

Another pro? Nobody can see you. No more having to worry about tiny Zoom screens (that was so 2020, anyway). You can roll out of bed in your PJs and bring your cat, too, Jones said. Nobody sees you.

But, even though you dont have to worry about impressing someone at the gym, my workouts are more put-together when Im wearing a matching set. Ive been loving sporting some pieces from Girlfriend Collective, lululemon and Abercrombies active line, YPB.

After all, ob is all about feeling your best!

I am so excited to continue using ob Fitness and trying even more of its live and on-demand classes. I feel stronger, more confident and more energized to get moving. Thats what fitness is all about, right?

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ob Fitness review: How it changed my home workouts - New York Post

The Best At-Home Workout Apps, From Jennifer Aniston-Backed Pvolve to Chris Hemsworths Centr and More  Hollywood Reporter

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The Best At-Home Workout Apps, From Jennifer Aniston-Backed Pvolve to Chris Hemsworths Centr and More - Hollywood Reporter

Adult Fitness Programs

Baby Barre

Explore rhythm and body movement to music with your baby. Parents will participate in 6 choreographed barre based sessions focusing on breathing, strength and flexibility. Parents will participate in 6 choreographed barre based sessions focusing on breathing, strength and flexibility. Babies will enjoy following along with songs and movements snuggled close to their parent in their carrier.

*Front carriers recommended. Baby must be carried in the carrier during the class unless otherwise instructed.

Date: Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024 - Feb 27, 2024

Time: 11:15 AM Noon

Fee: $34.99

Register online

Are you a busy mom who is short on time but still looking to achieve your fitness goals? If you want to up your fitness game, push yourself out of your comfort zone and have fun, then HIIT Moms is for you!

*Previous workout experience is recommended.

Date: Tuesday & Thursday, Feb 6, 2024 - Feb 29, 2024

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

Fee: $79.99

Through yoga postures, guided relaxation and breath awareness, you will prepare the body and the mind for birth, and at the same time lighten the discomfort and stress associated with pregnancy.

*Beginners are welcome. This class is for individuals who are pregnant

Date: Monday, Jan 8, 2024 - Feb 12, 20247

Time: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

How is your strength and balance? Are you tight, stiff? Sore back, weak abs? Hows your mood and stress levels? This class will boost your energy and confidence and prepare you for good health. Lets all get back on track beginning with this class. The first half of this class will take place on the indoor track.

Free with membership, registration is required.

Date: Friday, Jan 5, 2024 - Jan 26, 2024

Code: #31457

Designed for those who are experiencing joint pain, stability or balance challenges and/or require continuation on post-rehabilitation. During the first half of this class participants will perform exercises in the leisure pool. Class will finish in the relaxation (warm) pool.

Date: Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 - Jan 30, 2024

This respiratory maintenance exercise program is designed for people who have completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. It is ideal for anyone with chronic lung disease such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or asthma.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 10, 2024 - Jan 31, 2024

Restorative yoga is a floor based program of gentle poses, held for longer times, to allow for deeper relaxation. Props such as pillows, blocks and blankets are often used to help the body release built up tension from our busy lives.

Yoga mats are available however you are encouraged to bring your own mat.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024 - Feb 28, 2024

Code: #32016

Does the New Year create unwanted stress for you in your life?

Do you often find yourself searching for the latest fad diet that leaves you feeling defeated as it is often something that you cannot sustain?

Why not start the year off with a positive outlook on living a healthier lifestyle that doesn't emphasize weight loss as the primary goal. Join Lindsay and Robert as they guide you through a positive approach to nutrition and wellness and make changes to your health that will leave you feeling that you can be successful beyond the New Year.

What's included in this 6 week program;

Date: Jan 16, 2024 - Feb 22, 2024

The Bollywood workout is a kid-friendly, safe, effective and fun total body dance workout to improve their coordination skills and develop a better sense of rhythm. Kids cant help but move to the energizing Bollywood, Bhangra and Hip-Hop moves to unleash their inner rockstar!

Date: Monday, Jan 8, 2024 - Feb 12, 2024

Kids yoga classes offer children the opportunity to experience complete, age-appropriate yoga practices that include a variety of stretching and strengthening poses, breathing instruction, and relaxation techniques. Kids yoga classes, which incorporate fun, games, and imagination, are designed as a playful introduction to yoga while keeping children engaged and moving.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 24, 2024 - Feb 28, 2024

Perfect for younger Zumba fans! Kids 6 - 12 years old get the chance to be active and jam out to their favourite music. Classes feature kid friendly routines based on original Zumba choreography. Each class will incorporate key childhood developmental elements like leadership, respect, teamwork, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, coordination, cultural awareness.

Date: Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 - Feb 29, 2024

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Fitness Programs for this Winter - Bradford News - BradfordToday

Rock Steady Boxing sessions focus on boxing drills, strength training and cardio exercises designed to reduce the progression of Parkinson's Disease.

Who are we? Rock Steady Boxers. Why are we here? Fighting Parkinsons!

Thats the rally cry of a group of people who know what its like to live with Parkinsons disease, each cheer getting louder as they raise their fists in the air.

They meet regularly for a program that focuses on boxing drills and other exercises designed to reduce the progression of their disease.

It is also very clear there is far more going on in the gym than exercise: what is quickly evident is the support members offer each other mentally, emotionally and physically as they fight a debilitating disease that has no cure.

The rally cry ends every single hour-long session of Rock Steady Boxing, three days a week, 52 weeks a year. The only class that is cancelled is Christmas Day, says Mario Toffolo, the programs head coach of the classes held at The Club at White Oaks Resort and Spa.

The battle begins when members walk through the door. Each one is greeted warmly, welcomed as a much-loved family member joining the group means becoming part of a community of people who help each other as much as they help themselves.

The program trainers are not just gym employees, they are passionate and committed to fighting with and for their members, boxers, and also some spouses who attend with them, fighting every bit as hard as their partners.

Niagara-on-the-Lake resident Heather Beckman has been helping her husband Henry fight Parkinsons since he was diagnosed 10 years ago.

The couple had been members of a White Oaks exercise program with Toffolo even before that, when they learned about a program in Indianapolis to help those with Parkinsons. It was founded by a young lawyer with early onset Parkinsons, and has been featured on both 60 Minutes and CBC.

There are now 800 such affiliates offering programs around the world, with all trainers both trained and licensed through Rock Steady Boxing.

Heather heard the testimonials from many who found their lives changed by joining the Indianapolis program, and brought that information to Toffolo, who looked into it. Soon he and his wife were in Indianapolis themselves to learn more about it, and returned to ask White Oaks to offer it at their fitness centre, at a special price so that non-members wouldnt have to pay for a membership. White Oaks agreed, and thus it began, the first and only one in Niagara.

What is really important about the program at White Oaks, Heather says, is the commitment Mario and his wife Linda have made to this endeavour. Everyone loves them and so appreciates all they do for us. Unless they are out of town and then they have other trainers take over they are there, no matter the weather, no matter the holiday. They are truly caring and so committed and involved. We are very lucky.

The program has grown to include 34 regulars from across the region, but Toffolo knows there are many more potential boxers in Niagara who could benefit. The only one nearby opened recently in Hamilton, started by a couple who learned about it by participating in Toffolos sessions.

There are about 1,000 people in Niagara Region diagnosed with Parkinsons, Toffolo says. His goal is to reach many more of them and to see the program grow across Niagara.

The testimonials from those interviewed on the CBC documentary are no different than what you hear at White Oaks, says Heather.

Her husband Henry is now 90, and doesnt miss a class. She attends to support him, and also does some boxing herself.

While a hand tremor is often the first sign of Parkinsons disease, the symptoms can be very different for each individual, unbelievably different, explains Toffolo, and can go for years undiagnosed, which means they arent getting the help they could.

And a lot of people are in denial. They dont want to know, and they dont want to talk about it.

Once diagnosed, many say they had seen the signs, but just thought it was due to aging.

Parkinsons is a neurodegenerative disease with no cure, caused by a lack of dopamine, explains Toffolo, and as it progresses, it can rob people of coordination, balance and strength.

Research has shown Rock Steady Boxing can slow down the progression of the disease, as Henry firmly believes it has for him.

Like the disease itself, everyone in the class will see individual results. It can reduce symptoms for some, their tremors disappear. Boxers in Toffolos sessions speak of feeling stronger, and with improved balance are less likely to fall. And its typical to develop a confidence in themselves to do what they thought they couldnt.

Rock Steady Boxing improves their quality of life, he says, and not only because of the boxing, but because of the support they feel from everyone around them.

The exercise plan we have here with Rock Steady Boxing is a life-saver, says Henry. I truly believe that.

And if we hadnt been living here in Niagara and working out at White Oaks, with our connection to Mario, Henry wouldnt be here today. Hed be in Upper Canada Lodge or some other such location like it, says Heather.

Henry still shakes a little, but not as much as I would without this, he says of the boxing program. There is no cure, so what is the alternative? Its not magic. You have to work at it.

He wont miss a class. Parkinsons doesnt take a rest, so neither do we, a refrain heard throughout the class.

During COVID, some members continued their workouts online, says Toffolo, helping to maintain their fitness levels, but those who didnt went down hill quickly.

Many people in the class say they come regularly, three days a week, and wont miss one. When they travel, they seek out a gym to continue to exercise, as Heather and Henry do.

Im committed to exercise, Henry says. I like to follow the routine. Even at 90, he adds, I find it invigorating, not exhausting.

And, he adds, I feel like I belong here. Its like a second family.

Toffolo, retired from GM, says he has always worked out to stay fit, running marathons and lifting weights. Now his workouts are with his boxers. These guys keep me young, he says.

Visiting the gym during a session means greeting familiar faces from NOTL, as they work through their exercise programs. The class is divided in half, one group doing flexibility training, the other in the boxing room.

Overseeing one group is Cathy Mills from NOTL, group exercise director at The Club at White Oaks she is one of the trainers, and her husband Rick Mills is a volunteer, helping to put boxers through their paces.

I do this because it takes such bravery, such courage to come here, says Rick. If I am able to be of any help, thats what I want to do.

Oresta Simpson, one of the more recent members, is doing some stretches, and as Toffolo watches, he notices she is able to bend her knees and lower herself considerably farther than when she started. She laughs that its because she has an audience shes chatting with The Local as she stretches.

If you dont exercise, she says you regress.

Since she started Rock Steady Boxing, I feel much more confident, she says.

Her symptoms began with freezing, a situation where she couldnt move her legs. It feels like being cemented to the ground.

She heard about the program through a friend, she says, a psychologist.

This program has been amazing. At one point I couldnt go shopping. I couldnt do anything. I felt awful. Then I was diagnosed with Parkinsons and everything fell into place.

As Toffolo watches her exercise, he says, I can see the difference. I can see her becoming more independent.

Cheryl Smith, 64, comes from Thorold to attend the program she was there the day it started, Oct. 16, 2016.

She had been diagnosed about a year before that. This has helped me big time, she tells The Local.

I see a difference when I dont do it. If you go away you have to find a gym, otherwise you lose it.

She too wont miss a session, and Heather says the benefits for Smith are noticeable. You would never know she has Parkinsons. It seems like she hasnt declined at all.

Smith says she has, a little bit, but she has also been able to reduce her medication, and she attributes that to the boxing.

Peggy Thorne comes from St. Catharines. When she was diagnosed she was told she should keep active. This has been phenomenal, she says. I feel it helps me focus. Its amazing what you thought you couldnt do, and you get here and find out you can. And you have a whole community of people to work with. They help to make you feel good emotionally and physically. I love these people!

Noel Morris, at 62 one of the younger participants, is from NOTL. He was diagnosed recently, and he too has already seen a difference.

You feel better when you learn and through the stretch routine. It also helps clear some of the brain fog that can comes with Parkinsons and that feels good.

As he says that, the boxing group has just finished a group exercise led by Rick Mills, and with each movement they shout out the multiplication table they are making sure they exercise their brain as well.

The price of the program is a monthly fee of $140, about $11 per session. There is a drop-in fee, but it is seldom used Toffolo welcomes those who want to try it out the without charge.

See the rest here:
Boxing, exercise routine improves quality of life for those with Parkinson's - NotlLocal.com

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