Boxing and improved Balance- a winning combination in the fight against Parkinson's

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines Balance as “The ability to use the senses, such as sight and hearing, together with body parts in performing tasks smoothly and accurately.”

For people with Parkinson’s disease balance has a much more simple definition i.e.: the ability and confidence to carry out the daily tasks of living minus the fear of falling. My clients participating in the “Knocking out Parkinson’s’ Program “always point to improved Balance as being the major benefit they gain from regular participation in our boxing program.

Let’s hear from one of my regular clients Gail on the importance of balance and how boxing training helps improve this often neglected part of our Fitness program.

A new Perspective on Balance !!

 Even after 30 years of teaching boxing classes to people from all walks of life this has given me a new perspective on the benefits of boxing training.  I have taken balance for granted.   When typically asked about the physical benefits of boxing I would always site improved Aerobic Fitness, hand eye coordination and muscular endurance to be the major benefits.

 But when you look at the bio-mechanics of correct boxing technique it all starts with the correct balance. The ability to remain stable and punch effectively all relies on a good stable foundation. I was very fortunate to have been taught by a great teacher 1960 Australian Olympic Representative Des Duguid who always emphasized the need for correct balance and footwork

So how does boxing training actually help improve balance

 Footwork

To emphasize the importance of balance and correct footwork s we start with feet together.  I then ask the client to then do a Charlie Chaplin foot placement on their prominent side i.e. right foot for right handers, left for southpaws followed by a turn on the ball of that foot and a backward step.  While Charlie Chaplin may have less relevance for today’s millennials most people, and especially my Parkinson’s Pugilists can still relate to the famous slay-footed comedian of yesteryear.  Further cues can be given to encourage feet to remain in that position so that the back foot is behind and to the side of the front and there is a clear line in between the legs. (NB: This will require regular feedback as it is a unique foot placement not seen in most sports or activities)

Movement –

           Knees bent, upper body nice and relaxed and bobbing and swaying “like a cork in the ocean. “, are visual cues given to encourage balance and total body coordination throughout the movement

           All of these movement require balance and a strong foundation as demonstrated by the following video where I take Kelley Grant from the Virginian Outpatient therapy clinic through stance and the basic jab.

This visual images and cues encourages free flowing movement rather than stiff robotic punches. 

 And as Gail said this in our previous video this combination of correct footwork and concentration makes boxing a very effective way to improve balance.

By emphasizing balance throughout the class you become more aware of the benefits of boxing training and the benefits it can give your clients. This is particularly important for our Parkinson’s clients whose quality of life is greatly enhanced by improved balance.