December 29, 2023Fighting Parkinson’s Disease One Punch at a Time

Hey, PEFCU fam!  

Alyssa here to share a new PEFCU partnership! One of PEFCU’s main community pillars is Health, so when the opportunity to partner with PunchWorX was presented, I knew we had to support their efforts. PunchWorX is a local to Lakeland non-contact boxing and fitness program that is dedicated to helping those battling Parkinson’s Disease slow down the symptoms.

PunchWorX is an affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit gym founded in 2006 to offer an effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson’s. This non-contact boxing-inspired fitness routine dramatically improves the ability of people with Parkinson’s to live independent lives. The program helps improve quality of life and sense of efficacy and self-worth, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance, and flexibility.  

PunchWorX is an exercise program that attacks Parkinson’s at its vulnerable neurological points. While focusing on overall fitness, strength training, reaction time and balance, workouts include focus mitts, punching bags, jump rope, core work, calisthenics, and circuit weight training. No boxing experience is necessary and people of all genders and ages are invited to participate. PunchWorX has proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can lessen their symptoms and lead a healthier, happier life.  

Lori Phillips, 67, is a member and volunteer of PunchWorX who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 11 years ago. During an interview, Lori mentioned, “If you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s Disease, then you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s Disease. No two people are alike, and everyone’s symptoms and experiences are unique to them.” She goes on to explain how PunchWorX has helped her maintain a daily routine and boosts her energy levels. She also talked about how a common symptom of Parkinson’s is that multi-tasking can become particularly challenging, which is why exercises such as marching in place while waving your arms above your head are so beneficial. Speaking can also be a struggle, so, during class, they are encouraged to be vocal. 

We are so grateful that PunchWorX reached out to PEFCU and invited us to one of their classes to see just what they do to help those with Parkinson’s Disease. Check out our Reel on Instagram. We hope that spreading awareness about PunchWorX will not only encourage others to help support the organization, but also reach others who could benefit from a program that instills routine, improves quality of life, and builds friendships.

If you have any questions about to PunchWorX or would like to make a monetary contribution, please visit the PunchWorX website  or send an email to [email protected]. 

Thanks for reading along and for helping us support our communities!  

See you soon, 

Alyssa 😊