Kickboxing to fight Parkinson's
LOS ANGELES, CA - If you think you are too old to try something new then think again! This group of seniors is taking kickboxing by storm.
They’re learning to punch, jab and kick butt all while helping their minds too. Kickboxing is now being used to fight dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson’s disease.
“The patterning, the coordination involved in applying what they hear into actual body movement is what is really beneficial for them.”
What makes their moves even more impressive is their age.
“I’ll be 90 in February.”
“I’m going to be 92 next month.”
Learning how to throw a jab, cross, hook, uppercut and kick has helped 86-year old Mary Koenigshof balance.
“And that’s what I need a lot of work in is balance, so I don’t fall.”
For this group of young at hearts, this class does burn calories too.
“And this way I can eat lots of dessert too.”
More than 60 years their junior, fitness instructor Patrick Spencer, says that this class is a hit.
“It’s really really rewarding, every time they make an improvement here it’s a measurable increase in their quality of life.”
The benefits abound, and there is nothing like seeing results to help put a little kick in their step.