The YMCA of Parkersburg’s Rock Steady Boxing program, designed to assist people dealing with Parkinson’s disease, received a $2,800 grant from the David A. Couch ALS Neuromuscular Disease Fund in November. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The YMCA of Parkersburg’s Rock Steady Boxing program, designed to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease through non-contact, boxing-based exercise, recently received a $2,800 grant from the David A. Couch ALS Neuromuscular Disease Fund.

Administered by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the fund honors Couch, a Parkersburg businessman and former Wood County commissioner who passed away from ALS in 2001. Established by his family, the fund aids individuals in the Mid-Ohio Valley battling neuromuscular diseases.

“One goal of the fund is to keep the money in the community. We are so glad to have started the fund because it has enabled us to do that,” said Jane Couch, wife of the late David Couch. Couch’s daughter, Debbie Amigo added, “Helping people that are here – that’s what we want. We don’t want it to go to some no-name organization where we don’t know where the money is going. Here, we know where it’s going.”

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative movement disorder that can cause the deterioration of motor skills, balance, speech and sensory function. Exercise guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous weekly activity, including 30-minute aerobic sessions three times a week, strength training twice weekly with 10-15 reps for major muscle groups and balance and agility exercises two to three times a week. Stretching is also recommended two to three days per week, with daily stretching being most effective.

The Rock Steady Boxing program incorporates all these suggested guidelines, offering hope and measurable improvements for participants through a specialized non-contact, boxing-based fitness curriculum, according to a release from the PACF.

Led by certified coach Emily Taylor, the program focuses on improving agility, strength, balance and coordination. Participants often report enhanced mobility, reduced tremors and an overall better quality of life.

Classes are held in the YMCA’s Blue Room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays in seven-week sessions, and new participants or volunteers are welcome to join at any time.

The program fosters a supportive and empowering community, offering both physical benefits and emotional encouragement for individuals managing Parkinson’s disease, the release said.

More information is available by contacting the YMCA at 304-485-5585.