Every week, Brenda Lipson leads a boxing class in London, Ontario, chanting: “Quitting is not an option.”
The students all have Parkinson’s disease and train to maintain strength, balance, and coordination.
Lipson pushes participants to sweat and work hard, knowing the effort can improve their health.
More than 35 students attend the Knock Out Parkinson’s Disease (KOPD) program, a partnership between Neuphysio and Damian Warner Fitness Centre.
The class meets three times per week and focuses on non-contact boxing exercises that target Parkinson’s symptoms.
Lipson reports remarkable improvements in students’ mobility, strength, and confidence since the program began almost three years ago.
She says many patients arrive unsure what exercise they can do and unaware of others with the disease.
Lipson draws motivation from her 44 years of physiotherapy experience and her husband, who has lived with Parkinson’s for 21 years.
She tailors lessons to patients’ unique needs, addressing self-consciousness, balance, and other challenges specific to Parkinson’s.
The program includes 15-minute warm-ups and cool-downs, strength-building, coordination drills, and balance exercises.
Volunteers support participants to maintain safety and adjust movements according to each individual’s ability.
Personal Transformations in the Ring
Georges Menerd, 79, diagnosed four years ago, calls KOPD his “happy place” and often leads chants in class.
He regained independence within months, discarding his cane and walking stick through consistent exercise.
Menerd says he feels strong, healthy, happy, and positive despite the disease’s ongoing progression.
The class provides more than fitness; it fosters camaraderie that improves participants’ emotional wellbeing.
Linda Moore, 71, who has lived with Parkinson’s for 21 years, joined two years ago and cherishes the community.
She says the class helps her stand taller and enhances self-esteem, alongside physical improvements.
Students report that the friendships and shared experience of coping with Parkinson’s motivate them to keep moving.
Evidence and Future Goals
Mairi Greig, KOPD director and Neuphysio physiotherapist, emphasizes the class’s rigor and tangible benefits.
She explains that exercise can influence the progression of Parkinson’s, while medication mainly addresses symptoms.
Parkinson Canada supports the idea that targeted exercise helps patients retain better quality of life longer.
KOPD organizers hope to expand the program to benefit more people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the future.
Greig says the program provides more than treatment—it restores confidence, independence, and hope.
