Hoosier Village to offer Rock Steady Boxing classes
Published in Current – Zionsville
April 15, 2017
Article Written By Mark Ambrogi
When Ellen Schemmel first heard about Rock Steady Boxing’s ability to assist those with Parkinson’s disease like herself, she wasn’t interested. “I thought that was a guy thing,” Schemmel said. “So I never followed up on it.” Eventually she was persuaded to see it in person, so she went along with Hoosier Village Wellness Director Krista Broshears, and she was really impressed. Schemmel began training at Rock Steady Boxing’s main facility more than a year ago. Schemmel, who has lived in Zionsville for 43 years, moved to Hoosier Village, a senior living community, two years ago. Broshears, who became certified to teach the Rock Steady method last summer, will begin holding Rock Steady classes April 24 at Hoosier Village’s Keenan Community Center for residents and non-residents who have Parkinson’s. Broshears held an information session March 28.
Schemmel said she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013 after she turned 70. “I’m four years older, but I feel better now than I did then,” Schemmel said. Now, she said she can run several errands before getting worn out, unlike prior to going to Rock Steady. Schemmel said she plans to volunteer to help at the Hoosier Village site.
Schemmel said the first level of Rock Steady is for people who are still active and working a job. The second level is for those who are independent and are able to exercise, which is the level she was assigned. The third level is for those who have a cane or walker and the fourth is for those in wheelchairs.
Schemmel stressed that the idea is not to fight each other during training.
“Our fight is against Parkinson’s,” she said.
Participants must complete a health and functional assessment prior to participation. The cost for Hoosier Village residents is $20 for a 10-class punch card with a $35 enrollment fee. For non-residents, it’s $50 for a 10-card punch card with a $65 enrollment fee. Enrollment fees include a functional assessment, boxing gloves and hand wraps. Call 317-973-4006 to schedule an assessment time on April 12, 14, 19 or 21.
