Punching Back at Parkinson’s: How Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA Empowers People With Parkinson’s Disease To Reclaim Strength, Independence, and Renewed Hope
Thousand Oaks, California – April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, but for Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA (RSB VC/LA), the fight against Parkinson’s is a year-round mission. Since 2014, RSB VC/LA has empowered hundreds of individuals to regain strength, mobility, and independence through its groundbreaking non-contact boxing program. More than just a workout, Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA fosters a strong community where participants support one another, push past limitations, and defy expectations. At the forefront of this movement is Coach Lisa Oliver, who co-founded RSB VC/LA with Coach Yvette Israel. As co-owners of three Rock Steady Boxing gyms in Los Angeles and Ventura County, they also lead live online Zoom classes, helping people worldwide fight back against Parkinson’s.
“People come in with their families scared and depressed with a list of complex PD symptoms,” says Coach Lisa. “Our focus is to elevate them—physically and emotionally—so that they leave an hour later with noticeably improved symptoms and a renewed sense of hope. We’ve had people come in wheelchairs and leave walking!”
More Than A Gym—A Second Chance At Life
Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA uses Forced Intense Exercise (FIE) to push participants beyond their perceived limitations and is proven to be neuroprotective, slowing the progression of Parkinson’s while improving balance, coordination, and confidence. The
workout helps people push past what they once thought was impossible—whether it’s completing a 5K, lifting weights, or climbing mountains.
“One minute, they thought Parkinson’s was a death sentence. Now they’re off the couch and out of bed, getting married in their 80s, traveling the world and playing outdoors with their grandkids,” says Coach Lisa. “We even have someone training to climb Mount Whitney!”
“My voice has gotten so strong since I joined their boxing classes,” says Mike, 36 years old with young onset PD. “When I get to the summit of Mt. Whitney, I’ll be able to throw my arms in the air and yell, ‘I AM ROCK STEADY’!”
On June 1, Frances (84) and Mario (78) — two inspiring RSB VC/LA boxers—will take their fight beyond the gym by participating in the Logix Love Run 5K in Westlake Village, CA, a powerful testament to the transformative impact of exercise and Rock Steady Boxing VC/LA.
“Every April, at the start of PD Awareness Month, we take on an extra challenge, and this year it’s the Logix Love Run 5K,” says Coach Lisa. “My goal is to have at least 100 people with Parkinson’s and their support system walk that 5K. In the gym, we say, ‘You’re going to cross the finish line, and you’re going to feel better about yourself than you ever have in your entire life!‘”
A Brand New Parkinson’s Disease Fitness Program
RSB VC/LA is launching a dedicated training program starting April 1, and invites all Parkinson’s patients and their supporters to join the challenge and train together to walk the Logix Love Run 5K on June 1. The goal? To rally 100+ participants and encourage them to move with purpose, train with a team, and show what strength, community, and determination can accomplish—one step at a time.
For more information and to SIGN UP for the training program: Call (805) 814-6333 or email info@rocksteadyboxingvcla.com.
