Box Step UK, developed in April 2019, is an innovative, exercise class to fight the progression of Parkinson’s and is the first of its kind in the UK. It is lead and developed by qualified and HCPC registered Physiotherapists. Their Physiotherapy knowledge means they have the skills to closely monitor their client’s progress using validated, clinical outcome measures as evidence.
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a reduction in a chemical called dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. A reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
- slow movement
- stiff and inflexible muscles
“Here at Box Step UK, we have devised a non-contact, hybrid exercise programme that incorporates the large amplitude movements required to combat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s with the intensity and principles of Boxing.”
Joe Edwards – Box Step UK
Box Step UK’s classes cater for people of all ages and abilities and all exercises can be adapted to meet an individual’s needs. Each person must complete a health screening questionnaire before attending which will be provided by the class instructor.
The exercises are also designed to challenge each area of training such as balance, strength, coordination and cardiovascular exercise.
Joe Edwards, Founder of Box step UK says; “The reason why I set the class up is because as a Physiotherapist, I’ve found that exercise adherence and when some patients are at home they tend not to stick to their exercise programme as planned. So in order to bridge that gap, Box Step makes exercise fun so they are more likely to adhere to exercise and allows patients to share experiences and support each other at the same time.”
Not only do Box Step UK classes help to improve people’s health, fitness, and fight the progression of Parkinson’s, but it builds a support network for people who may be newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It is a great, sociable class that is very much enjoyed by the current members.
Sessions are £10 for 1 hour classes, and is a continuous programme each week. Progress is monitored every 12 weeks which motivated the members, and is very gratifying when people suffering with Parkinson’s may feel like they are not making progress.
Classes are based in South Liverpool at Greenbank sports academy every Wednesday at 3:30pm. After the success of the first class, a second class was started in Southport based at Woodvale community centre on Wednesdays at 11am.
Website: Box Step UK
Instagram: @BoxStep.UK
Facebook: Box Step UK – Parkinson’s Class
Greenbank Sports Academy,
Greenbank Lane,
Liverpool,
L17 1AG
Ceri Sedgwick has always had an interest in health and fitness. As a registered nurse working in critical care, she applies her health and physiology knowledge not only to her career but to her own training and nutrition. Through social media, she has worked with many fitness brands and local businesses around Liverpool, giving her an insight into PR and content creation.