Boxing for People with Parkinson’s Disease in Calgary
Grizzly Strides
Grizzly Strides was launched in 2016, it is a non-contact boxing based Parkinson’s-specific adaptive physical and cognitive exercise program. We offer group classes with innovative training practices in a supportive, safe and motivating environment. Advances in neurological research have shown that the human brain’s potential for neuroplasticity has been greatly underestimated leaving a whole new exciting path of discovery lying ahead!
Marcela Jaimes, MSc PT, BSc Kin
While not a cure for Parkinson’s or other brain conditions, moderate to vigorous exercise has been shown to help significantly with both motor and non-motor symptoms. The elements of a boxer’s training are highly related, giving individuals the opportunity to be active participants in their own treatment plan while increasing overall fitness in an exciting and positive social setting. In 2021 we added a new member to the Grizzly Team, Marcela Jaimes, her educational focus within her masters physiotherapy degree was neurorehabilitation. Watch our videos and view our photo gallery below to get a better sense of the program.
Grizzly Strides was featured in The Globe And Mail (2023)
“Boxers in a brightly lit Calgary gym, lunging gloved fists at punching bags, aren’t training for an amateur three rounds or the championship distance of 12 rounds. They’re fighting against a lifelong opponent – Parkinson’s disease.”
Grizzly Strides was featured in The Globe And Mail (2023)
“Boxers in a brightly lit Calgary gym, lunging gloved fists at punching bags, aren’t training for an amateur three rounds or the championship distance of 12 rounds. They’re fighting against a lifelong opponent – Parkinson’s disease.”
No prior experience necessary, beginners are welcome!
Step 1: Contact Darcy by email at darcy@grizzlycage.com or phone 403.992.8032 to help determine if this is a suitable program for you.
Step 2: Obtain your physician or neurologist’s consent using a form that we will email out to you.
Step 3: Book a private 1:1 “ice-breaker” session or an on site physical assessment with a Licensed Kinesiologist to help determine whether you will be in the Level I or Level II class based upon overall fitness, age, balance and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions: Are there age restrictions? No. Can I join at anytime during the cycle of the program? Yes! If I am actively experiencing falls due to balance difficulties can I join group classes? Program safety is paramount and moderate to good balance is required for these types of activities.
LEVEL 1 (Gentle or Low Impact): Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
LEVEL 2 (Intermediate to Advanced Fitness): Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Classes run from September to July inclusively and you can enter the program at ANYTIME during the term. Please contact us for more details. Email: darcy@grizzlycage.com or call Darcy at 403.992.8032
Membership Pricing:
Twice per Week Membership $145/month approx. $18/class
Three times per Week Membership $180/month approx. $15/class
Gallery
Whether you have Parkinson or not, Grizzly Cage delivers a “knockout” program and facility. I have seen improvement in my balance and gait.
One of the training benefits for me is the ability to multitask within myself, like moving my feet and hands to an ever changing scenario while your mind is setting up for the next one. This was something I lost early on in my illness. I’m getting better with each class thank you.
I’ve found exercise to be an absolute essential in living well with Parkinsons. Slogging away in the gym without professional instruction can be a lonely experience with a significant risk of injury, however. The Grizzly Cage’s boxing program addresses these concerns head-on. The exercises are geared to our individual levels so the risk of injury is very low, and getting together regularly with other Parkinson folks has proven to be a very therapeutic experience. I guess you could say I’m hooked!