Rock Steady: Battling Parkinson’s Disease At Gleason’s Gym

Rock Steady: Battling Parkinson’s Disease At Gleason’s Gym

533

By Sean Crose

Welcome to Gleason’s Gym.

This is a gritty, no frills place, a famed Brooklyn establishment where success is earned, not given. For this is a boxing gym, not some trendy spa. It’s an institution where, simply put, one does battle.

gleasons_gym

Yet on a late afternoon in the waning days of winter, another kind of battle is being waged at Gleason’s, a battle against a formidable foe indeed – Parkinson’s Disease. For PD, as it’s called, afflicts countless people in New York State alone. What’s more, it’s a degenerative neurological illness for which there is no cure.

But the Rock Steady program is using boxing, yes boxing, to improve the lives of those affected by the nefarious disease. Although it’s a non-contact endeavor, Rock Steady employs the same training methods employed by fighters – amateurs and pros alike – to achieve its goals.

“After one session I felt a difference,” claims Laura Turzo, a woman who fights PD and is an active member of Rock Steady.

Ms. Turzo helps demonstrate how the program works for the media at this press event by stepping into a ring and acting, well, like a boxer. She moves, she hits the mits, she even (voluntarily) hits the canvas.

All the while, she’s guided by Alex Montaldo, a trainer and actor who studied at the famed Strasberg Institute who, by the way, happens to be a founder of the Rock Steady program. Mr. Montaldo also has a degree in clinical psychology, which helps him to empathize with PD patients who find themselves struggling with depression.

“There’s an emotional side” to having PD, he says. “Your reality is crumbling down around you.”

The main presenter at today’s press event is Dr. Roberta Marongiu, an instructor in neurological surgery at Cornell University. Another Rock Steady founder, Dr. Marongiu is here to explain at length both the nature of the disease and the nature of the Rock Steady program, her expertise adding heft and legitimacy to the proceedings.

“I said to Alex, ‘we have to do this,’” Dr. Marongiu tells me, recalling her first experience of seeing the effects boxing-related training has had on PD sufferers. “We saw the real results. I was amazed. I was heart broken.”

Another important part of this press gathering is the presence of Mike Stoute, an amateur boxer who suggested Gleasons to Dr. Marongiu and Mr. Montaldo. Mr. Stoute has a Bachelor’s Degree from Stony Brook University and has won both the New York Golden Gloves and the National PAL boxing championships.

Stepping in the ring with Mr. Montaldo, Mr. Stoute literally showcases the in’s and out’s of boxing training that’s been geared towards those who suffer from PD. “I also work with people who have mental disabilities,” he states, matter of factly. So that means, aside from furthering his boxing career, Mr. Stoute works with the mentally disabled AND volunteers for the Rock Steady Program?

“You feel good when you help somebody else,” he says with a smile.

Indeed there’s a lot of smiles here at the gym – the may sound corny, but it’s true. For Parkinson’s is a serious disease, one that destroys lives. And a program designed to rebuild those lives is something worth smiling about. Yet Rock Steady is also a serious endeavor, as well.

Both Dr. Marongiu and Mr. Montaldo assure me that Rock Steady is NOT an alternative treatment. Indeed, potential “fighters” must be able prove they have PD and be referenced by a physician. What’s more, Dr. Marongiu and Mr. Montaldo would like to keep in touch with each fighter’s neurologist.

As Mr. Montaldo states: “We want everyone to follow their doctor’s instructions.”

Dr. Marongiu and Mr. Montaldo would also like assistance from anyone who would be willing to donate. Organizations like Rock Steady live and die by the kindness of others (or the lack thereof). Without generosity, there simply is no program.

On top of that, Dr. Marongiu has one further request. She asks that people help Rock Steady spread the word. Let’s help them spread it.

The Rock Steady Program will be available at Gleason’s Gym.

Information regarding the Rock Steady Program can be found at this website:
http://www.rocksteadyboxingnyla.com/index.html

Gleason’s Gym can be reached at this website:
www.gleasonsgym.net

533 Comments

  1. DouglaseVamy
    01/24/2025,

    I’ve started using CBD gummies like https://www.cornbreadhemp.com/products/full-spectrum-cbd-gummies , and they’ve made a clear-cut quarrel in my routine. They’re casually to turn to account, palate distinguished, and require a simple spirit to include CBD into my day. I’ve institute they help me put one’s feet up and redress my drop after a extensive period, which has been a gargantuan benefit. The in keeping CBD dosage in each gummy is a big benefit in return managing intake. If you’re account CBD, gummies are an prime choice to start with—honourable pocket trusty you settle upon a trustworthy name brand in regard to the most artistically results!

  41. Dwaynepraph
    03/28/2025,

    kamagra pillen kopen Kamagra kamagra pillen kopen

  43. WilliamDic
    03/28/2025,

    Kamagra Kopen Online: Kamagra – kamagra gel kopen

  80. DerekDrurl
    04/02/2025,

    de online drogist kortingscode: ApotheekMax – de online drogist kortingscode

  81. Michaelheago
    04/02/2025,

    Apotheek online bestellen: Apotheek Max – Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept

  146. WeldonCob
    04/09/2025,

    2025 yatД±rД±m ЕџartsД±z deneme bonusu veren siteler: casibom giris – online casino websites casibom1st.com

  147. Robertglarp
    04/10/2025,

    slot casino siteleri: casino siteleri – deneme bonusu veren siteler casinositeleri1st.com

  149. WeldonCob
    04/10/2025,

    en yeni deneme bonusu veren siteler 2025: slot casino siteleri – bonus veren siteler yeni casinositeleri1st.com

  154. Robertglarp
    04/11/2025,

    sweet bonanza giris: sweet bonanza – sweet bonanza giris sweetbonanza1st.shop

  176. Cletuskak
    04/13/2025,

    Mexican pharmacy ship to USA: Us Mex Pharm – Mexican pharmacy ship to USA

  241. Gregoryrooks
    04/21/2025,

    olympe casino cresus: olympe – casino olympe

  287. Bernardactit
    04/27/2025,

    pharmacie en ligne france livraison belgique: pharmacie en ligne – trouver un mГ©dicament en pharmacie pharmafst.com

  291. Bernardactit
    04/28/2025,

    cialis prix: Acheter Cialis – Acheter Viagra Cialis sans ordonnance tadalmed.shop

  319. KennethSnind
    04/30/2025,

    пин ап казино: pin up вход – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  328. RichardSmatt
    05/01/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт вавада vavada вход

  336. KennethSnind
    05/02/2025,

    вавада казино: vavada – вавада официальный сайт

  339. Brianthigo
    05/02/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: vavada вход – вавада зеркало

  341. ElmerDaw
    05/02/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: vavada casino – vavada вход

  361. RichardSmatt
    05/06/2025,

    вавада vavada вавада казино

  362. ElmerDaw
    05/06/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: вавада – vavada casino

  365. ElmerDaw
    05/06/2025,

    вавада официальный сайт: vavada – vavada casino

  375. RichardSmatt
    05/08/2025,

    vavada вход вавада вавада официальный сайт

  414. RussellEdups
    05/12/2025,

    can you buy cheap clomid: Clom Health – where to buy generic clomid online

  415. MatthewHacle
    05/12/2025,

    buy prednisone 40 mg [url=https://prednihealth.shop/#]PredniHealth[/url] order prednisone from canada

  419. Oscardaf
    05/12/2025,

    where to buy clomid tablets: Clom Health – order cheap clomid without prescription

  432. MatthewHacle
    05/14/2025,

    how to get generic clomid for sale Clom Health order clomid without dr prescription

  446. LorenBonee
    05/15/2025,

    buy cialis cheap fast delivery: Tadal Access – best price on generic tadalafil

  449. Jerrysoype
    05/15/2025,

    At first, I was skeptical about https://joyorganics.com/products/delta-9-gummies-blackberry-lime , but sometimes I provide for them in my nightstand. They’ve evolve into neighbourhood of my evening routine—ditty gummy, a cup of tea, and I’m tolerable to go. I don’t fondle high or freakish, nothing but calm and cordial to wind down. The flavor’s in actuality as a matter of fact good too, which surprised me. No peculiar aftertaste like some others I’ve tried. If your perception runs a mile a tick at cimmerian dark or you’re upstanding vexing to relax after work, these are for all worth checking out.

  450. LorenBonee
    05/16/2025,

    where can i buy cialis over the counter: Tadal Access – tadalafil without a doctor prescription

  468. LorenBonee
    05/18/2025,

    does cialis make you harder: Tadal Access – when will cialis be over the counter

  473. JosephLaf
    05/18/2025,

    buying cheap cialis online Tadal Access when will cialis be over the counter

  475. LorenBonee
    05/18/2025,

    how long does it take for cialis to start working: TadalAccess – cialis for sale brand

  487. JosephLaf
    05/19/2025,

    best place to get cialis without pesricption TadalAccess stendra vs cialis

  492. JosephLaf
    05/20/2025,

    how long before sex should i take cialis [url=https://tadalaccess.com/#]TadalAccess[/url] cialis drug class

  501. LorenBonee
    05/21/2025,

    tadalafil 10mg side effects: TadalAccess – cialis next day delivery

  503. LorenBonee
    05/21/2025,

    generic cialis available in canada: TadalAccess – cialis black in australia

  504. JosephLaf
    05/21/2025,

    cialis tadalafil & dapoxetine TadalAccess best research tadalafil 2017

  506. JosephLaf
    05/21/2025,

    does cialis lower your blood pressure TadalAccess buy tadalafil online no prescription

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *