Parkinson boxing

Discover the benefits of slowing Parkinson's through boxing, under the guidance of none other than Drenthe boxing legend Semmy Schilt, the most successful heavyweight kickboxer of all time. In Zuidlaren, we offer stimulating boxing training in an accessible way specially designed for over-50s.

For people with Parkinson's, it is essential to keep up regular exercise. The disease can lead to slowness, problems with balance and difficulty performing multiple tasks at once. Boxing is an ideal sport to actively address these challenges. While boxing, you have to concentrate on balance, punching and at the same time keeping an eye on your opponent, thus training what are known as double-tasks. Moreover, boxing promotes quick movements and attention to good posture.

The combination of Parkinson's and boxing is not new and has been recommended for years by neurologist Bas Bloem of Radboud MC in Nijmegen. According to him, boxing can slow Parkinson's progression. Maarten Teerhuis, geriatric physiotherapist at physiotherapy practice De Kazerne in Zuidlaren, approached Semmy Schilt to start a Parkinson's Boxing pilot. Semmy, owner of Fight Game Academy Zuidlaren, is one of the most successful heavyweight kickboxers in the Netherlands, with four K1 world titles and the Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam to his name.

The Parkinson Boxing pilot started with five participants, who responded very positively and enthusiastically after a few training sessions. Semmy approaches the training from what participants can do and encourages them not to be patients for a while. Many participants said they never thought they would ever go boxing, but they quickly pick up the techniques and experience pleasure in moving.

The positive effects of boxing training are visible and affect not only the body but also the state of mind. Participants can set new, positive goals and connect with others with the same condition. Semmy Schilt, with his deep understanding of human movement, makes exercise fun and stimulating for people with Parkinson's.

Fight Game Academy offers boxing training for a small fee, regardless of which physiotherapist, health insurer or GP a person is with. Besides the physical aspect, Semmy emphasises the importance of self-confidence that comes from the training. The certificate obtained at the end of the course symbolises not only the completion of the training, but also the increased self-confidence and the positive effect on overall quality of life. Find out how boxing at Fight Game Academy can make a small difference for people with Parkinson's. Every little bit helps.