Lisa Gombinsky, neuro and rehab specialised PT and founder of Counterpunch working with a client in Auckland. Photo: Supplied
There's a growing movement of people with Parkinson's putting on the gloves, and taking boxing classes to counter the effects of the disease. When Lisa Gombinsky Roach was seeing more and more research showing the benefits of exercise to counter the effects of Parkinsons, she decided to set up a small group to try boxing classes.
In particular she wanted an exercise that combined intensity with fun - in a bid to slow the cognitive decline of Parkinson's disease. She says what became the programme Counterpunch was a hit, and members of the first workout group began telling others. With the help of former pro boxer Shane Cameron the movement has boomed: there are now 100 trained Counterpunch coaches, and 17 sites in the North and South Island.
There are even plans to expand it to Australia and the UK. Kathryn hears from Auckland woman Johanna Quirk who has been doing the programmes after she was diagnosed with early onset Parkinsons at age 51. Kathryn also hears from Lisa, as the head coach at Counterpunch and a specialist in conductive education.
Johanna Quirk is living with Parkinson's. She attends two Counterpunch classes a week in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
