Plymouth Place Empowers People with Parkinson’s to Fight Back

“Coal miner’s helmet,” yells out Lucille Hilger, a resident at Plymouth Place in LaGrange Park, Ill., while throwing a right hook. “Baseball cap,” adds Terri Seperich as she hits the speed bag. Their classmates chime in, answering the question posed by instructor Conor Cook: “Name a type of headwear.” As Bananarama plays in the background and gloves hit leather, the mood is light—but the mission is serious. Everyone here is fighting back against Parkinson’s disease, one jab at a time.

This is Rock Steady Boxing, an international, non-contact, boxing-inspired fitness program that’s scientifically proven to improve the quality of lifefor people living with Parkinson’s.

Since Plymouth Place began offering this impactful program in 2016, it has since grown into a dynamic wellness offering led by certified instructors. “It’s not like physical therapy where you ‘graduate’—it’s a lifestyle,” said Stefanie D’Anna, wellness manager at Plymouth Place. “Participants train regularly. They get stronger, move better and feel part of something bigger.”

D’Anna, who interned with Rock Steady before becoming a certified trainer herself, oversees a robust schedule of eight classes a week at Plymouth Place for different ability levels. “We use high-intensity interval training tailored to each participant,” she said. “The goal is to work the entire body—balance, agility, strength and cognitive function. No matter what your condition, we can modify our classes to your ability. Everyone can do a little something.”

Throughout the class, the participants move to different stations that target specific motor skills. An important part of the workout includes call-and-response drills. During each activity, participants shout out answers to fun questions like … name different types of footwear, items found in your refrigerator or jobs that start with “L.”  This helps engage different parts of the brain during the workout and builds vocal strength. “We even do swallowing exercises during the cool-down, because Parkinson’s affects that too,” added D’Anna.

Research backs up the benefits. A two-year study at the University of Indianapolis found that Rock Steady Boxers demonstrated better balance and walking function than those who chose other forms of exercise. But perhaps more powerful than the physical benefits is the camaraderie. “Class members often go for coffee after class or have lunch here at the [Plymouth Place] Bistro,” D’Anna said.

A sense of strength and belonging

Terri Seperich, who is 78, joined Rock Steady Boxing when she moved into The Arboretum Villas at Plymouth Place. “Moving here is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “We have a lot of fun and Rock Steady is a great advantage of living here. In class, we do everything to the best of our ability. The trainers are the best. They really pay attention to you.” Seperich’s favorite part of class? Wall push-ups. “And I like to get the speed bag out of the way first,” she laughed, “because it hurts my neck!”

For fellow resident Tom Conforti, the program has been a stabilizing force. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s shortly before moving to Plymouth Place, he’s been in Rock Steady Boxing for more than three years. “I can live with this,” said the 89-year-old. “I’m grateful it’s here. My best friends from high school and college passed away from Parkinson’s. There was nothing like this back then.”

Conforti trains twice a week and appreciates the structure, therapy and social engagement that come with each session. “We have fun in here,” he said, “and it keeps me going.”

In fact, Rock Steady boxing has been a powerful draw to Plymouth Place. Several residents have chosen to move here because of their positive experience and the new friendships they have forged.

More Than Just a Workout

With 44 participants, Rock Steady Boxing at Plymouth Place is a true community within a community. Residents and non-residents alike connect over shared experiences — whether it’s strategies for staying mobile, celebrating a “zero day” when symptoms seem to vanish, or getting together for coffee after class to share a few laughs.

“We honored the group during Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April,” said trainer D’Anna. “It was a feel-good moment. Everyone shared what they loved about class. The top answer? The people.”

That sentiment rings true in every punch, every shout of “banana” or “lettuce” during the workout. This is more than a class. It’s a lifeline — a way to stay independent, maintain dignity, and surround one’s self with people who understand what it means to fight, together.

Rock Steady Boxing is free to residents of Plymouth Place and $15 for non-residents. All participants must have a Parkinson’s diagnosis, obtain written consent from their physician and undergo an evaluation by the Rock Steady team at Plymouth Place.