The school teacher was dealing with hip issues when her doctor told her she had Parkinson’s disease, a movement disorder of the nervous system, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Looking to manage her symptoms, Culpepper joined Rock Steady Boxing's North Houston chapter in 2017, a then-new local program that helps people with Parkinson’s fight the disease.
“My journey has been not nearly, I don’t think, as difficult as it would have been had I not found this group,” Culpepper said. “I’ve met so many friends that have become good friends.”
The camaraderie of Rock Steady Boxing drew Culpepper and over 100 others to Coach Marilyn Renken. Inspired by her ex-husband’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, Renken helped establish a Rock Steady Boxing affiliate locally.
“When my ex-husband was diagnosed ... the doctor said to him, ‘You’ve got Parkinson’s. Go home and think about it, and I’ll see you in six months,'” Renken said. “[Rock Steady Boxing] gave people hope, something to fight for and someone to fight with.”
Founded in Indianapolis in 2006, the non-contact boxing program has more than 800 affiliate locations worldwide, including seven in Houston and the surrounding suburbs.
How it works
Only people with Parkinson’s can participate in Rock Steady Boxing, which meets for classes three times a week for personalized training.
“The whole point of Rock Steady Boxing is developing long, lean muscles—not short, tight ones,” Renken said. “We try to reach every muscle in the body because every muscle is affected by Parkinson’s, and it shrinks.”
The boxing classes aim to improve balance, coordination, strength and overall fitness through stretching and various exercises adapted from boxing drills.
Culpepper, a seven-year member of Rock Steady Boxing, said the classes have allowed her to keep doing what she loves.
“Exercise is a big part of keeping the symptoms at bay,” Culpepper said. “I do the things I want to do. I have not cut back.”
John Anderson, one of Rock Steady Boxing’s newest members, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in May and said he has already seen improvements in his balance, coordination and speech.
“I was really nervous when I was first diagnosed,” Anderson said. “My balance is a lot better. I feel more positive about my outlook just from going to this class, being around other people with the disease and seeing how they’ve been able to function.”
- Double Dragon Martial Arts Center, 12111 Louetta Road, Houston
- Facebook: Rock Steady Boxing North Houston
