What we reported

Rock Steady Boxing, a nonprofit program with over 200 locations across the country, held its first classes at a new Hill Country location during a soft opening Nov. 15. The non-contact boxing and fitness program was developed to help Parkinson’s disease patients, and the new location offers support to clients who need it, co-owner and coach Dave Streilien said.

“What we see with people in the program is that they improve, sometimes dramatically after two to four months, and they stick with it,” he said. “I’m a Parkinson’s patient. I have been in the belly of the beast and understand the issues we face, not just physical, but emotional, mental and spiritual.”

The latest

Rock Steady Boxing Hill Country began operating under regular hours on Jan. 4 with a class of about 15 people participating three days a week, Streilien said. Coach Kim Orrek co-owns the location with Streilien, and physical therapist Eric Rhoden gives additional support to those in the program.

What’s next

Streilien said he hopes to have over 50 people participating in the program by the end of the year and aims to keep class sizes at 12-16 people each.

As interest increases, a second class will be added, and the location could establish a Parkinson’s support group on days without classes.

By March, Rock Steady Boxing Hill Country will begin offering nighttime classes for those who work during the day and have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he said.

14532 Hamilton Pool Road, Austin | 512-402-0070 • www.hillcountry.rsbaffiliate.com

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of 8 notable business openings in 2017 here.