Pete Keeps Sticking and Moving

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, Pete Costello boxes through the Rock Steady Boxing program to manage his symptoms and get a solid workout at the same time.

Each week, Pete drives several hours roundtrip to participate in Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network’s Rock Steady Boxing Program, a non-contact exercise program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease.

For 90 minutes, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s Rock Steady-certified clinicians train Pete and others with boxing gloves, focus mitts, speed and heavy bags and jump ropes. Boxing’s exaggerated movements help manage the neurological disease’s symptoms, including difficulty with balance, coordination and walking.

The intensity, exercise and camaraderie have kept Pete coming back routinely for the last five years — and it’s not a short trip. Pete travels one hour from work, gets in his workout with his fellow boxers at the Health & Technology Center in Allentown and drives 90 minutes home.

While there are boxing programs much closer to home, Pete prefers Good Shepherd Rehabilitation.

“I drive to Good Shepherd because it’s important to me,” Pete said. “The staff who run the program are professional, and they are therapists. It’s not like a boxing program at a gym.”

For more information about the Rock Steady Boxing Program or services for Parkinson’s disease, call 1-888-44-REHAB or request an appointment online.