Punching back: Boxing aids the fight against Parkinson's

(AP) — Finding out he had Parkinson's disease in 2014 was like a sucker punch to Stephen Belfiore's gut.

Exercise, including the coordination-heavy moves of boxing, is increasingly recommended for Parkinson's patients as a way to alleviate symptoms and network with others who faced the same diagnosis.

In June, Belfiore, 58, was driving past a small shopping plaza on Watertown Road when he noticed a new business.

When he read that Blue Boy offers classes for people with Parkinson's, he drove there the next day.

Club owner Kareem Blue said boxing helps with hand-eye coordination for people with Parkinson's.

While there is no known cure for Parkinson's, medical experts say exercise is key to reducing symptoms.

The long list of possible symptoms include tremors; stiff muscles; involuntary movements; difficulty walking or standing; sleep disorders; fatigue; dizziness; confusion; dementia; speech problems; low blood pressure; anxiety or apathy; distorted sense or loss of smell; urinary problems; constipation; depression; drooling; weight loss; tiny handwriting; jaw stiffness and reduced facial expression and/or blank stare.

The Parkinson's diagnosis in March 2014 forced Belfiore to retire and end his 28-year career as a UPS driver two years earlier than he wanted.

When the Parkinson's symptoms began affecting him, Belfiore said he became depressed and spent most of his time lying on his couch.

Blue, an energetic and personable instructor who wore a neon-blue tank top and neon-pink shorts one day in early October, said he worked at the Litchfield Athletic Club before he opened his business.

During a recent class in Thomaston, high-energy funk, disco and R&B classics from the 1970s and 1980s blasted from the stereo as Blue gave instructions.