Parkinson’s Boxing for the Inland Empire

Rise & Strike Boxing is a non-contact, boxing-based fitness class for adults living with Parkinson’s, and we draw members from right across the Inland Empire. We’re based in Riverside, inside Flow Academy BJJ, and we’ve got fighters who make the drive from Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, San Bernardino, and Redlands every week.

Who it’s for

This is for adults with Parkinson’s who want to stay active, build strength and balance, and be around other people doing the same thing. No boxing background needed — almost nobody who walks in has one. Any fitness level is welcome, and every drill can be scaled to meet you where you are. Some members come in wanting a harder workout; others come mostly for the people and the routine of showing up three mornings a week. Both are exactly right, and the room has room for both.

What a class looks like

You’ll spend about an hour moving through footwork, mitt work with a coach calling combinations, heavy-bag rounds at your own pace, and balance and coordination drills. The whole thing is non-contact: you hit mitts and bags, never a person, and no one ever takes a punch. A coach works right beside you, and because it’s a group, you’ve got a room full of people in your corner.

Getting here from across the I.E.

We’re easy to reach off the 60, the 10, and the 215. From Ontario or Rancho Cucamonga you’re looking at roughly 30 to 40 minutes down the 60; from Fontana and San Bernardino it’s a similar run; Redlands is about 40 minutes out. There’s parking on site and the room is on the ground floor.

Is it worth the drive?

Fair question — classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 10:00 AM, so it does mean getting on the road. Here’s the honest answer: plenty of our I.E. members build the class into a morning they’d be out for anyway, pairing it with errands, a coffee stop, or an appointment on the same side of the county. Come try one free class before you commit to anything, and see whether the drive earns its place in your week.

Caregivers welcome, first class free

Spouses and caregivers are welcome to watch or join in. Your first class is free, no commitment. As with starting any new exercise, it’s smart to check with your doctor first — then come find out what fighting back feels like.