Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Schlitt.
Hi Cheryl, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion begins with learning about Rock Steady Boxing through my daughter. Megan was in Physical Therapy School at the University of Indianapolis and her Professor Stephanie Miller discussed Rock Steady Boxing in class. Dr Miller was involved in the scientific research on how the sport of (non-contact) boxing helps those with Parkinson’s disease. Seems everything a boxing athlete does to train are the very skills one loses with Parkinson’s disease.
At the time, I owned a UFC gym so I decided it would be a great way to help the Parkinson’s Community. We began teaching classes within my UFC Gym and found it very rewarding. After I closed that franchise gym, I re-opened my own boxing gym dedicated to my Parkinson’s Boxers. We saw how the Rock Steady program benefited those diagnosed with Parkinson’s and it became my passion. We still have about 12 boxers who started with me in 2016 still boxing today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A continuing challenge is reaching the Parkinson’s community, Doctors and Physical Therapists.
Getting the word out to Physical Therapists, Neurologists, and family practice Doctors has been the key. We ask our boxers to help us educated the Doctors and Nurses about Rock Steady and all the benefits they are feeling. My partner, Maureen Wolpe, has assembled a Doctor Packet full of infomation for a newly diagnosed person. Not only do we talk about Rock Steady Boxing, but we give them community contacts and information they might not be aware of. Within our gym, we focus on creating a community for our Boxers and frequently have luncheons and fun day out at the Bowling Alley. We created a Support Group – MAPP – Memphis Area Parkinson’s Partners. With the help of the Senior Helpers organization, we provide a forum for sharing information amongst those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. Caregivers are able to also participate in our Boxing Class for no additional charge.
My gym is also an accredited USA Boxing Gym and have recently added night adult boxing fitness classes and a USA Amateur Boxing program for kids. I am hoping to grow this arm of the business to help cover the expenses of a stand-alone gym.
We’ve been impressed with BoxerGirl Gym, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started in the boxing business in 2010. I went from full time mom boxing to lose weight to managing professional boxers. We boxed around the country until I purchased the UFC Gym franchise in 2013. In 2016 I became an affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing and offered this program within my gym for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Having no prior contact with anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I immersed myself in learning all I could to help my Parkinsons Boxers. This became my passion and I closed the UFC GYM and reopened my own gym to specifically be for my Parkinsons Boxers. We have approximately 40 boxers and offer 8 classes a week. We have formed a community to support the Boxers and their caregivers. Rock Steady Boxing has been scientifically researched to improve the daily life of the Boxer. We focus on total body exercise – mind, body and spirit. We work on balance, agility, fine motor skills, strength and cardio exercise as well as Boxing on the heavy bag, speed bag, double end bag, and mitt work. We have also started a support group for the Boxers as well as their caregivers. MAPP is our name – Memphis Area Parkinson’s Partners. I have amazing Coaches that have also dedicated themselves to continued education and giving 110% of themselves each day.
I have become a USA Boxing official. I started in 2019 and travel to Boxing Matches in TN, MS, and AR. In my gym, I have recently added night fitness boxing classes. We box Mon – Thurs evenings. Also, I have taken over the boxing duties of putting on local Memphis Boxing Matches along with the City of Memphis called Boxing at the Pipkin. Needless to say, I am having a great time.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson is to treat people exactly as you would want to be treated. Whether I had happy gym members or angry gym member – I tried to stand in their shoes at the moment of our conversation and treat them as I would expect to be treated. Working with terminally ill people and their caregivers, patience and compassion fills the days. Parkinson’s never goes away. They don’t get a break from this horrid disease. Whatever my coaches and I can do to ease that burden – even if it is for an hour a day – is something we strive for.
Contact Info:
- Email: Memphis@rsbaffiliate.com
- Website: www.rocksteadyboxingmemphis.com
- Instagram: RockSteadyBoxingMemphis
- Facebook: @Rocksteadyboxingmemphis
