Latest news with #RockSteadyBoxing
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Letters to Sports: Bill Plaschke is taking the fight to Parkinson's disease
Bill Plaschke, thank you for your very informative column about Parkinson's disease and your boxing exercise program. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's about five years ago and joined Rock Steady boxing in Burbank six months ago. We do Tai Chi, dancing, speech, the gym machines and boxing. We also work on stretching and floor exercises. My family has noticed a difference in my gait and my endurance. I hope that everyone with Parkinson's will take heed and find an exercise program specific to their needs. I never had a right jab before, but I have a good one now. Sandy Kaufman North Hollywood I'm often in the mood to punch him after reading one of Plaschke's columns, but after reading Sunday's column I wanted nothing more than to give him a hug. It reminds me that everyone is fighting a battle none of us can see. Be kind. Advertisement Bill Hokans Santa Ana Years of using Bill Plaschke's notoriously incorrect Super Bowl predictions for betting guidance has led me to believe that Bill owes me, as well as his many devoted readers, a significant debt. His brave and inspiring column revealing his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease repays that debt, and then some. Rob Fleishman Placentia Don't mind admitting I was in tears reading about Bill Plaschke's advancing Parkinson's and the therapy that might slow the "motion-melting nightmare" down. A 78-year-old former rugby player with arthritis and a bum knee, I'm fortunate in not having to face the dreaded Parky (yet?). If it happens, I know where to go. Advertisement Rock on, Bill, and your truly inspiring gym mates. Kudos, also, to staff photographer Robert Gauthier … every picture, indeed, tells a story. John D.B. Grimshaw Lake Forest I too am living with Parkinson's disease. Plaschke's column helped to remind me that I am not alone and this dreaded disease indeed takes no prisoners no matter who you are. I wanted to thank Bill for his column bringing awareness, insight and hope to those of us diagnosed with Parkinson's. Bill's humanitarian columns with a tie-in to the world of sports showcase his best writing. Bill, your observations as a Parkinson's suffer truly hit the mark and deeply resonated with me. I wish you, and all of us afflicted with this condition, the willingness and determination to move forward and to use the power of sport and exercise to combat this devastating disease. Mike Feix Chino Hills Champion Bill Plaschke goes toe to toe against challenger 'Parky!' Plaschke delivers a vicious uppercut to his opponent. 'Down goes Parky, Down goes Parky!' Advertisement Rob Parra Rowland Heights Eye of the storm "Calm' is exactly right and what I admire most about Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Not unlike his most illustrious predecessor, Walter Alston. Bob Wieting Simi Valley Back to the future Is the grass really greener if you can't see it? What poetic justice it would be if the Knicks had to end up rehiring Tom Thibodeau and have to give him more money and more authority? If it ain't broke don't fix it. Russell Morgan Carson Unheralded heroes It's been a minute since we've seen an outfielder with an arm like Andy Pages. I've taken to calling him the "Cuban Cannon." As for Hyeseong Kim, he has been a sparkplug for the offense. I am trying hard to figure out why he doesn't command more playing time. Advertisement John Tsutsui Hurricane, Utah Arms game Kiké "The Closer" Hernández. Who needs Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell or Tyler Glasnow? Brent Montgomery Long Beach The Los Angeles Times welcomes expressions of all views. Letters should be brief and become the property of The Times. They may be edited and republished in any format. Each must include a valid mailing address and telephone number. Pseudonyms will not be used. Email: sports@ Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CBS News
06-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Inspired by late mother, Wisconsin man rides Peloton to fight Parkinson's
A Wisconsin man is cycling towards a cure for Parkinson's disease . Dozens of bikers are set to take off in an annual Wisconsin fundraiser called Peloton4Parkinson's at the end of April. "This all started from, you know, a son who loved his mom," Eric Tostrud, P4P director, said. Tostrud's mom, Judy, battled the chronic neurological disorder for 15 years. It was his love for his mother — and movement — that made him want to do something more for the Parkinson's community. Peloton4Parkinson's was founded in 2016 and started with just one person on a spin bike and has since turned into a powerful movement. In the last decade, it's brought in more than 3,000 bikers and raised $500,000. "What I did is I took this frustration that I had over my mom having to deal with his disease, that I knew was eventually going to take her down, and channeled it somewhere," Tostrud said. While no longer Earthside, Tostrud knows his parents are proud. "I just know that they're looking down on this and are just going, 'What did you do?'" Tostrud said. Tostrud also owns and operates "The Zone" gym in Hudson, Wisconsin. It offers group fitness, personal training and Rock Steady Boxing, which is a boxing fitness class specifically designed for people living with Parkinson's. The class combines movement and muscle work to enhance balance, strength, agility and quality of life. His students keep him fighting the good fight. "I see smiles on their faces, when maybe there wouldn't be. That's what, that's what keeps me moving forward," Tostrud said. Peloton4Parkinson's kicks off with a Research Panel Presentation on Friday, April 25 at Tattersall Distillery + Event Center in River Falls. The main event, featuring 11 spin ride options, is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 26 at The Zone. There's also a silent auction happening throughout the weekend. One-hundred percent of P4P proceeds go towards Parkinson's research, through both national and local initiatives. Tostrud said riders can even join virtually. Register to ride here.
