Group Photo: Home Instead team, CAREGiver’s Emma and Melissa, Client Care Manager Kylie, Community Engagement Manager Samantha and clients Kelly, Betty and Dianne with trainer Kru Komrit
Combat sport may not be the first thing that comes to mind in thinking about Parkinsons Disease, but at Komrit Muay Thai & Boxing in West Gosford, it’s having a remarkable impact on the lives and wellbeing of people living with the disease.
KOPD (Knock Out Parkinsons Disease) is a training program developed specifically for people with Parkinsons Disease. Marrying the physicality of sport with the learnings of exercise physiology, it focuses on aspects such as strength, coordination and balance.
And on Wednesday (April 10) Home Instead Central Coast and Newcastle team members and clients participated in KOPD demonstrations for a special event, Punchin’ for Parkos.
Held the day prior to World Parkinsons Day (August 11), the event was designed to highlight awareness of the positive role combat sport can play for people with Parkinsons Disease.
According to Komrit owner Tanya Freisler, a Master Trainer in Functional Fitness, KOPD is not a cure for Parkinsons but can help people “fight back”, slowing the disease’s progression and building strength and confidence while supporting participants as part of a positive extended community.
She has a very personal connection to the program.
“My coach, Maurice Cooper, who previously owned the gym (then known as CKO), developed Parkinsons Disease,” Tanya shares.
“As the disease progressed he was unable to teach Muay Thai as he wanted to.
“In order for him to continue contributing to the extended community, we did the KOPD course so he could coach people with Parkinsons in boxing and Muay Thai, encouraging them to stay active and be part of an extended community.”
It’s a focus that enjoys the support of in-home care provider Home Instead, which empowers a positive approach to ageing, allowing people to navigate this stage of life in tune with their needs, wants and personality.