Exercise can often be a solution to chronic health conditions, so when Canton native and personal trainer Tina Hockensmith was introduced to a Delay the Disease fitness class for patients with Parkinson’s disease, she knew she was meant to help. Tina opened BarrowFit, a community-based gym that offers Parkinson’s exercise programs, rock steady boxing classes, exercise therapy and small group fitness classes.
“I work with the Parkinson’s community and others living with chronic conditions to help maintain their independence,” says Tina. “My goal is to be the ‘go-to facility’ in Stark County for those living with Parkinson’s disease, offering several evidence-based exercise classes and one-on-one training.
At BarrowFit, those with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic conditions are empowered to restore their confidence and independence and learn to live positively and take control of their symptoms. The destination’s community-based approach allows clients to meet and interact with those who can relate to the challenges they experience and lift each other up in a positive, supportive atmosphere.
One of the class options, rock steady boxing, is an exercise program designed around a boxer’s program, but it’s specifically modified to combat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Exercises are designed to retrain the mind and body, as well as help with daily functional challenges, such as rising from a chair, getting out of a car and getting dressed, as well as memory and cognition through multitasking and sequencing. Why boxing? Recent studies have shown that 150 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous exercise has both neurorestorative and neuroprotective benefits. BarrowFit’s exercise therapy programs aim to help clients work toward their goals through fitness and behavioral change strategies for chronic disease management for those suffering from arthritis, hypertension, diabetes and cancer, as well as post rehabilitation.
Tina is a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer, an OhioHealth Delay the Disease Parkinson’s specific instructor, Alzheimer’s qualified instructor, ACE orthopedic fitness specialist, ACE weight management specialist and a qualified health and wellness coach. Here, she offers a closer look at BarrowFit.
Q: What makes BarrowFit different from other fitness and nutrition programs?
A: We focus on exercise therapy, a form of fitness with a therapeutic goal that is unlike physical therapy or physiotherapy.
Q: Who do you work with?
A: We work with people recovering from illnesses, chronic conditions or post rehabilitation. We also work with physical therapists to continue a client’s progress after they have been released from therapy.
Q: What makes BarrowFit a Parkinson’s-specific facility?
A: We partner with the NeuroFit Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, to support our Parkinson’s exercise classes. We offer rock steady boxing, a non-contact boxing program accredited by the Parkinson’s Foundation that is strictly Parkinson’s disease exercise and a Delay the Disease evidence-based program.
Q: Do you require a referral from a physical therapist or medical professional?
A: A medical referral is not required, but we recommend clients have a medical clearance for an exercise program before they begin. Most clients have been told by their healthcare provider to find an exercise program.
Q: How is your training different from others?
A: We address the symptoms that Parkinson’s affects, like dual tasking, balance, motor coordination, cognitive function and walking, as well as the non-motor symptoms including depression and anxiety, through exercise and community.
Q: Do you work with all types of people?
A: I typically work with people who have a health condition. I will always talk with someone about their health and fitness goals and help determine if we are a good fit for them at BarrowFit.
Q: What do you recommend for people considering an exercise or fitness program?
A: Start doing something today: take a 15-minute walk, drink more water, make a food plan, eat the salad that was planned instead of getting fast food from the drive-thru. Make small changes that you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life.
For more information, visit BarrowFit.com or call 330-495-3609.
“My goal is to be the ‘go-to facility’ in Stark County for those living with Parkinson’s disease, offering several evidence-based exercise classes and one-on-one training."