BRUNSWICK

Doug Richmond was really going at the punching bag on Tuesday afternoon, landing right hook after right hook before switching to his left.

“Parkinson’s!” Richmond bellowed each time he landed a punch. “Parkinson’s!”

Richmond’s speed and determination would have been impressive for anyone, let alone an 80- year-old man suffering from Parkinson’s disease. But there he was, heaving, sweat soaking the back of his shirt, his posture already showing signs of straightening.

Richmond and the seven others at the Rock Steady Boxing class really are fighting back against the disease.

The Rock Steady Boxing program has been brought to Maine for the first time thanks to Mid Coast Hospital and The Landing YMCA in Brunswick. Anyone with Parkinson’s — a degenerative disease that targets the nervous system and inhibits muscle movement — can attend classes, don boxing gloves and hone their skills in a new form of physical therapy.

There are a variety of additional exercises, such as stretching, bicycling, running, jump-roping and push-ups. Classes run from 1:30-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and require a YMCA membership or $60 monthly fee and physician approval.

“It’s energizing me and giving me hope,” said Richmond. “It’s a very promising glimmer of hope. You’re not just sitting around talking about Parkinson’s. You’re doing something about it.”

The American Parkinson’s Disease Center has estimated that more than 1 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, including 3,500 Mainers. Mid Coast Hospital neurologist William Stamey said he treats more than 700 folks for Parkinson’s in the Midcoast alone, and that there are probably more that aren’t yet diagnosed.

Cate Parker, Director of Health and Wellness at Mid Coast Hospital, said that it’s been her goal for nearly two years to bring a program like Rock Steady Boxing to the area.

“With where community health and wellness is going, we are going to have to have new programing for all chronic diseases,” said Parker.

The Landing YMCA provides the space, and Mid Coast Hospital provides instructors. The instructors are clinical exercise physiologists who undergo training at Rock Steady Boxing headquarters in Indianapolis.

There are around 300 Rock Steady locations nationwide.

Classes at The Landing YMCA began last week, and instructor Jenna Anderson said she can already see the changes in her trainees.

“We watch our people walk out with tall posture and smiles that they didn’t have before because their bodies are more relaxed and their nerves are working the right way,” Anderson said.

Boxers warm up with stretching and walking, and then are split up into two groups and go to the glove room and the non-glove room. The non-glove room consists of non-boxing activities like tire rolling and jump rope, while the glove room is where the punches are thrown, and wills are tested.

“The first week was hard, but it’s been easier the second time around,” said boxer George Lufkin, who was labored but determined on Tuesday. Lufkin has been training in additional physical therapy classes for the past three months, and said Rock Steady has been the most challenging class yet.

“I’ve noticed a big improvement since I started,” said Lufkin, who will be 80 in February. “Every movement you do helps. I used to use a cane, but I don’t anymore.”

Bob Kalish was among the first participants to join the program.

“My symptoms have progressed steadily,” he said in a statement released by Mid Coast. “I find the exercise programs offered by Mid Coast Hospital and the YMCA to be very helpful and supportive.”

Kalish maintains a regular exercise routine that includes basketball three days a week and medical exercise programs twice per week, according to Mid Coast.

“The new boxing class is a fun way to get a good workout in, among a supportive and understanding community,” he said.

Boxers can bring a loved one or friend along to act as a “cornerman” to be there for moral support or to assist the instructors. Boxer Ted Reese had his wife, Lynn, in his corner on Tuesday, and seemed to grow stronger every time she cheered him on.

“We had a little fear and trepidation coming in, but it’s been amazing,” said Lynn Reese. “It’s the social aspect that sets this apart from other activities. You’re not just sitting alone in a chair.”

As the hour-long session drew to a close Tuesday, the instructors rallied their pupils to finish strong. Doug Richmond, fresh off a round with the punching bag and with 10 seconds to catch his breath before the final round began, leaned against the gym wall with a smile on his face.

“I’m sweating, I’m tired, but it’s working,” he said. “I’m feeling better.”

bgoodridge@timesrecord.com