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Specialty Programs

Breast Cancer Survivors Fit Club

The Hollings Cancer Center and the MUSC Wellness Center invite breast cancer survivors to enroll in the new Survivors’ Fit Club. The 10-week exercise, nutrition, and behavior change program focuses on improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, body composition, fatigue, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and several quality of life factors specific to cancer survivors. This program is supported by Racquets for Recovery, an annual tennis tournament that benefits breast cancer patients at the Hollings Cancer Center.  

Interested? Please call 843-792-4141 and visit the Hollings Cancer Center Website. 

Rock Steady Boxing 

Ongoing classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15am-12:15pm Email to pre-register. 

 Program Fee: 3 months (24 classes) for Wellness Center members $150, for non-members $250

Rock Steady Boxing is an exercise program designed to improve the mobility, balance and strength of people fighting Parkinson’s disease. Program is based on:

  • No-Contact Boxing
  • Stretching
  • Balance and Mobility Training
  • Strength Training
  • Overall motor recruitment
  • Hand-eye coordination and mental focus exercises
  • Specialized cardiovascular training
  • Many other scientifically proven exercises to help patients with Parkinson’s

Rock Steady Boxing is a team environment.  Teamwork and leadership emerge giving members regained confidence and an opportunity for socialization. MUSC Wellness Center welcomes people of all  fitness and functional levels to join us — whether you are still able to jump rope or function best with a walker, come laugh, sweat and fight back with us!

"Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder whose progressive nature can be inhibited, and potentially reversed, by the rigorous program of exercise inherent in the Rock Steady Boxing program and the warm, supportive atmosphere created by Rock Steady coaches."

- Rodger, RSB Boxer, Austin, TX

What else is Rock Steady Boxing?

Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) is specific to Parkinson’s disease. Every RSB Coach has completed an intensive training and certification program developed over the last ten years that assures an understanding of Parkinson’s disease and the benefits of a RSB style boxing method. As a member of the RSB Affiliate program, they receive on-going continuing education about the treatment of Parkinson’s disease symptoms through non-contact, forced intense exercise, and access to symptom specific consulting which addresses individual challenges. RSB classes are designed to be modified for all levels of Parkinson’s, at any stage of the disease. Each participant is assessed before they start RSB classes, both for overall physical fitness and for the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. Class placement is designed to both challenge and allow optimal functioning with other participants of similar ability. This careful evaluation allows coaches to know not only the participant’s stage of Parkinson’s, but also to be aware of other health concerns that should be addressed. 
RSB classes are more than just boxing. Classes are designed to help with voice activation and manual dexterity. Many Affiliates design programs especially toward their specific boxers.
 Having a knowledgeable coach who understands Parkinson’s can make all the difference. RSB Coaches are trained to identify specific PD symptoms during a workout. Our coaches focus on Parkinson’s specifically and know what signs and symptoms to look for during class. At Rock Steady, camaraderie among folks fighting the same disease is essential to the overall experience. 
This is a community of people who are all fighting back against Parkinson’s disease. They are not training for a prize fight, or just trying to get in shape, they are committed to keeping their disease at bay and maintaining their quality of life as long as possible. Parkinson’s can be an isolating disease, and many people with Parkinson’s withdraw from family and friends due to depression. Rock Steady Boxing at MUSC can offer its boxers support through the friendships they develop among other participants. 


What about newly diagnosed, young onset Parkinson’s?

Newly diagnosed, young-onset and in-shape people with Parkinson’s make up a very small percentage of the PD population, and they are often able to train among a healthy population. However, this is not always advisable, due to the need for camaraderie and the experience of fighting back with others who truly understand the challenges. 


Our RSB certified coaches are looking forward to meeting you! Call us 843-792-4141 for more information.  

Post Rehabilitation Training "Beyond Therapy"

We are committed to helping you get stronger, fitter, and healthier.
Exercise is the most effective way to relieve pain and help you regain your stamina, agility, or flexibility. The Wellness Center offers various studios, 25-m. indoor pool, and specialized machines perfect for continuing your PT/OT exercise routine.
Our post rehabilitation trainers design an individualized recovery plan to relieve pain, improve vulnerable body parts, facilitate recovery, and get safely back on the road to recovery. We have 20+ years of expertise in developing fitness programs for clients with various limitations due to chronic disease, surgery, injury or musculoskeletal disorders, joint replacement, rotator cuff tear, spinal stenosis, meniscus tear, iliotibial band and piriformis Syndrome.
We are ONE TEAM with your PT/OT specialists - we get a direct and detailed referral! Bring your home program assignment with you.

For more information please contact Alicia O’Connor, Director of Personal Training, call 843-792-1494, or email oconnora@musc.edu

Recovery Program

This program is for individuals in recovery from addiction disorders. For individuals in recovery from addiction, diet and exercise play important roles in restoring clarity, structure, health and balance in life. Referral from MUSC CDAP is required except for MUSC students. Please call 843-792-5757 for more information.

Piece It Together

This comprehensive program is designed for teens and young adults with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as other mild neurodevelopmental disabilities. The goals of this program are to increase physical activity, improve body composition, promote healthy food choices, broaden social skills, teach relaxation skills and improve mood and calmness.

Email Carrie Papa for program information and registration 

 

 

Chronic Disease Management program

The Chronic Disease Management trainer develops and oversees an exercise program to help you have the strength and fitness level to continue to enjoy the activities you value in life. We help clients with a wide range of chronic diseases, including: cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders. We believe it’s easier to face a chronic health issue in your life if you remain active and be intentional about adapting healthy lifestyle habits.

Alicia O’Connor, Director of Personal Training, call 843-792-1494, or email oconnora@musc.edu