Rock Steady Boxing Nonantum
Rock Steady Boxing Nonantum is a boxing gym located in Newton, Massachusetts. Specializing in Traditional Boxing. Rated 5.0 out of 5 by community members.
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Reviews
In April 2019, I received news of the very distressing diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). My father had Parkinson’s, so I had a good sense of what was likely ahead for me. What I wasn’t aware of at the time, however, was the existence of Rock Steady Boxing (RSB), a powerful “medicine” that combines strength training, cardio, cognition, balance, mobility, and boxing skills. Upon learning of this program, I sought out a local site for a trial experience. I landed at Nonantum Training Center in Newton, where I met Rafael “Rafi” Rivera, the RSB coach/trainer there. Little did I know then that joining the RSB program with Rafi as its leader would be the best post-Parkinson’s diagnosis decision I would make. The superlatives that I can state about Rafi are, quite frankly, endless. To identify a few, though, he is: * Incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in the ways of, for example, boxing, mobility, and wellness (taking care of oneself). * Thoroughly creative in designing each individual session with its own focus (Rafi schedules classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the linchpins of strength training, boxing skills, and stretching, respectively, although there are elements of each of these in all classes.) * Carefully individually in tune with each person’s abilities and needs, and he makes modifications accordingly. While he will push us to do the best and most we can in any given activity, he will establish limits as appropriate. * Appreciatingly accommodating of specific attributes. For example, when a primarily Spanish-speaking participant joined our group, Rafi easily integrated translation into our activities and in his written communications with us. * Strongly encouraging by virtue of conducting quarterly assessments whereby participants gauge their current abilities and progress in specific areas, such as the number of push-ups, squats, and punches tallied in a given amount of time. It is just one of the ways that constructive feedback can be provided. * Delightfully engaging with a sweet sense of humor and a constant effort to make activities fun even if challenging. In addition to the classes, Rafi provides individual sessions that dive deeper into various skills and overall wellness. He often and readily shares experiences, stories, writings and more that are poignant, uplifting, and instructive. Rafi’s demeanor has promoted a sense of community among the participants, who ourselves assume some responsibilities for organizing social events. He strongly encourages a sense of belonging, which courses through the group in many positive ways. We have even enjoyed getting to know Rafi’s family—his wife, Helen, and their children—as they often participate in various events. For example, I fondly remember the family joining a number of us for a Parkinson’s fundraising run/walk. In particular, I was extremely touched by the kindness Rafi’s wife displayed when, as I struggled with the safety pins to attach my number to my jacket, while in conversation and without a word she reached over to assist me. It was a small act of thoughtfulness that had a big impact, very similar to how Rafi functions in every class. I’d also like to give a shout out to Peter Landau, Rafi’s Assistant Coach. Peter is extraordinary as someone who cares deeply about the program participants. He skillfully zeros in on each person abilities, and he and Rafi make a great team. Parkinson’s is a miserable disease, and without a cure. Rock Steady Boxing, however, offers a measure of solace and support that definitely makes a difference. And, with the classes run by Rafi and his acute attention to each individual, that misery can be mitigated somewhat. It is indeed my pleasure to invite others to benefit from Rafi’s Rock Steady Boxing classes and personal wellness coaching. I can easily say that it is one of the best decisions that I’ve made.
What may very well be the best "medicine" for treating Parkinson's Disease (PD)? How about Rock Steady Boxing (RSB)? For those of you who don't know about RSB, it is a mix of cardio, cognition, balance, resistance, hand/eye coordination, and more that seems to help with most, if not all, aspects of PD. Those who know about RSB can attest to its many benefits. It simply strengthens and supports both physical and mental stamina. The nearly 850 RSB groups around the world no doubt have their well-trained facilitators, and this fighter--as we're often called--can only attest to one, Raphael (Rafi) Rivera, who leads a group three times a week at Nonantum Boxing Club in Newton, Massachusetts. In a word, Rafi is the best! He is knowledgeable, skilled, creative, thoughtful, sensitive, and committed. He keenly assesses each of our abilities and provides helpful feedback. The combination of yoga, resistance training, coordination, cognition, and boxing highlight a perfect mix of activities that effectively address much of the PD ailments. Each RSB session is carefully choreographed to provide optimum opportunities for physical and emotional support. And, Rafi is masterful at managing the varying abilities of the participants. Rock Steady Boxing may not be a "cure" for Parkinson's Disease, but it sure does offer a lot in the absence of one. And, with a facilitator/trainer/teacher/guru such as Rafi Rivera, you simply can't go wrong.
Rafi/ Rock steady boxing is not only good on the fundamentals of boxing, but he cares about mobility which is rare. A lot of coaches skip stretching , so it’s refreshing to see that . He also will get In the ring with you ! Much appreciated to have him be my coach!!!
If you are looking for a coach who truly cares and brings out the best in his fighters, Rafael Rivera is the reason to choose Rock Steady Boxing Nonantum. His dedication and passion make a real difference, not just physically but emotionally as well.
I've been boxing at Rock Steady for a year and a half. Rafi (Rafael Rivera) is a greater leader and expert instructor who truly cares about and connects with each "fighter". Also, the group is terrific. We have winter, spring, summer and fall parties and I've made several new friends.
