Press Release - Charlotte Expansion Plans
ROCK STEADY BOXING – THE CAROLINAS
ANNOUNCES CHARLOTTE LAUNCH TO HELP PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S FIGHT BACK
Open House events August 15, 20 and 22 will introduce the Charlotte’s University City program ahead of the first Charlotte class on August 29.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. Rock Steady Boxing - The Carolinas is expanding to Charlotte this month, bringing its non-contact boxing and functional exercise program for people living with Parkinson’s disease to RockBox Fitness in University City, Charlotte. The Charlotte program will serve Fighters and their care partners while also building relationships with neurologists, movement-disorder specialists, physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, senior-care organizations and Parkinson’s support groups throughout the region.
The new Charlotte location will host three Open House events on August 15, 20 and 22 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. The events are designed for prospective Fighters, care partners, family members, clinical providers and community partners to meet the team, tour the facility, see demonstrations, ask questions and learn about the Fighter assessment and onboarding process. The August 20 Open House will also include a virtual attendance option.
The first Rock Steady Boxing Charlotte class is scheduled for Saturday, August 29. Classes will be held at RockBox Fitness, 230 E. WT Harris Blvd., Suite C1, Charlotte, NC 28262. The Charlotte program will be led locally by General Manager and Lead Coach Kendra Macon, a two-time Olympic boxer, alongside Rock Steady Boxing coaches, volunteers and the broader Rock Steady Boxing – the Carolinas team.
JEFF MCFARLANE
In Raleigh, we have seen Rock Steady Boxing become much more than a workout. Fighters have a place to challenge themselves, care partners meet people who understand the journey, and families become part of a community that refuses to let Parkinson’s dictate the terms. That fighting spirit is exactly what we want to foster in Charlotte.
Charlotte already has an extraordinary clinical and Parkinson’s support network, and our goal is to build a program that complements that network while giving Fighters and families another powerful resource in their corner.”
Jeff McFarlane, Owner - Rock Steady Boxing – The Carolinas & RockBox Fitness of the Carolinas
CHARLOTTE LAUNCH AT A GLANCE
OPEN HOUSES: August 15, 20 & 22 from 12:00–1:30 pm
REGISTER HERE: https://rsb-carolinas.com/unv
FIRST CLASS: Saturday, August 29 @ 12:00pm
LOCATION: RockBox Fitness – Charlotte: 230 E. WT Harris Blvd., Suite C1, Charlotte, NC 28262
LEARN MORE: 984-271-1900 rsb-carolinas.com [email protected]
FIGHT HARD - FIGHT SMART - FIGHT TOGETHER
JILL HAMMERGREN
“Every Fighter comes to us with different symptoms, abilities, concerns and goals. Our approach starts with listening, assessing readiness and helping each person find the right level of challenge. We also make room for care partners as Parkinson’s affects the whole family. Our Charlotte launch is about creating a safe, encouraging place where people can move, connect and keep fighting together.”
Jill Hammergren, Executive Director, Rock Steady Boxing – The Carolinas
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
·Non-contact boxing and functional exercise tailored to the abilities and needs of people living with Parkinson’s.
·A structured Fighter assessment and orientation process focused on movement, balance, mobility, goals, safety considerations and readiness for class.
·Coaching designed to challenge strength, coordination, reaction time, confidence and overall movement in a supportive group setting.
·A community that intentionally includes care partners and family members, with opportunities to connect, share experiences and support one another.
·A pathway for clinical and community partners to refer prospective Fighters and learn more about the program’s assessment and onboarding process.
A CHARLOTTE PROGRAM BUILT WITH THE PARKINSON’S COMMUNITY
Rock Steady Boxing – The Carolinas is using the Charlotte launch to build a local referral and support network, with outreach focused on neurologists, movement-disorder specialists, Physical & Occupational Therapists, speech therapists, caregiver organizations, senior communities and Parkinson’s support groups. The goal is to make it easy for people living with Parkinson’s and the professionals who support them to understand the program, visit the facility and determine whether Rock Steady Boxing is an appropriate next step.
MEDIA & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES
·On-site interviews during the Charlotte Open House events on August 15, 20 and 22.
·Interviews with Jeff McFarlane and Executive Director Jill Hammergren about the Carolinas expansion and caregiver/community model.
·Interview and training demonstration with Charlotte GM and Lead Coach Kendra Macon “Coach K”, a two-time Olympic boxer.
·B-roll and photography opportunities featuring non-contact boxing drills, mitt work, movement exercises and the Charlotte facility.
·Interviews with participating Fighters and care partners, subject to individual availability and consent.
ABOUT ROCK STEADY BOXING – THE CAROLINAS
Rock Steady Boxing – The Carolinas provides non-contact boxing and functional exercise programs for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. With programming in Raleigh and Charlotte, the organization focuses on movement, strength, balance, confidence and community while creating a place where Fighters and families can face Parkinson’s together.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FACE PARKINSON’S ALONE. WE’RE IN YOUR CORNER.
For Charlotte launch information, Open House registration or media inquiries: 984-271-1900
