Fighting Parkinson's with boxing

Mary Yeaman works on a heavy bag during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

When Yeaman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006, she could barely bring herself to leave her house. Her muscles were weak, and she was having a hard time coping. In 2007, she found Rock Steady Boxing. She attends classes every week and has seen her symptoms improve as a result of a rigorous regimen of punching, jumping, jogging and stretching.

Read more: Parkinson's sufferers turn to boxing to ease symptoms

Class participates gather for a chant following a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

Michelle Stoneburner, left, spars with instructor Christine Timberlake during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

Timberlake has been with Rock Steady Boxing since 2006. Her husband,Tom, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000.

Mary Yeaman, left, and Instructor Kristy Rose Follmar use battle ropes to work out at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, April 9, 2013.

Rock Steady boxing offers a uniquely effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson's.

Dave Beery hits a heavy bag during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

Rock Steady boxing is a nonprofit gym that, since 2006, has offered a uniquely effective form of physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson's.

Kristy Rose Follmar spars with a class participant during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, April 9, 2013.

Dr. S. Elizabeth Zauber M.D., an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine, and a movement disorders specialist, poses ringside at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, where she serves on the board, March 19, 2013.

Sue Burton, right, helps Dave Beery don his gloves as he prepares to box during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

Kristy Rose Follmar, left, holds the heavy bag for Tom Timberlake during a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.

Follmar, began her boxing career as an Indiana Golden Gloves Women's Champion and later a world-ranked professional boxer, leads the class at Rock Steady Boxing teaching physical exercise to people who are living with Parkinson's.

Class participates stretch before a workout at Rock Steady Boxing in Indianapolis, March 19, 2013.