Rock Steady Boxing Nonantum in Newton

My husband recently started and he really enjoys the classes; I go with him as extra support and I think it’s a great group , Rafi is a wonderful instructor and we really appreciate Peter’s help too!

Rafi is both a highly qualified as well as highly thoughtful instructor and coach. He has worked hard to get this program going and genuinely cares about how every individual is doing. Rafi is constantly evaluating and refining his instructional techniques and their effectiveness, which reflects his mindset of always going above and beyond. This program is a very valuable resource to our community!

This is a wonderful way to strengthen your mind and body versus the assault of Parkinsons Disease. In particular I have been fortunate to find this Rock Steady boxing program in Newton, Ma. The program is run by former competive boxer Raffi Riviera. We work out for one hour (I do it three times a week) and it usually consists of 40 minutes of stretching and cardio and strength training and 20 minutes of punching a heavy bag. In nine months I have lost 15 pounds and I have learned to control my body to the point that I think I am the next Ali or Hagler. This program is not about learning to punch someone in the nose but is about learning to fight this often disabling disease. It works. I recommend you try it.

I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and joined this gym to take PD-specific boxing/stretching classes three times a week, as exercise is the only therapy that has been proven to slow the disease’s progression. Coach Rafi is outstanding, and I feel so good after my workouts. Highly recommended!

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.

I have been with Rock Steady in Newton, MA (Nonantum Boxing Club) for over 5 years and cannot say enough good things about the program there. Rafi is a dedicated leader, knows his stuff, and has the skills to share them with you. ROCK STEADY

This is a FANTASTIC Rock Steady Boxing class. Rafi demonstrates exceptional knowledge and skill, along with his ability to be motivational, compassionate and caring. It is the best thing that I'm doing for my Parkinson's. Rafi deserves all the praise he gets. He's a real star! Thank you, Rafi, for all you do to help us fight and manage this disease.

Rafi is really great at keeping us motivated and working hard. He's got a positive attitude, and he pays attention to everyone, both the people in the gym in person and those logged in online. It's not easy dealing with a class of Parkinson's sufferers who are affected to different degrees, but he suggests different variations of the exercises to accommodate everyone's disabilities and he is very patient. I love this class!