Nov. 4th Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm
Nov. 10th Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 3 3:30 – 5:30pm
Nov. 17th tbd
Category Archives: Exercise
Austin Trout demo with Gerry Burgos
Austin Trout demonstrates sparing practice with Gerry Burgos, the local coach of Rock Steady Boxing at Maximum Martial Arts’ gym.
Austin Dwayne Trout graduated from Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. Trout (born September 18, 1985) is an American professional boxer and bare-knuckle boxer. In boxing he held the World Boxing Association (WBA) light middleweight title (Regular version) from 2011 to 2013. He extended his championship legacy by winning the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) welterweight title in 2024. As of August 29, 2026, he is #5 in the BKFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings, #4 in the welterweight rankings and #1 in the lightweight rankings.
More information about Austin, Rock Steady Boxing and the history of interaction with our Parkinson’s Group is available in a Las Cruces Bulletin article from 2019.
The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project
Inspired by “The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project” Carol’s class, New Pathways for Parkinsons, is learning to play the harmonica. The project is an evidence-based, therapeutic program that uses learning and playing the harmonica to help maintain and improve speech, breath control, and saliva management in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
How It Helps with Parkinson’s Speech
Up to 90% of people with PD experience speech-related difficulties as the disease progresses, including:
- Soft or quiet voice (vocal intensity/loudness)
- Articulation and mumbled words
- Pitch control
- Saliva management and swallowing
Playing the harmonica targets these exact physiological mechanics. Inhaling and exhaling through the instrument builds respiratory strength, breath support, and oral-motor coordination—similar to traditional speech therapy, but in a creative, group-oriented setting.
The program was founded by physical therapist Kevin Lockette (with decades of experience in Parkinson’s care and harmonica performance).
Resources & Materials
- Book & Self-Study: The complete 23-lesson curriculum is available via the The Harmonica Parkinson’s Project Book on BookBaby or digitally on the Kindle Store ($5.99).
- Video Tutorials: Free step-by-step lessons and song guides are hosted on the official Harmonica Parkinson’s Project YouTube Channel.
- Live Classes: Free monthly Zoom sessions are hosted through organizations like the Hawaii Parkinson Association for patients and care partners.
Sept. Pickleball at Pickle Planet
Sept 22nd Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 – 3:30 – 5:30pm
Sept 29nd Court 1 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 2 – 3:30 – 5:30pm
Oct. 6th Court 2 3:30 – 5:30pm; Court 3 – 3:30 -5:30p
Exercise class class cancelled for 2 weeks.
Our Parkinson’s Exercise Class, New Pathways for Parkinsons, led by Medical Exercise Specialist, Carol Witham, is cancelled Monday September 21 & 28, Wedneday Sept. 23 & 30, so Carol can have a well-deserved vacation. Classes willl resume on Monday October 5 at 10 a.m. as usual.
RockSteady Boxing Class cancelled on September 7
RSB Class will be cancelled on Monday September 7, due to Labor Day activities. We will make up the class on Wednesday September 9 at 10 a.m.
Labor day class cancellation
Our Parkinson’s Exercise Class, New Pathways for Parkinsons, led by Medical Exercise Specialist, Carol Witham, is cancelled Monday September 7, due to Labor Day activities. Classes willl resume on Wednesday September 9 at 10 a.m. as usual.
Pickleball at Pickle Planet
Parkinson’s Pickleball meets 12:30-2:30 on Thursdays at Meerscheidt.
Also, some of our people have a membership at Pickle Planet and are scheduling additional practice there on Tuesdays. Check with Ken Posey if you want to be included on his list.
Upcoming Tuesday Pickleball Practice at Pickle Planet,
- August 25th – 3:30-5:30pm courts 1 & 2
- September 1st – 3:30-5:30pm courts 1 & 2
KTAL Interview with Carol Witham
KTAL’s Mesilla Valley Sports Show featured Carol Witham, leader of a local exercise program for people living with Parkinson’s disease, who discussed the growing impact of the neurological disorder and the important role that exercise plays in managing its symptoms. Witham explained how research has shown that regular physical activity can improve balance, mobility, strength, and overall quality of life, while also slowing the progression of the disease.
RockSteady Boxing Class cancelled on July 3
RSB Class will be cancelled on Friday, July 3, 2026 due to Independance Day observance.
We will make up the class on Wednesday July 1.