Testimonials
I will never forget my first RSB class. It was just before Halloween in 2025. My neurologist, Dr. Kelly Mills, had been encouraging me to join the program for quite some time, but I had resisted. Then a friend from my pickleball group, Cathy Epstein, shared that she also had Parkinson's disease. Until then, I had only told my family and a few close friends about my diagnosis, but I felt comfortable opening up to Cathy. She enthusiastically encouraged me to attend her RSB class, telling me how life-changing it had been for her.
I went to my first class planning to simply observe, but Patty warmly welcomed me and encouraged me to participate. I'm so grateful she did!
The gym was decorated for Halloween, the music was festive, and the energy in the room was absolutely contagious. From the moment I walked in, everyone made me feel welcome and supported. Goose even invited me to his Halloween party—even though we had just met! That simple gesture spoke volumes about the warmth and kindness of this community.
What impressed me most were the coaches. Patty and Pilar brought an incredible combination of expertise, creativity, encouragement, and genuine joy to every aspect of the class. Their thoughtfully designed stations kept us challenged, engaged, and motivated, and their enthusiasm was truly inspiring. I've taken all kinds of exercise classes throughout my life, but I have never experienced instructors who were so passionate, so invested in every participant's success, and so gifted at creating an environment where everyone feels capable and encouraged.
When I got home after that first class, I was physically exhausted—but emotionally energized. I couldn't wait to tell my husband about my experience. After listening to me enthusiastically describe the class, the coaches, and the wonderful people I had met, he looked at me and said, "Who ARE you?" I don't think he had seen me that excited, optimistic, and genuinely happy in a very long time. He was absolutely thrilled that I had found this amazing group.
Since that first class, RSB has become so much more than an exercise program. It has become an important part of my life. The friendships, sense of community, and unwavering support from the coaches have given me confidence, strength, and hope. Patty and Pilar don't just teach classes—they inspire us, challenge us, celebrate our successes, and make us believe we can do more than we thought possible.
I have been out of town for the summer, and one of the things I have missed most is my RSB family. I miss the camaraderie, the laughter, the encouragement, and especially the extraordinary coaches who make every class something to look forward to. I can't wait to return to Baltimore and be back with this incredible group.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Diane L.
The continually changing activities that are done at RSB to improve the brain body connection are both enjoyable and challenging. I find that the feeling of frustration decreases slightly with each successive session. The socialization and group interaction are enormously helpful. Patty you and Pilar continue to encourage us with creative exercises that are stimulating and help improve coordination. Thank you for all that you do and for all that is being planned to help improve living with Parkinson’s disease.
To health and peace
Larry K.
I have been attending Patty Wessel’s Rock Steady boxing classes regularly for about 8+ years. I do believe it has helped me stave off or minimize harmful PD symptoms . It has helped me be part of a loosely supportive group of fellow PD warriors, and has freed up energy that enables me to be more present with family and friends and not take myself or my condition so seriously.
Patty teaches in a style that is demanding yet compassionate, innovative yet steadfast, humorous while never forgetting what has thrown us together. She is a great advocate for this cause . Her associate Pilar adds a fiery style (verbal and nonverbal) that is unique and complementary. This is a high-value operation.
Fred M.
I joined Rock Steady Boxing 3 months after my diagnosis in 2022. It is more than just a program. It is a COMMUNITY. A community of people from different backgrounds, work and life experiences,
education, spiritual beliefs that has one unifying factor. We all have Parkinson’s.
We are lovingly challenged to do more and more as we tackle this disease, which affects
everyone differently. But we all box together, find ways to balance without falling and
strengthen our bodies to keep the disease at bay.
Patty is the key to the success of the program with her knowledge, constant research, and
program improvement. She challenges us constantly. She and Pilar make a great team. I felt
welcomed from my very first day and embraced by everyone in the group. I have been lucky to
be surrounded by so many caring people, with whom I can share my ups and downs. The group
is now a big part of my life.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we laugh. Humor is everywhere and makes the tough
times bearable and the challenges easier.
I feel very grateful to be part of such a COMMUNITY.
Angie B.
RSB Charm City has been so much more than a fitness program for me--it has become a true community and family. From the very beginning,I felt welcomed, encouraged,and supported by the coaches and people.The sense of connection and accountability makes it easier to stay committed,- even on the challenging days.
One of the biggest reasons this community is so special; is our fabulous coach. Patty. She brings incredible knowledge, enthusiasm,and compassion to every workout and every interaction.Patty has a unique ability to motivate us while meeting everyone where they are, celebrating every victory--big or small. Her positive energy is contagious, and she inspires us to believe we can accomplish more than we thought possible.
Assistant Coach Pilar is equally amazing. She is always there with encouragement and helpful tips.
Together Patty and Pilar create an environment where everyone feels valued, capable, and motivated.
The RSB program has strengthened me physically, boosted my confidence, and introduced me to an incredible group of people....I’m grateful to be part of this inspiring community and highly recommend it to anyone looking not just for a fitness program but for a place where you can find friendship, encouragement, and outstanding coaches.
Edie B.
Rock Steady Boxing classes have been a godsend for me in helping me manage my Parkinson's symptoms. Not only the classes but the associated learnings have gone a long way to help stem the progression of the disease. Also, it's a great outlet to relieve tension...sometimes it just feels good to hit something!
Abe G.
Welcome, commitment, enthusiam, energy, exercise, motivation, community, support, caring professionals, dedicated volunteers, help and personal improvement are what I’ve found with Patty Wessels and her RBS team. They have made, and continue to make a real difference for all of us with the generous support of MAPS over the years.
“Rock Steady Boxing is a non-contact boxing program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s disease with substantial scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness to improve quality of life through exercises that enhance balance, strength, agility, and overall fitness.”
As Head Coach RSB Charm City Patricia Wessels is absolutely committed to serving boxers and care partners. She meets each where they are in their PD journey. Patty’s extensive educational and professional credentials with an M.S. in PT; certified in Rock Steady Boxing, LSVT BIG, PWR! Moves, and Delay the Disease, along side Certified RSB Coach Pilar Benassi, bring years of multi-disciplinary training to the team. The ready aid and home baked treats often offered by volunteer Carol Kunkel, RN, add warmth and fun.
Patty’s depth of study and training comes to life as she describes the precise muscle groups to benefit from a move. Similarly, I have found that same expertise completely effective in her PT practice in relieving the pinched nerves, strains and sprains of daily life. Her training serves as a base beyond that for the incorporation of important neuro cognitive exercises to the boxing program.
Crafting goals which motivate each person to be their personal best and enhance their sense of accomplishment along the way is a powerful one-two punch.
Pam S.
Three years ago I got the diagnosis that I have Parkinson’s. My reaction was to keep quiet about it and ignore the symptoms. I didn't tell friends or family. I was going to tough it out by myself. This wasn’t helpful, as I had lots of questions and felt like I needed to do something about it. A friend suggested I check out Rock Steady Boxing. There, I found a warm embrace from coach Patty and her very capable assistant Pilar and Carol, a well informed regular volunteer.
I soon found plenty of company with the boxers who were in various stages of dealing with Parkinson’s. I felt accepted and inspired to do something about this disease. I started coming to boxing classes 3 days a week and found that not only did I feel my body getting stronger, but I found friends who were there for me to share their stories or listen to mine. I learned so much more about Parkinson’s and how “exercise is medicine” and how classes not only help me deal with physical symptoms, but exercises incorporate cognitive exercises along with the physical. I am so grateful to have found this community of friends and skilled coaches. I feel like I’m in good hands and I’m inspired to take on the challenges I’ll be facing in the future.
Debbie M.
Patty Wessels' Rock Steady Boxing class is a life-saver. Not only is she a master at designing workouts that are challenging and fun, she fosters an atmosphere of friendship and collaboration between participants, who are now my close friends. She has an intuitive sense of when to push and when a hug would be more helpful. I can't say enough about the role RSB has played in my Parkinson's journey. If you want to work out with other people who want to live well with Parkinson's, then Patty's is the place to go.
Mary P.
RSB has been a great experience for me. My walking and movement are greatly improved. Patty and Pilar are very dedicated, I often refer to the exercise routines as Boot Camp. Pilar reminds me of a drill sergeant, she never lets up.
Also, the classes are offered often enough so that I can easily fit them into my schedule. The facility is large enough to accommodate everyone, and the variety of exercises is changed often enough to keep things interesting.
Richard L.
I've participated regularly in Patty Wessel's RSB-Charm City class since 2019. The class has had a significant positive effect on my battle against the symptoms of Parkinson's. Because of Patty's deep experience with Parkinson's patients, and their quirks and issues, combined with her nerd-level expertise in physical therapy, she is able to design more than a dozen unique exercise stations each week for daily classes tailored to the specific challenges of the disease. As if that weren't enough she brings an emotional, resilient, outspoken, energy to the whole class -- as well as with every individual class participant. This must be why she has attracted a talented and dedicated sidekick, Pilar, and super volunteer, nurse and baker of amazing sweets, Carol. At the end of the day, Patty's most amazing accomplishment is the sense of community and "family" that she, Pilar and Carol have fostered amongst the special group of people who are lucky enough to have found their way to the class.
Chris D. aka Crush/Crash
It's hard to say enough positive things about the Rock Steady Boxing program, my fellow travelers on our Parkinson's journey who attend the classes, and particularly Patty, Pilar and their team. When my personal trainer encouraged me two years ago to start attending RSB classes, he said that Patty Wessels was the best coach and could not recommend her highly enough. I have participated in two of Patty's RSB classes a week most weeks for the past eighteen months. I have no doubt that my trainer was absolutely right. Patty and Pilar can be drill sergeants when needed, yet loving, caring and unbelievably helpful at the same time. They truly understand Parkinson's and what we live with. Almost as important as the technical side of the the classes, Patty and Pilar have fostered a welcoming community. At my first class I was warmly welcomed into the group and immediately invited to the weekly breakfast at a local restaurant after one of the morning classes. If you need a ride to or from class, someone in the group will make sure you're covered. If you want to compare notes on Parkinson's issues from a non-medical perspective, someone has an idea. The importance of community cannot be overstated in what can be a lonely world of Parkinson's. I am confident that my Parkinson's journey would be much more difficult without my RSB classes with Patty and Pilar and my fellow travelers I have met along the way there.
Jane W.
I am writing this so very happily to give due thanks and applause to the very caring team of Rock Steady Boxing--Patty Wessels, Pilar Benassi, and Carol Kunkel. They have made this program a valuable aid to my husband Steve's health (and to mine as well)!
Steve was diagnosed with Parkinsonism several years ago and has had some very rough times during the course of this debilitating disease. But, with the guidance of this accomplished group of caring professionals, he has improved rather incredibly. The exercise regime is challenging but doable with the encouragement given. And the camaraderie which has emerged with fellow "boxers" is nothing short of a godsend.
Thank you all for your amazing work...and your compassion, understanding, and empathy.
Judy W. (Cleveland's partner in all things)
I am grateful for your “rock steady boxing” program. Even though I am a newcomer, I can see/feel the comrade atmosphere of the group—not only physically, mentally, and emotionally/psychologically. Thank you.
Keep up the good work all of you, Patty, Pilar & Carol.
Jose T.
I am so grateful to be part of this RBS Charm City group. It's more than just boxing. We have stations that include cognitive skills, balance and strength. Its never boring. We have fun, we
laugh a lot, the music is great, and we support each other. What an incredible workout.
Our coaches are so motivating, caring and supportive.
Our group has started a support group and a breakfast club I would highly recommend this program. It certainly has helped me.
Sue B.
Patty and Pilar gave me the strength to keep on going.
After my diagnosis, I hit rock bottom until I met these two amazing women who, with their knowledge, energy, empathy, and jokes, made me dry my tears and guided me through this unexpected new chapter of my life.
Because of their contagious enthusiasm and positivity, an informal post-workout support group that meets every Thursday was born, better known as our Breakfast Club.
If Parkinson crosses your life path, you need these women in your corner, period!
Monica C.
As a retired nurse of 47 years, I have been a volunteer with RSB now for 4.5 years. The boxers are an inspiration and a joy in my life. Their determination and perseverance is beyond measure. They cheer each other on and look out for one another, just as friends and family do. They are an incredible group!
Patty and Pilar are the BEST! As coaches, they are creative, enthusiastic and encouraging, not to mention a lot of fun, too. They challenge our boxers to be stronger and better, despite living with Parkinson’s.
As for myself, I feel privileged to be a small part of this team. Everyone brings a smile to my face every day. How lucky am I!
Carol K.
Media
WJZ CBS News Baltimore
https://youtu.be/OnPheS46cxQ?si=zYDrn2NBOrITfxNC
WMAR-2 News Baltimore
https://youtu.be/38TQV6F8AnM?si=Hai4aSji6mx1iGlx
WBAL-TV 11 News Baltimore
https://youtu.be/DXGwAT5hgRo?si=s7geP__RNVd6EdtD