StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program: Designed to Fight Back Against Parkinson’s & Neurological Conditions
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The StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program is a specialized fitness initiative designed to help individuals combat the challenges of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions through the empowering discipline of boxing.
This program is tailored to support those affected by various neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and others that impact the nervous system.
According to Parkinson’s Disease Canada, “Engaging in aerobic activity, along with other activities for strength, flexibility and balance, improves Parkinson’s symptoms and sense of well-being.” This 1-hour class is designed to improve overall health, manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and enhance neurochemistry and brain plasticity. Combining strength training, yoga, and boxing, the class focuses on:
💪 Strength Training: Build muscle, balance, and coordination.
🧘🏼 Yoga: Increase flexibility, reduce rigidity, breath work and promote relaxation.
🥊 Boxing: Boost motor function, cognitive focus, and rhythm.
[Toronto Star Feature] A Program Geared Towards Fight Back Against Parkinson’s
People with Parkinson’s are finding strength, energy and connection at this Etobicoke boxing club’s specialized program that began in January.
Mike Loghrin’s grey hair is plastered to his forehead with sweat, as he sports a navy blue T-shirt that reads “It’s so weird being the same age as old people.” He picks up the thick black battle ropes anchored to the gym wall, each weighing about 22 kilograms, and for 15 amazing seconds, he lifts and slams them in rhythmic waves against the floor.
Our programs focus on enhancing physical fitness, coordination, balance, and strength, all while providing a supportive and motivating community environment. Each session includes a mix of boxing techniques, conditioning exercises, and cognitive drills, all overseen by nationally certified coaches with expertise in working with neurological conditions. Tailored for all fitness levels, this class supports neuroplasticity, improves mobility, and enhances quality of life in a safe, motivating environment.
Join StrikeBack today and take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient you.
Whether you are looking to maintain your fitness, improve your quality of life, or simply enjoy a new challenge, our program is designed to help you fight back and thrive.
Key Features:
✅ Customized Training: Personalized exercises to accommodate different levels of ability and progression.
✅ Comprehensive Workouts: Combining boxing techniques with full-body conditioning to improve overall health and well-being.
✅ Supportive Environment: A community-driven approach fostering encouragement and camaraderie.
✅ Expert Guidance: Led by coaches trained in addressing the unique needs of those with neurological conditions.
📅 STRIKEBACK PROGRAM OPTIONS
📆 Private and group training options available. To start a small group, a minimum of 3 participants is required.
Available For Drop-In Or Membership
This program runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Each session includes boxing, strength, and stretching, followed by a relaxed social gathering in our Ringside Lounge.
Pricing Options:
Bonus: With any package purchase, enjoy unlimited access to our High Performance facilities for the entire length of your package.
- Single Drop-In: $30.00
- 6 Week Access: $150 (1 Class Weekly)
- 6 Week Access: $240 (2 Classes Weekly)
- Monthly Membership: $59.99 bi-weekly — includes access to two Parkinson’s classes, unlimited Open Gym, and all morning and daytime classes on our regular schedule.
Add-On Options:
- 3 TKO Private Session Package—three 1-on-1 sessions for just $135 ($50 off)!
- Fire & Ice Membership $15.00 bi-weekly—StrikeBack group session every Thursday at 11:15 am following the class session with additional access to our general group sessions (Tuesday 4pm, Thursday 7:30 pm, Saturday 10:30 am)
GROUP TRAINING PROGRAMMING AVAILABLE
We are in the process of organizing small group sessions and would love to accommodate your schedule. Please let us know your availability and whether you prefer group or private training.
Program Already In Session? Please Contact Us for prorated options if this program is already in session.
MEET THE STRIKEBACK TEAM
Jennifer Huggins | Kingsway Boxing Club Founder & Program Director of the StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program
Jennifer Huggins is the owner and senior coach of Kingsway Boxing Club in Toronto and the creator of the StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program — a specialized initiative designed to help individuals fight back against neurological challenges through boxing. Under Jennifer’s leadership, StrikeBack provides a structured, empowering environment where participants work on strength, balance, coordination, and motor function, combining strength training, yoga, and boxing-based movement to support overall health and quality of life.
With decades of experience as a boxing coach, international referee, judge, and advocate for community-focused programming, Jennifer brings a deep belief in movement, purpose, and support to StrikeBack. Her personal connection to the impact of neurological conditions, informed in part by her own family experiences, has helped shape the program into a space where members don’t just train — they connect, improve, and thrive together.
Jennifer’s broader career includes leading Kingsway Boxing Club, involvement at national and international levels of Olympic-style boxing, and founding initiatives that use sport to create positive community impact. Through StrikeBack, she continues that mission, helping participants use fitness and strategy to confront physical challenges with strength and resilience.
Patricia Else | Certified PWR!Moves® Instructor & Co-Lead of the StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program
I’m Patricia Else, a former public health professional, lifelong fitness enthusiast, and participant, and a yoga teacher and personal trainer. I am certified in PWR!Moves®, a research-based exercise approach for Parkinson’s that integrates strength training and functional mobility to help lessen the impact of Parkinson’s-related symptoms.
Yoga brings both physical and mental challenge to any program, inviting us to tune into how we feel in movement and in stillness. Meditation and mindfulness are also essential tools for reducing anxiety and supporting emotional well-being.Parkinson’s work is especially meaningful to me, as it has impacted close friends and may affect any of us — Parkinson’s is currently the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world according to Parkinson’s Canada.
Barend van de Vrande | StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program Volunteer
Barend is a volunteer with the StrikeBack Boxing & Strength Program at Kingsway Boxing Club, supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions through non-contact boxing and strength training.
His motivation to volunteer is deeply personal. He has witnessed the impact of Parkinson’s disease firsthand through his grandfather in the Netherlands and the husband of his wife’s aunt in Austria. These experiences shaped his understanding of both the physical and social challenges associated with the disease, including the frequent misconceptions that lead people to unfairly underestimate those living with Parkinson’s. Through his work with StrikeBack, Barend has gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse manifestations of the condition and the resilience of its participants.
Born in the Netherlands, Barend moved to Austria in 1993 before relocating to Toronto in 2017. He previously worked as Senior Vice President / Director until May 2025. During an unplanned career break, he transitioned from a desk-based lifestyle to boxing and strength training at Kingsway Boxing Club and chose to dedicate his time to supporting the StrikeBack program.
