We were lucky to catch up with Colleen Bridges recently and have shared our conversation below.
Colleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
I began my personal training/fitness career working with the general population and I loved it! A few years into my career a friend of mine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and asked me to train her. While I was familiar with MS, I didn’t feel completely qualified to train her . I asked her if I could take some time to learn more by visiting with doctors, physical and occupational therapists and earn my Multiple Sclerosis Fitness Certification.
She agreed to wait and once I was prepared to meet her needs, we began working together. I loved seeing her regain her strength, mobility, independence, AND zest for life that ultimately enabled her to do things most of us take for granted, such as caring for her young children.
Over time, physical and occupational therapists and physicians began sending clients to me, those living with MS, post total knee or hip replacements, stenosis and other back problems. All of these issues motivated me to study and push myself to be the best trainer possible for my clients.
And then, AND THEN, one of my clients shared that a friend of hers had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She asked if I would be interested in working with him. I said “yes, but once again, I wanted to learn about the disease and make sure I would be meeting my client’s needs. At the time, Parkinson’s research on exercise was limited but I knew that Dr. Jay Alberts of the Cleveland Clinic suggested “forced-intense” exercise as the most effective method for people living with Parkinson’s. With the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Irv Rubenstein (owner of STEPS Fitness), we developed a plan for my client.
The results were astounding! His mobility, flexibility, agility and coordination, strength, and cardio endurance improved significantly! These improvements allowed him to continue traveling internationally , playing golf, tennis, skiing, volunteering with his church and community projects and his precious grandchildren.
About a year later, I shared with my client my dream to have a Parkinson’s Fitness and Wellness Center available to anyone regardless of financial status. He said “keep working hard and you will.” So that is exactly what I did. I attended every Parkinson’s Education class I could find, I spoke to doctors and therapists. Then someone shared a newspaper article about “Rock Steady Boxing”. I thought “boxing”?? Ok, very interesting. I immediately began studying the effects of boxing on Parkinson’s disease, became a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and affiliate and in April 2016, started offering Rock Steady Boxing Music City classes.
Prior to starting classes, I had to spend time working on marketing my program. At this point, the name, Rock Steady Boxing, was still earning its trust with medical/therapy professionals on a national level so I had to personally visit many physicians and therapists to assure them that I understood the disease, had experience working 1:1 with people living with Parkinson’s and would use common sense in my program design. I also had to create marketing material such as rack cards, business cards, website, social media. I look back now and laugh at my early designs but I gave it my all!
During this initial phase, I was still working full-time as a personal trainer, a mother of 2 young boys , my husband worked two jobs (one was at night) and I had just brought my mom to live with us. She suffered from dementia and mental health issues. Many nights I would have to wait until my kids and mom were settled to begin working on my Rock Steady program but the drive to provide the Parkinson’s community with the exercise therapy they needed fueled me through the late nights and weekends.
Once the marketing material was prepared, I hit the streets handing out my information to everyone who would listen. Then…I waited for the phone to ring. And, I waited some more.
Until, one night, I received a phone call from a gentleman named John. He said he had heard from his Vanderbilt Movement physician that I was offering Rock Steady Boxing and wanted more information. I remember being so excited I could barely hold a professional tone over the phone! The moment had arrived and I was ready! Then 2 more people expressed interest! On April 7, 2016, I held my first class with 3 “fighters”. I prepared my first routine having no idea how it was going to work. Why? Well, Parkinson’s disease is called the “snow flake” disease because you’ll never meet two people with the same symptoms. So, I kept the routine simple and focused on large range of motion movements , basic boxing technique and several essential strength exercises. The first class went great and the good news is they came back!
For the first 5 months, it was just my 3 “fighters” and me. Day after day I would hope and pray that the phone would ring or an email would be sent but no. I revisited physicians and therapists, kept my social media updated, talked to everyone I knew about my new program. Finally, in August 2016, I was asked to speak at the Vanderbilt Parkinson’s support group. YES! My first Parkinson’s private client, Dick Fitzgerald, quickly offered to assist me and together, we created the first of many power point presentations that I would share over the years. I wrote out a “script” to help me stay on track, I practiced speaking in front of my family, the mirror, in the car you name it, I practiced and practiced for the presentation. And…it paid off. After my presentation, people were lined up waiting to join. Over the next 3 months I went from 3 “fighters” to 33! I had to hire an assistant coach!
From that point on, my program continued to grow and I realized that the first 5 months with only 3 “fighters” was actually a precious gift. It gave me time to learn how to organize a Parkinson’s group exercise class, handle moments when each “fighter” needed assistance or a modification or when the routine I had originally planned wasn’t going to work that day due to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The hard work and burning the midnight oil didn’t stop and still hasn’t! Shortly after launching I was diagnosed with breast cancer and faced many health issues in the next two years. Then, Covid-19. But giving up isn’t what my fighters do when diagnosed with Parkinson’s so Bridges For Parkinson’s is here for the fight!
Colleen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, with a love for music, the outdoors, and exercise, I was the youngest of 3 children, my sister, Shayla, and my brother, Rick being 14 and 15 years older than me, respectively! Can you say I was a Surprise!! My mom used to say that if she didn’t have this surprise bundle of joy, she would never have discovered she had breast cancer. She survived breast cancer while pregnant with me and from that experience, mom taught me that I only get one body so I needed to take care of it, cherish it as one would a valuable jewel. One of the greatest “gifts” Mom gave me was insisting that I play outside every day, whether in the pool, riding my bike, climbing trees, Because we lived “out in the country” I often had to play by myself so I learned how to entertain myself, using my imagination. I must say that particular aspect of my childhood helps me every day in my adult life. How? As I prepare routines for my Parkinson’s classes and clients, I imagine “human movement” and fun ways to apply exercise to fighting back against Parkinson’s. The kid in me is very much alive!
Initially, my career in the fitness industry began as a part time group fitness instructor in the evenings after working during the day as a high school choral teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my class members and soon they began to seek my advice about various physical issues. I guess you could say I am a “fixer” because I did my best to help them. In 2004, I decided to pursue my certification in personal training and participate in a year long internship under Dr. Irv Rubenstein of S.T.E.P.S. Fitness. By 2006, I was working full-time as a personal trainer with 30+ clients!
I continued to train strictly as a personal trainer until 2016, when I started “Rock Steady Boxing Music City”.
Today, I still train a hand full of private clients due to teaching classes and operating my business. The combination of private training and group exercise allows me to do what I love and feel like I’m making a difference.
Although, my clientele was mostly the general population when I began my fitness career and has transitioned to those living with Parkinson’s Disease (and other movement disorders) my mission is the still the same…
1. To address the WHOLE body, not just the Parkinson’s symptoms. If someone is suffering from shoulder, hip, back, knee pain then there mobility will be affected, increasing the chance of a fall or reducing their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). I’ve developed exercises specifically to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. If we can help them move pain free then we can accelerate improvements as it pertains to Parkinson’s Disease and while we’re at it, keep Parkinson’s symptoms at bay!
2. HOPE- People living with Parkinson’s Disease AND their care-partner need to know they are NOT alone. We are here to support and encourage them through their journey.
Today, I have 180+ “Parkinson’s Fighters”, 2 locations, virtual classes, 24 classes per week, 14 coaches with backgrounds ranging from Physical and Occupational Therapy, Body Work Therapist, Certified Parkinson’s Disease Coaches, Tai Chi, Parkinson’s Dance, Music and Movement, Personal Training, Care-partner support group and a Mental Health therapist. Vanderbilt University Movement Disorder Physicians took note of their patients’ improvements and asked me to join them in a research study focused on the effects of Rock Steady Boxing on the glymphatic system.
We also work with Belmont Physical and Occupational Graduate students. It is important for them to have hands-on experience working with people living with Parkinson’s Disease before they enter the professional world. Our program allows them to think outside the clinical box and learn some new ways to help their future clients “fight back”. In the fall of 2023, I was asked to join the Belmont University Occupational Therapy Board of Advisors. What an honor and privilege it is to work with one of the finest Universities in the country as we partner together to provide the highest quality of service for the Parkinson’s community.
In 2020 I was asked to develop the first “Parkinson’s Fitness Specialist” course for personal trainers and group coaches through Medfit Education Foundation. Additionally, I offer additional continuing education for fitness professionals via my website.
The best part is…no one is EVER turned away ! I have a 501(c) 3 scholarship fund called “Call On The Fighter” (www.callonthefighter.com) to help us keep that promise. In 2023, we will give out over $65,000 in scholarships to Parkinson’s “fighters” who other wise would not be able to afford our program. AND care-partners are welcome to participate at no charge too!
The joy of working with my “fighters” has changed my life. They are a part of my family and I am so blessed to work with them.
Developing Bridges For Parkinson’s has been the greatest joy and yet, the toughest job I have ever had. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When a “fighter” tells me with tears streaming down their face that they are so glad they found us and relieved that they do not have to journey this road alone…I rise up and continue to give Parkinson’s disease my best fight.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Hands down, hard work and always giving 150% to each individual “fighter” in my class has helped me build a strong reputation in the medical/therapy mark. When a potential “fighter” calls me, they are quick to tell me that their physician, physical/occupational therapist or friend told them about Bridges For Parkinson’s and that we offer top-notch service. That definitely fuels my fire! 1. I acknowledge every “fighter” when they walk through the gym door.
2. I put aside personal or business issues the moment the first “fighter” walks through the door. On days that I don’t feel well or have a lot going on behind the scenes, I have to tell myself that the “fight” we are about have with Parkinson’s Disease is the most important concern. I’m always amazed how an hour later, even my stress level is lower and I think more clearly about a business situation. Exercise is medicine!
3. I contact “fighters” if they miss 2+ classes. Often times, they are experiencing a season of depression and need someone to talk to or are recovering from a fall. or their care-partner is dealing with a health issue and can’t drive them to the gym.
When I am aware of what my “fighters” are dealing with then I know how to better serve them. Many times I have had someone say “Thank you for calling me. that really means a lot to know someone cares!” and..we sure do!
4. I also do my best to “celebrate” their victories. I have had “fighters” earn back their driver’s licenses (this is HUGE!), go back to work, complete the “Music City” Marathon, travel the world, gain independence to perform daily activities such as dressing and bathing themselves. AND…we celebrate every victory!
5. Have fun! Yes, we are focussed on “fighting back against Parkinson’s Disease” BUT…that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun. I love to write routines that focus on their Parkinson’s symptoms but also incorporate a holiday like Halloween or 4th of July! Additionally, socialization outside the gym is a priority. People living with Parkinson’s Disease tend to isolate themselves so they do not draw attention due to symptoms such as a tremor or dyskinsea. So, we hold quarterly “family gatherings” at Jason’s Deli (Cool Springs) or the Green Hills YMCA where we can all eat and socialize together!
My team and I truly love our “fighters” and giving them 150% is easy to do when you see HOPE beaming from their eyes.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of referrals comes from physicians and physical/occupational therapists! I appreciate every referral they send us so much! Often, we will have a therapist or physician observe a class and the one thing they all say is “WOW! I had no idea you all did so much in a class!” Yes, we do! We work our “fighters” from top to bottom incorporating strategic exercises to address posture, gait, balance, cognition, fine motor skills and much more! If a physician or therapist is reading this article and would like to observe one of our classes, please contact me at [email protected]. Together, we fight back stronger!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bridgesforparkinsons.com
- Instagram: Rock Steady Boxing Music City
- Facebook: Rock Steady Boxing Music City, Nashville.
- Youtube: Bridges For Parkinson’s. or Rock Steady Boxing Music City, Nashville
- Other: www.callonthefighter.com FB: Call On The Fighter Insta: Call On The Fighter Youtube: Call On The Fighter
Image Credits
All pictures were taken with my “Fighters” and coaches permission (they sign a waiver) and were taken on my phone.