Join a Community That Keeps You Moving Forward
Eugene’s Parkinson’s-dedicated space for research-backed fitness and heartfelt support, where every movement matters and everyone belongs.
Welcome Warriors
Step Into Our Gym and Meet Your Trainer/Champion
Welcome to The Warriors Gym, where hope meets action. Founded by Lori B. Havas, this isn’t just a gym—it’s a vibrant community space where people with Parkinson’s Disease discover joy in movement, regain abilities they thought were lost, and find strength they never knew they had.(photo of Lori)
Since 2010, Lori has been inspiring individuals with Parkinson’s to surpass their own expectations. Her innovative approach, which earned her Lane County’s 2019 Health Care Hero Award, combines non-contact boxing with a comprehensive wellness program that addresses both physical and emotional well-being. Members often find themselves not just maintaining their abilities, but regaining skills they thought were gone forever—from writing and drawing to dancing and gardening.
Exercise is key when you have Parkinson’s disease to help you manage the many symptoms and to help you regain control of your life. But what type of exercise is best? Ultimately, it’s what you like to do. What’s something that you’ll stick with and will help you get to the level of intensity that’s required to help you fight the disease? Many people who live with Parkinson’s disease have found that boxing exercise does it all.”
—Lori B. Havas, founder and executive director
The science behind our approach is clear: high-intensity exercise creates neuroplasticity, helping the brain forge new neural pathways. But at The Parkinson’s Warriors, we believe the best medicine is delivered with a smile. Our programs combine proven research with an uplifting, can-do spirit that makes every session something to look forward to.
Every day, our warriors celebrate both big breakthroughs and small victories. Whether it’s buttoning a shirt with greater ease, walking with more confidence, or simply feeling stronger, these achievements light up our community. Lori and her team are here to spark that joy, nurture those victories, and help each person write their own success story.
Join our community today and discover what’s possible when determination meets support, science meets compassion, and exercise meets joy. At The Parkinson’s Warriors, you’re not just fighting back against Parkinson’s—you’re moving forward with hope, strength, and a whole lot of heart.
Together, we’re more than warriors. We’re family.
What are the benefits of a Parkinson’s Boxing Class?
-Improved hand-eye coordination
-Improved posture
-Better cognitive processing
-Relieve symptoms of soft-voice disorders
-Stronger core, which can lead to a better gait
-Improved gait and balance
-Improved reaction time
(NEED TO REWORD):
Many people say that they see the boxing bags as Parkinson’s Disease, and they are
fighting the disease through punching the bags.
*You should always consult your doctor before starting up any new intense
exercise regimen to make sure that it will be beneficial to you.
Boxing gloves are provided although many participants like to bring their own
boxing gloves.
You are always welcome to drop in and watch a class anytime! We will all welcome you!
What does a typical class look like?
-75 minutes of research-backed exercise, specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s
-Start with stretching and warm-up exercises
-Strength training using weights, bands ball and/or cordless jump ropes
-Vocal exercises incorporated throughout your workout to help with/prevent voice disorders symptoms
-Footwork and agility exercises to improve balance
-Full-body boxing workout (non-contact)
-Fun, confidence-boosting and community building!