Hornsby gym Carioti MMA taking the fight to Parkinson’s disease

It is probably not the first place you’d think of going after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but a boxing gym at Hornsby is opening its doors to help people living with the disease.

Carioti MMA owners Alex and Kim Carioti with Parkinson's sufferer and founder of Knock Out Parkinson’s Disease Adrian Unger (right). Picture: Troy Snook

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It is probably not the first place you’d think of going after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but a boxing gym at Hornsby is opening its doors to help people living with the disease.

Carioti MMA gym on Hunter St is starting a course called Knock Out Parkinson’s Disease following its success in other gyms across Sydney.

Gym owner Alex Carioti said he decided to launch the course — which will feature non-contact boxing and exercise routines for people of all ages — after his good friend Adrian Unger was diagnosed with the disease and later started the program in Chatswood.

Alex Carioti and Adrian Unger (left) have been good friends for years. Picture: Troy Snook

“Strenuous exercise is actually very good for Parkinson’s,” Mr Carioti said.

“It may sound optimistic, but I would hope that the course will have a positive impact on people’s lives here in Hornsby.”

Mr Unger took up boxing when he was diagnosed and found it significantly improved and slowed some of the symptoms of the disease.

Adrian Unger has found boxing has helped his condition since being diagnosed. Picture: Troy Snook

An open day is being held this Sunday at the Hornsby gym which will include a Q&A session with Mr Unger.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition which results in symptoms such as muscle rigidity, postural instability and slowness of movement. There is no known cure.

Parkinson’s Australia reports that more than 80,000 Australians are living with the disease and the average age of diagnosis is 65, although young people can also be diagnosed.

The free information day runs from 10am to 11.30am at 89 Hunter St, Hornsby on Sunday.