Takedown Gym
Supporting Our Community.
Takedown Gym is proud to advocate for health, resilience, and connection throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. For Takedown, advocacy isn’t a slogan—it’s showing up, building people up, and strengthening our community one rep at a time.
We host Rock Steady Boxing to empower individuals living with Parkinson’s through movement, strength, and community. Through Pedal With a Purpose, we support meaningful causes by bringing people together around fitness and giving back. We’ve also partnered with Madden’s on Gull Lake to deliver a health and fitness weekend that promotes wellness beyond our walls.
What is Rock Steady Boxing?
Rock Steady Boxing is a twice weekly program involving non-contact boxing and a variety of exercises and movements created specifically for men and women who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Several studies on exercise and Parkinson’s have concluded that forced, intense exercise can slow the progression of the disease. The Rock Steady Boxing method was developed in Indianapolis over the course of seven years. Rock Steady Boxing is a fitness program that engages participants diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in non-contact boxing as well as a variety of other activities to improve balance, agility, hand-eye coordination, speed of movement, muscle power, mental focus and rhythm.
Who can join the Rock Steady Program?
Rock Steady Boxing is designed specifically to address the unique symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Although exercise in general and boxing in particular may be beneficial to people with other neurological diseases, Takedown’s RSB coaches are certified to train only people with Parkinson’s. You must have an official diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in order to participate in RSB classes at Takedown.
How do I start?
First, talk to your doctor and have him/her complete the Physician Verification and Medical Release Form.
Once you’ve had your physician release form completed by your doctor, call Takedown to schedule your assessment. This 45-minute evaluation helps our coaches determine your level of ability so you are placed in the appropriate class based on your symptoms. During your scheduled assessment, Takedown staff will also help you complete the necessary forms to get you started in the Rock Steady program.
What is an assessment appointment?
Everyone must undergo a physical assessment by a certified Takedown RSB coach prior to participating in class. The appointment will last approximately 45 minutes to one hour and will help us get to know you better, determine which class level is best for you, and serve as a baseline for subsequent assessments to track your progress. Our goal is to place you in a class that will be fun, challenging and safe. There is no fee for this assessment.
Please email or call the gym to schedule an appointment.
info@takedowngym.com | (218) 454-1770
What happens after the assessment?
Once you have completed the assessment and been approved by an RSB coach, you can start taking classes and fighting back against Parkinson’s! Our current class is a combined class for all levels and abilities; however, we do separate groups during the class so everyone is challenged appropriately and safely.
When are classes held?
Our classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-3:45 pm.
Although most of our RSB boxers find that attending class twice a week is most beneficial, you may attend class as it fits your schedule. You do not need to sign up in advance; come when you can.
Do I need any special equipment?
For hygienic reasons, we recommend that you purchase your own boxing gloves and wraps for class. We do, however, offer a limited number of “community” wraps and gloves. Takedown also offers boxing gear at a discounted rate for purchase to RSB members. Ask an RSB coach for recommendations.
What about membership?
There are several different membership packages from which to choose. Your choice will depend on how often you plan to attend class and how you would like to pay.
Living with Parkinson’s is expensive. Is there any financial support available to help cover the cost of Rock Steady Boxing?
Yes. The Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota and the American Parkinson Disease Association of Minnesota (APDA-MN) each offer financial support for RSB participants in need of assistance. Please talk to or email Joe for more information.
For more information visit the Parkinson’s Foundation Minnesota or the APDA-MN.
What can I expect to gain from Rock Steady Boxing?
Improved cardiovascular fitness. Increased muscle strength. Enhanced balance, coordination, agility, speed, and mental focus. Camaraderie, stress relief, and FUN!
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please see the link to our FAQ below or email Joe at joe@takedowngym.com.
What is Pedal With a Purpose?
Pedal With a Purpose is a once-a-month indoor cycling event designed to turn hard work into real impact. Each month, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated directly to a designated local or regional non-profit, allowing participants to support meaningful causes while investing in their own health and fitness.
The event is open to everyone — Takedown Gym members and non-members alike — because giving back shouldn’t have barriers. For a $20 donation, participants take part in an instructor-led Beat Boss class, an energizing indoor cycling experience choreographed to music and built to challenge all fitness levels. Riders can expect a motivating, high-energy atmosphere that pushes both physical limits and mental toughness.
Pedal With a Purpose reflects what Takedown Gym stands for: showing up, putting in the work, and supporting the community that supports us. Whether you’re there to break a sweat, back a cause you care about, or experience the power of training with purpose, every ride makes a difference — proving that strength isn’t just about what you build for yourself, but what you give back to others.
What is Madden’s Health and Fitness Weekend?
Madden’s Health & Fitness Weekend is an opportunity for Takedown Gym to take our coaching beyond the walls of the gym and into an environment built for focus, recovery, and growth. In partnership with Madden’s on Gull Lake, we bring our trainers, methodology, and mindset to a full weekend dedicated to total-body wellness.
Throughout the weekend, Takedown’s expert instructors lead hands-on training sessions designed to challenge participants, refine movement, and introduce new ways to train smarter and more effectively. From high-energy workouts like Inferno, Beach Boot Camp, and a guided 5K run, to recovery-focused sessions such as yoga, barre, and water aerobics, every class is scalable and coach-led to meet participants where they are—while still pushing them to the next level.
Beyond training, the weekend emphasizes education, recovery, and connection. Nutrition seminars provide practical tools to support performance and long-term health, while Madden’s lakeside setting, on-site spa, and pontoon cruises offer built-in recovery and reset time. The experience is capped with a farm-to-table dinner, reinforcing the importance of fueling the body with intention and quality.
For Takedown Gym, this weekend represents what we stand for: purposeful training, expert coaching, and building stronger people through movement, mindset, and community.