Maryguenn (MG) Villenga was simply looking for a post-baby workout when she took her first boxing class at age 28 in 2010. Turns out, she had potential. The two-time national champ, three-time Golden Gloves silver medalist, and No. 2-ranked flyweight boxer—for two years running—has not only successfully stepped into the ring but also stepped up for the community.

The now-seasoned fighter and coach opened Rise Boxing in 2018. Four years later—after prodding from a few locals as well as considerable research and training—Villenga agreed to test-drive a Parkinson’s boxing class alongside her already full slate of fitness and training sessions. Her goal was to augment local Parkinson’s offerings, not compete with existing programs. Six months later in 2022, Rise began offering Parkinson’s boxing to the public, and the gym’s nonprofit offshoot, Rise Strong, came to be. The classes, now offered three times per week, are packed. 

“I always love training fighters and athletes, but I think there is so much you can learn from a sport that empowers people in a different way,” she says. The well-researched neurological and social benefits of boxing play out in the gym, where all levels of boxers thrive in a positive, supportive atmosphere. Notably, several of Rise’s regulars, who participate in a University of Utah Parkinson’s study, have seen no progression in their disease since starting the classes. 

This summer, Rise is diving deeper into the Parkinson’s realm via the development of a new exercise app. The goal of the Rise Strong app is to address Parkinson’s-related balance, tremor, speech, and mobility issues with easy-to-follow, 5- to 20-minute exercise videos. Villenga built the user-friendly app (with the help of AI and a couple of tech experts), led the boxing videos, and enlisted experts to create the app’s physical therapy and speech therapy segments. 
“We have a couple of people who can no longer come to classes because their disease has progressed,” she explains. “If we can provide a resource that keeps them doing something and also helps them stay connected, that’s the goal.” Plus, it’s a handy tool for supplementing gym workouts or keeping up with training while traveling.    

In addition to Parkinson’s programs, Rise Strong offers youth scholarships in partnership with Park City Foundation’s Youth United as well as therapeutic programs, such as training sessions with at-risk kids in rehab facilities. 
“Boxing empowers people because they realize how capable and strong they are. When you learn the true mechanics of boxing, of punching, you can’t help but feel strong,” she says. “And it’s fun.”  

Rise Up for the Cause

For a taste of the action and an opportunity to support Rise Strong’s programs, check out Mountain Mettle, a charity boxing showcase held annually at the Corner Store the weekend after Labor Day.