Find What Keeps You Moving | Ryan Cotton

Ryan Cotton has been part of Rock Steady Boxing since it was thirty boxers in an aerobics room.With more than 20 years of clinical experience and a Doctorate in Health Science, he joined as a board member before becoming Chief Scientific Officer and eventually President and CEO. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's, the work became personal.By then he already understood what the research said and what the gym floor proved: that people who keep moving do better, and that engaging with the disease early changes its trajectory.This episode covers what changes after a diagnosis and what helps people stay engaged in the life they still want to live. Exercise as daily medicine, building the right medical team, and the support systems that offer both understanding and accountability.Key Takeaways➡️ Exercise is part of the treatment plan, not an optional add-on.Ryan explains why consistent, moderate-to-high intensity exercise has become central to Parkinson’s care, with benefits that can show up physically, emotionally, and neurologically.➡️ The best exercise is the one you will keep doing.Boxing is one model, but Ryan is clear that movement can take many forms. Cycling, rowing, dancing, strength work, etc., or a mix of disciplines can all matter if they keep someone engaged.➡️ Community turns exercise into accountability.The gym becomes more than a place to train. It becomes a place where people compare notes, check on each other, offer encouragement, and sometimes give the push someone needs to keep going.➡️ Early action changes the experience of diagnosis.Ryan encourages newly diagnosed people to build the right team, take medication consistently, find their form of exercise, and surround themselves with support before isolation or apathy take over.Key Moments00:33 Ryan Cotton’s background and early involvement with Rock Steady Boxing02:33 When Parkinson’s became personal through Ryan’s father04:44 Why Ryan became a physical therapist06:22 How Rock Steady Boxing connected Ryan’s clinical work to Parkinson’s08:14 PT, OT, speech therapy, neurologists, and the team approach to Parkinson’s10:31 The “lottery no one wants to win” and the range of Parkinson’s symptoms11:31 What newly diagnosed people should focus on first13:52 Eric’s morning routine, mindset, breath work, and stackable wins18:39 Ryan’s path from board member to Chief Scientific Officer to CEO22:50 The early growth of Rock Steady Boxing24:20 Why exercise matters so much for Parkinson’s26:58 Physical, emotional, and neurological benefits of consistent exercise28:29 Apathy, dopamine, and finding exercise you actually enjoy32:07 Social and emotional transformation through Rock Steady Boxing33:36 Accountability, support, and peer-to-peer knowledge in the gym35:38 A retired Marine’s shift from isolation to a half marathon38:13 Why some people become thankful for what diagnosis brought into their life40:17 Reflections from the World Parkinson’s Congress41:19 Scaling Rock Steady Boxing while protecting the mission46:22 Exercise collaboration across the Parkinson’s community49:23 Ryan’s definition of resilienceConnect with RyanLinkedIn: Ryan CottonInstagram: @rock_steady_boxingWebsite: www.rocksteadyboxing.orgAbout the HostEric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story.Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.comDisclaimerThis podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.