BEECH ISLAND, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – One local gym is empowering those fighting neurological conditions and helps to improve the quality of life through exercise.

With a fundraiser coming up, Day One Fitness is finding solutions in how they can expand their reach.

Allen Rose was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 20 years ago.

He’s been coming to Day One Fitness for about a year.

“Well, you get around other people who sympathize with you and who have the same disease as long as you had it and it’s good for morale and good booster overall,” said Rose.

Day One Fitness is designed for those fighting neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and stroke.

The program is centered around non-contact boxing with a focus on improving posture, balance and mobility.

Rose says he’s definitely seen improvement.

“I still stumble on my walking a little bit, not as bad. We do a lot of lower body, a lot of fall prevention, a lot of things you take for granted on a day-to-day basis,” said Rose.

Day One Fitness has been in Beech Island since 2015.

Executive Director Danielle Williams says it’s always fun to watch everyone progress after each week.

“You can visibly see the differences in not only their physical health, but their mental health and then how they interact with everybody, a lot of them open up more. They will be the first one to tell you I missed a week, I’m not doing too great, I have to get back in the gym and they will tell you about the progress,” said Williams.

She says they’re a nonprofit organization, so they rely heavily on support from the community.

They have their annual charity golf fundraiser coming up in May.

“It’s our 2025 Birdies for Brain Health. We are having it at West Lake. It’s our one big fundraiser. It’s fun, well organized and we like to have sponsors and golfers come out and play with us,” said Williams.

Funds from the golf fundraiser support Day One Fitness and all of its members, like James Hagan, who’s been coming for four years.

“I know I’m stronger physically and I feel good when I leave, and I keep coming back,” said Hagan.

They offer other programs like functional fitness, stroke recovery, fall prevention, yoga and dance.

This year, they also added mental health resources and have a support group that meets weekly.

The Birdies for Brain Health Fundraiser is May 12 at Westlake Country Club. It starts at noon.

If you’re interested in signing up or just donating toward the cause, visit https://www.dayonefitness.org/.

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