Meet Bob “The Hustler” Shields
Enjoy our new segment in the Weekly Grind so you can meet and learn more about our fighters! This week, meet Bob “The Hustler” Shields!
- When were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2021. I had been having symptoms for a few years before that. My hand tremor just kept getting worse.
- When did you start coming to 110 Fitness?
At my very first Neurology appointment when I was diagnosed, I was given so many pamphlets and resources. It was overwhelming. There was a Neurology Fellow who saw me at that visit and came out to me as I was leaving and told me about the 110 Fitness program. He told me that research has shown that boxing is an activity shown to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. He thought I would like boxing. It took me almost a year to believe that I had Parkinson’s and needed to do something about it. It was a long “pity party”. In the fall of 2022 I made the call and met Brett. 6 months later I earned by boxing name “Rob, the Hustler Shields”. Now I am going on 2 years and I am fully committed, in a good way!
- What’s your favorite class or activity at 110?
Anyone who knows me at the gym knows that any activity that involves the battle ropes or speed bag are my favorites. I love coming to the gym and working out with my fellow “warriors”! I get so much inspiration and support from them. I like that every class is different. The music is great. I appreciate that at the gym, we work on our bodies as well as our minds. I am still working but am looking forward to being able to go to some of the community activities when I am no longer working.
- What do(did) you do for work?
I have been working my whole life. I have painted houses, installed flooring, done small carpentry jobs. I was a member of the Tunnel Workers, Local 88 for several years. I worked on the Deer Island Project. We dug down 500 feet and out 9 miles to the island. For the past 25 years I have been the maintenance coordinator at a very busy community health center. I am a jack of all…
- What would you like us to know about you and your family?
I have been knocked down so many times in my life but for whatever reason I always seem to get back up and keep going. I will be acknowledging 25 years of sobriety in AA in June. Ironically, the “One Day at a Time” motto from AA crosses over into my new life with Parkinson’s. I am so grateful to have found the most amazing life partner, Pam. We have been together for more that 20 years. She stands by my side. I cannot imagine doing this life without her. I am step father to her son, Matthew. He is 33 years old and recently engaged to be married. We live in Weymouth. We share our home with our yellow lab named Hoover and 2 rag doll cats named Blanche and Stanley. They are the best company.
- Any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
I love to make bird houses out of old pallets and any leftover wood I can find. I share them with my friends. I am always up to a project with driftwood or old wood lobster traps. I love to travel. We have been to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Utah’s National Parks (Zion, Arches Bryce…), cruised in Alaska, Red Sox spring training games in Florida, beach life in Bahamas and Aruba. My favorite travel destination is Prince Edward Island. We are lucky enough to rent a beautiful beach house on the north shore, the water is warm, the people are so nice, and lots of fresh potatoes and sea food. We are lucky enough to live not far from the beach. Any chance I get I am up to seeing a beach sunrise or sunset. At least 1 time a summer I like to spend a whole day at the beach from sunrise to sunset.
- How has 110 Fitness impacted your life outside of the gym?
110 has literally given me my life back. Brett, Anna and Jill push me to be the best I can be with Parkinson’s. I am still working. I am travelling I feel strong. I have hope but mostly I have a community of inspiring people (my warriors) who are sharing this Parkinson’s journey with me. They inspire me everyday to keep going. I am grateful to call so many my friends. Whatever the future has in store for me I will not be alone. Knowing that 110 has so many resources, activities and supports for me now and in the future gives me so many things to NOT worry about. I am living my best life right now thanks to 110.