The Spotlight is back! Each week we will be introducing you to members of our community: employees, volunteers, and fighters! Meet 110 Fitness fighter, Tom McCarty!
When were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
I had been being treated for an essential tremor since January 2025, first with Propranolol; and then changed in early June to Primidone, with no significant improvement from either. In Summer 2025 I began having symptoms in addition to the tremor which we recognized to be typical of Parkinson’s. (Walking gait was ‘off’; small hand-writing; soft voice; hunching, slow to begin a sentence, etc.)
When did you start coming to 110 Fitness?
I had been aware of the gym and Rock Steady program for several years as the result of a life’s journey talk Brett Miller had given one Sunday at the United Church of Christ in Norwell, where I am a parishioner and head-up the Usher Ministry Teams. There have been a couple of members of the congregation in the Program (or have been volunteers) since that time.
What’s your favorite class or activity at 110?
I enjoy the Monday and Wednesday evening classes, as they are less crowded and a bit more challenging. However, I find the Tuesday & Thursday classes helpful in still learning the Boxing Combinations. (Not sure I will ever achieve affiliation of the ‘names’ with the combinations, LOL)
What do(did) you do for work?
I was an Architect. I began working at a firm in Boston when I was 17 years old and worked my way up through the years to be one of the owners of the company.
I retired in 2023 after 49 years with the firm.
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
I have been happily married for 39 years. My wife Lynne is a retired Accountant as well as a certified Yoga Instructor and Reiki Master. We have one adult Son (Matthew) who is in the film, photography and promotions business in California.
I am the second oldest of 9 children. None of my siblings have had any Parkinson’s symptoms.
Any fun hobbies you’d like to share?
Well, I was a competitive Powerlifter for 22 years. (Two time AAU World Powerlifting Champion 1999 & 2004), and although no longer competing I still do weight training 5-days a week in addition to the 110 Fitness classes. I enjoy working with the younger lifters, helping them to learn the sport and advance their abilities. I can also be found walking the woods and forests in the South Shore area with my wife who is an avid Nordic Walking Group member.
How has 110 Fitness impacted your life outside of the gym?
110 Fitness has improved my physical endurance and cardiovascular limits significantly. We used to joke when weight-training that a good night in the gym was when you finished training ‘too late’ to fit in any cardio before the gym closed. Not too funny in reality. But between the medication (carbidopa-levodopa) and 110 Fitness Classes all of the Parkinson’s symptoms I was experiencing have been eliminated (or lets say knocked-back), except for a significantly lessened tremor. Further, my energy level during the other gym training has improved, specifically noticeable on the Elliptical machine, as has my endurance walking 3+/- miles in the woods. My wife has noticed my movements are quicker and steady again; and speech more intentional.