What would you say if someone suggested you go climbing to help manage your Parkinson's? Probably the same thing as the group of over-70s who looked at Natalia Kaminska like she was completely mad. But then they tried it — and something remarkable happened.

In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people who believe climbing might be one of the best exercises available for people living with Parkinson's. Natalia is a specialist neurological physiotherapist based in Leeds who has been running climbing sessions for people with Parkinson's, supported by Parkinson's UK. Jordi Cruz is a physiotherapist, paraclimbing competitor and founder of the Dreaming Awake Project, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's at 39 and climbing ever since. Joining Jordi is his wife Rebeca, who kindly translated throughout the conversation.

Together, they make a compelling case. Climbing hits almost every recommendation for Parkinson's-specific exercise in one go: big movements, coordination, balance, strength, and an intense focus that demands you stay completely in the moment. As Jordi puts it, when you're on the wall, you simply can't think about anything else. But beyond the physical benefits, there's something else entirely: the community, the sense of belonging, and the joy of achieving something you never thought possible.

Jordi also shares his research into velocity training and how training fast, even at low intensity, can help address bradykinesia, the slowness of movement that affects every person with Parkinson's. And Natalia shares the story of a 75-year-old who climbed for the first time and cried, because his family had told him he couldn't do it.

As Rebeca puts it on Jordi's behalf: when you get lemons, make lemonade. This episode is full of it.

🔗 Full show notes: https://shakingitupwithparkinsonspodcast.com/episode-3-climbing/