Rock Climbing for PD

Up Ending Parkinson’s (UEP): Climbing for PD Therapy

Up Ending Parkinson’s (UEP) started in 2012 with the goal of providing accessible and beneficial therapeutic activities for people living with Parkinson's Disease (PD). We have worked with individuals from their mid-thirties to their early 90s and are passionate about using our experience to help others better understand and manage this multifaceted disease.

Website: https://www.upendingparkinsons.org/

Why Climbing?

UEP is dedicated to helping people with PD by raising awareness and making rock climbing an accessible therapy.1 We have seen firsthand its positive impact and recently published a study in the Archives of Physiotherapy (available in the attachment) validating its benefits.

Climbing is a full-body activity performed in a controlled, safe environment.2 It directly challenges and improves skills often affected by PD, including balance, coordination, movement speed, and planning skills.

Our local UEP chapter, started in June 2025, meets every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at:

• Hudson Boulders
  195 Troy-Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110

How to Sign Up

The cost is a $20 day pass, which covers the climbing harness, chalk, and shoe rental.

Trained volunteers are provided for assistance and support.

• Registration: Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call ahead to the gym at (838) 221-7673 or use the online registration link https://hudsonboulders.com/

For more insights, you can view the recent feature on WNYT 13: https://wnyt.com/top-stories/tamara-tries-rock-climbing-for-strength-balance-at-hudson-boulders/

Remember, it’s only UP from here!

Jeremy Wood

Lead Volunteer, Up Ending Parkinson’s - Hudson Boulders, Latham NY

518-791-7362