This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros.
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — A group of people living with Parkinson’s disease is finding strength, both physical and mental, at the base of a rock wall in Rehoboth Beach.
At Rise Fitness, the Sussex county Parkinson's support group hosts indoor rock climbing sessions that challenge participants one hand and one foot at a time — an approach that combines movement with mental focus to help cope with the effects of the disease.
“It is a good mind-body exercise,” said participant Arnold Edelman.
Instructor Cathleen Lutz said the benefits go beyond physical fitness. “You have that brain-body connection, which is making them work, which is bringing on dopamine — the one thing they lack having Parkinson’s,” Lutz said. “So they're able to at least give themselves a good benefit for the disease they have.”
While climbing skill levels vary, reactions from participants are strikingly similar: the activity is tough, but rewarding.
“I think it’s a huge amount of confidence that they come in with after they've achieved that wall,” Lutz said. “They’ve got a huge burst of confidence.”
That boost is helping Joan Marie Dieho and Edelman navigate life with Parkinson’s.
“This gives them a different approach to knowing they can achieve a goal,” Lutz said. “Whether they want to go higher than last time or just improve each session, it's a step forward.”
“You just want to get up higher and higher,” said Dieho.
“My goal is to get all the way to the top,” Edelman added. “Take it slowly, believe in yourself — and I’ll get there.”