About the CLIMB

The Climb was formed in 2009 by the Waterman family. Don Waterman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, and he along with his family had a desire to do “something” in order to bring awareness to the disease as well as offer support to others with the same concerns, questions and fears. They wanted to climb toward empowering themselves in understanding and managing Parkinson’s Disease!

The climb offers BIG Movement, PWR! Classes, Postural Therapy and Balance, Yoga, Dance, Massage Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Weight Training. The program is always growing, developing and incorporating new activities and exercises.

The Climb advocates for any local Parkinson support groups available in the area, which our members often attend. The Climb also provides nutritional information and support on a daily to weekly basis through healthy recipes and tips on how to utilize specific types of foods and spices.

The Climb program is effective because it focuses on Parkinson’s Disease from a group and individual basis. Each client is offered opportunities to participate in various activities and/or exercises weekly that are geared towards common Parkinson’s symptoms as well as individual treatment, assessment and programming which focuses attention on each client’s personal struggles and deficits. At The Climb, we understand that each client comes with their own set of strengths and weaknesses, but that bringing a group dynamic increases morale and provides unique support for people with Parkinson’s.

The Climb differs from other general exercise programs as it provides each client with not only group based exercise but also individual treatment, assessment and programming. This provides each person with Parkinson’s Disease and their caregivers the opportunity to work directly with trained professionals to develop an appropriate and effective exercise program to address their specific deficits and weaknesses present. They then can carry what they are learned at The Climb into their functional, everyday life.

There are several published articles, news clips and research that demonstrate the various benefits of the types of exercises that The Climb offers for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Some examples include the following:

Exercise Research from the National Parkinson Foundation
Neuroprotective Benefits of Exercise for PD:http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment/Exercise/Neuroprotective-Benefits-of-Exercise

Excercise research: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Exercise/Exercise-Research

General information about Exercise and Parkinsons: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/Exercise

The Climb in the News
Here is a very short video highlighting the Climb exercise program, you will see briefly some of the exercises which are incorporated into the program: https://www.indianaparkinson.org/blogs/news/posts/featured-on-wrtv6-program-helps-push-through-parkinson-s-pain

Our classes incorporate as much as possible movements that improve daily life functionality but also engage in the Neuroprotective elements cited by the National Parkinson Foundation. We incorporate exercises from Delay the Disease (http://www.delaythedisease.com/), Parkinson Wellness Recovery (http://www.pwr4life.org/), and LSVT Big and Loud (http://www.lsvtglobal.com/).

All trainers at The Climb are certified in their field of interest, which may include Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Personal Training, Yoga Instruction, Dance Instruction, etc. Trainers also have the opportunity to complete training with our Clinical Education Manager who is also available daily to provide guidance and instruction. Furthermore, continuing education opportunities are encouraged and offered to all trainers.

We absolutely encourage anyone, including family members, interested in The Climb services to observe classes prior to participation. Click here for our locations and class times: CLIMB Locations

The Climb is offered at several locations which allows for our clients to select a location that is closest to their home. Click here for a list of current locations: CLIMB Locations. The organization continues to grow so always be sure to check our website for new locations. If there is not a location close to your home, please reach out to us as we would like to expand our program to better serve you!

At The Climb, you as a member have the opportunity to participate in unlimited classes each month. You have the option to come when you want and are available. We encourage at least 2 classes per week, but also understand that there can be limitations and promote any and all participation! Each Climb location has their own schedule. For a list of days and times, click here: CLIMB Locations

The Climb absolutely does not discriminate against age or disease stage. We gladly accept and encourage any person and their caregiver to participate at The Climb. The Climb also understands that those with Parkinson’s Disease are also often struggling with other diagnoses, which we are equipped to recognize and address.

There is no dress code at the climb. We do suggest that proper tennis shoes with good support are worn and recommend comfortable, loose fitting clothing as the exercises involve various movements.

There is a cost to the Climb program, which varies by location. We make every effort to be sure the program is affordable, and in some locations silver sneaker programs or other forms of insurance reimbursement are available.

We DO require a physician’s release before clients can register at the Climb. Each client’s physician must sign off that they are safe and appropriate to participate in The Climb. We encourage physicians to refer appropriate clients as they deem necessary as well as promote our clients to share their progress with their physicians and other medical professionals.