How Up ENDing Parkinson’s is Helping People with Parkinson’s Thrive — and How You Can Join Us
- vitalityptnc
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) doesn’t mean slowing down, it means finding new ways to move, connect, and live with purpose. That’s exactly the mission of Up ENDing Parkinson’s (UEP), a program dedicated to empowering people with PD through movement, education, and community support.
At Vitality PT we’re proud to partner with this amazing initiative to help people with Parkinson’s stay strong, confident, and active.
Click the box to read Queen City News article about our local chapter!
"Participating in the Upending Parkinson's Program has been an amazing experience. It has boosted my confidence with regard to trying difficult things. It has added a very valuable component to my repertoire of activities that enable me to stay ahead of my diagnosis. Most importantly, the people who volunteer to belay us are so kind, compassionate, and willing to share their knowledge of climbing. I am very grateful to be a part of this community." - From one of our climbers
What Is Up ENDing Parkinson’s?
Up ENDing Parkinson’s is a movement-based program designed to “flip the script” on Parkinson’s disease. It encourages participants to push back against symptoms through challenging, fun, and purposeful physical activity with rock climbing. Each session combines movement, mobility, and motivation. It is helping people reclaim confidence and connection in a safe, supportive space.
Research continues to show that exercise is one of the most powerful tools for improving balance, mobility, and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. UEP sessions are tailored to maximize those benefits, focusing on strength, coordination, amplitude of motion, and cognitive engagement.
Meet Sophia: Vitality PT’s Up ENDing Parkinson’s Ambassador
Our very own Sophia, one of Vitality’s dedicated physical therapists, proudly serves as a local UEP Ambassador. She was approached by her friend Kevin, who was diagnosed with PD in 2024, about starting a local UEP chapter. After watching this video, she said "you find a gym and I'll talk to Molly, the CEO." Months later, they started their first location at Inner Peaks South End and have grown since!
Her passion for Parkinson’s care extends beyond the clinic. She leads group sessions that challenge and inspire participants to stay active while connecting with others who understand the journey of living with PD.
Sophia’s energy, expertise, and compassion make every class feel both safe and empowering. Whether it’s mastering a new exercise or celebrating a small victory, she helps participants recognize their strength and potential.
How does rock climbing help Parkinson's?
Helps your brain🧠
Climbing is like a moving puzzle. Each route asks you to plan your next move, decide where to put your hands and feet, and adjust your body as you go. This kind of problem-solving can help support attention, planning, and overall cognitive engagement.
Balance and body awareness👣
On the wall, you constantly shift your weight, reach outside your comfort zone, and practice using your trunk and hips for stability. Those are the same systems that Parkinson’s often affects, so climbing becomes a built-in balance and posture exercise. Over time, many people notice more confidence with everyday tasks like walking, turning, and getting up from a chair.
Strength and mobility💪
Climbing is a full-body workout. Your legs drive you upward, your core keeps you steady, and your arms and hands help you pull, reach, and grip. This combination can improve lower-body strength, shoulder and hip mobility, and overall endurance. These are the key ingredients for staying active with Parkinson’s.
The power of the harness🧗♀️
One of the biggest fears in Parkinson’s is falling. In a climbing harness, you are clipped into the rope the entire time, so even if your foot slips, you are supported. That safety net often flips a switch: instead of worrying about every step, you can focus on moving, trying, and experimenting. That’s where confidence and bravery start to grow on the wall and off of it.
Bringing it all together in class
In our Parkinson’s climbing sessions, we combine all of this in a supportive, coached environment. You’re harnessed in, guided by trained staff and volunteers, and encouraged to go at your own pace. You never have to reach the top, but once you feel how secure you are, you might be surprised by how far you want to climb.
What to expect:
The moment you walk through the door, you’ll be greeted with big smiles from Sophia, Kevin, one of our amazing volunteers or maybe the whole crew! We’re always excited to welcome new faces and share the fun of climbing.
Once you’ve completed orientation and signed the waivers, we’ll get you suited up and ready to climb. And don’t worry, you won’t fall! You’ll be safely harnessed and supported the entire time. All of our volunteers are certified through Inner Peaks and are full of helpful tips on climbing technique, balance, and how to move with confidence on and off the wall.
We usually encourage first-timers to take a moment to watch a few climbs before starting. You’ll get a feel for the rhythm of climbing, how different movements look, and what to expect once you’re up there.
Then it’s your turn, time to climb! You don’t have to make it to the top (although we bet you’ll want to once you start!). You'll hear all of us cheering you on! No pressure, just fun, encouragement, and a great workout in a welcoming space
Join a Local Chapter
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s, we’d love for you to experience the Upending Parkinson’s community firsthand. It is free for those with Parkinson’s, spouses/family/friends are welcome to join and watch or join the climb with a special discounted rate. Our current schedule is:
Every Wednesday and 3rd Tuesday from 10-12PM at Inner Peaks South End: 2220 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Every Friday from 1–3 PM at Inner Peaks Matthews: 10715 Independence Pointe Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105
These sessions are open to individuals with Parkinson’s disease of all ability levels. Come move, laugh, and build resilience with a supportive community that lifts each other up every week.
Move Better. Live Better.
At Vitality PT, we believe in treating the person, not just the condition. Our collaboration with UEP is just one of the ways we’re working to help people with PD live life to the fullest, one movement at a time.
To learn more or register for an upcoming session, contact Vitality Physical Therapy or visit
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