Parkinson's: An Athlete's Journey

Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt
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  • Fitness

Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey is for athletes navigating Parkinson’s, the coaches and clinicians who train them, and anyone who wants real-world strategies for performance and longevity. Hosted by Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt, the show focuses on tactical takeaways: how to train, recover, manage symptoms, and stay consistent when the rules keep changing. Expect honest conversations, tested routines, and guest experts who go deeper on what works.

  1. vor 4 Std.

    Still Choosing the Hard Climb | Chris Hamper

    hris Hamper has been obsessed with climbing ever since he can remember. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago, one of his first thoughts was that he wouldn’t be able to climb anymore. He soon found that wasn’t the case. Chris has continued climbing throughout his diagnosis, even as Parkinson’s has made some movements and parts of the sport increasingly difficult. That experience became the subject of the documentary The Parkinson’s Project, which follows Chris and the role climbing continues to play in his life with Parkinson’s. Chris talks about the unexpected ways Parkinson’s has affected him, how he has kept climbing as his abilities have changed, and why he believes you can still get better at things after a diagnosis. Key Takeaways ➡️ You can still get better at things after diagnosis.After 13 years with Parkinson’s, Chris still believes there is room to learn, improve, and take on new challenges. His own experience has included continuing to climb, rebuilding a car, learning new skills, and recently taking up cycling. ➡️ Adaptation has kept Chris climbing.As his left hand became harder to use, Chris changed how he moved between holds, became more selective about routes, and relied on friends for parts of climbing that had become difficult. ➡️ Effort can stay high even when performance changes.Chris still prefers attempting harder climbs over choosing something easy. He says he tries as hard now as he did when he was climbing at his best, even though the level has changed. ➡️ Parkinson’s can affect the drive to do something you love.Chris talks about losing the anticipation he once felt around surfing and snowboarding, and how the data and gamification of Zwift have helped give him another reason to keep pushing himself. Key Moments 06:00 Early Parkinson’s signs in the classroom and on the climbing wall07:10 Initial ALS concern and receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis08:54 Early symptoms and expectations after diagnosis09:50 Returning to climbing after thinking it was over10:18 Adapting his climbing around changes in his left hand12:17 Changing how he taught physics with Parkinson’s14:36 Multitasking, apathy and everyday challenges16:25 Losing the ability and desire to snowboard and surf18:28 Finding a new challenge through Zwift20:52 Why harder climbs can sometimes be easier with Parkinson’s22:58 Freezing on the climbing wall23:18 Lead climbing, fear and continuing to try hard24:50 The story behind The Parkinson’s Project26:01 Advice for someone newly diagnosed26:25 Rebuilding a car and learning new skills after diagnosis27:28 Blackouts, vivid dreams and the decision to stop driving29:14 Balance problems and newer Parkinson’s symptoms32:06 Climbing identity and competing in paraclimbing34:19 What’s next: climbing at Rocklands in Africa35:11 Becoming the best climber, teacher and Parkinson’s patient he can be Connect with Chris Instagram: @chris.mj.hamperMovie Website: The Parkinson’s Project About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Still Choosing the Hard Climb | Chris Hamper

  2. 12. Aug.

    Adaptability Is the New Resilience | Becky Johnson

    Becky Johnson has spent decades pushing her limits. She has raced ultramarathons, trained in CrossFit for more than a decade, and recently earned a spot at the CrossFit Adaptive Games. Training has always been part of how she approaches challenges, long before she was diagnosed with Parkinson's. When subtle changes began affecting her running, grip strength, and coordination, Becky assumed they were unrelated. After months of appointments, spinal surgery, and eventually a Parkinson's diagnosis, she had to learn how to train in a body that no longer responded the way it once had. In this conversation, Becky shares how she has adapted her training, why the CrossFit community became an essential part of her recovery, and what it takes to keep showing up on the mornings when Parkinson's makes even getting out of bed feel difficult. She also reflects on learning to ask for help, balancing intensity with consistency, and why adaptability, more than resilience, has become the mindset that guides her forward. Key Takeaways ➡️ Adaptability became the foundation for staying an athlete.Becky explains why resilience alone is not enough. Parkinson's constantly changes the equation, requiring athletes to adjust their training, routines, expectations, and even long-term plans without giving up on progress. ➡️ Community made it possible to keep moving forward.From recovering after spinal surgery to competing at the CrossFit Adaptive Games, Becky describes how training alongside others kept her connected, accountable, and prevented the isolation that often follows a Parkinson's diagnosis. ➡️ Consistency matters more than intensity.Instead of chasing personal records every day, Becky shares how she scales workouts, manages medication, prioritizes recovery, and focuses on showing up consistently so she can keep training for the long term. ➡️ The first goal after diagnosis is simply the next step.Rather than thinking years into the future, Becky encourages newly diagnosed people to focus on the next breath, the next task, and the next decision. Breaking overwhelming moments into manageable steps helped her regain a sense of control. Key Moments: 0:41 Finding CrossFit and the Adaptive Games3:50 Qualifying for the CrossFit Adaptive Games with Parkinson's5:35 Why getting to the gym starts with small wins10:11 The symptoms that didn't seem like Parkinson's13:54 A spinal surgeon changes the diagnosis19:07 Recovery, community, and learning to ask for help22:45 Rebuilding athleticism on a different path26:47 The invisible reality of living with Parkinson's27:53 Why CrossFit works so well for Parkinson's32:41 Training around medication and symptom fluctuations38:14 Finding belonging at the Adaptive Games40:35 Adaptability versus resilience41:50 Advice for someone newly diagnosed45:18 Protecting your energy and setting boundaries46:16 What's next: mobility, strength, and long-term training49:13 Balancing intensity with consistency51:42 Redefining identity beyond athletic achievements Connect with Becky Instagram: @beckyjohnson_1971 About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Adaptability Is the New Resilience | Becky Johnson

  3. 5. Aug.

    Don't Bury Your Head in the Sand | Jodi Brown

    Jodi Brown is the CEO of Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), a nonprofit serving people with Parkinson's and their care partners across Colorado and Wyoming. After leaving a career in corporate marketing and finance, Jodi helped transform the organization, expanding exercise programs, support groups, educational events, equipment loans, and community services while doubling its revenue, services, and staff. Her work is built around a simple idea: the sooner people connect with resources and other people living with Parkinson's, the better equipped they are to keep moving forward. In this conversation, Jodi shares what she's learned from supporting thousands of people living with Parkinson's, why connecting with the right resources early matters, and how community, exercise, and education help people continue moving forward after diagnosis. Key Takeaways: ➡️ Support looks different in every community.Parkinson Association of the Rockies builds programs around the needs of each community rather than using the same model everywhere, recognizing that access, geography, and local resources vary widely across Colorado and Wyoming. ➡️ Connecting early can change the experience after diagnosis.Jodi explains why so many people wait months or even years before seeking support, and why finding exercise, education, and community early helps people better understand the condition and feel less alone. ➡️ Exercise is only one part of living well with Parkinson's.While movement remains central, Jodi discusses the importance of support groups, education, care partner resources, and practical services that help people continue navigating life with Parkinson's. Key Moments: 0:30 Jodi's Journey to Parkinson Association of the Rockies4:17 Why Every Community Needs Different Support6:43 The Five Pillars of Parkinson Association of the Rockies14:20 Research, Conferences & What's Changing17:00 Why the First Months After Diagnosis Matter20:20 Building the Future of Parkinson Association of the Rockies26:56 Jodi's Advice for the Newly Diagnosed29:04 Finding Your Way Back to Movement Connect with Parkinson Association of the Rockies Website: https://parkinsonrockies.orgInstagram: @parockiesFacebook: Parkinson Association of the RockiesYouTube: Parkinson Association of the RockiesLinkedIn: Parkinson Association of the Rockies About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📘 Facebook: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Don't Bury Your Head in the Sand | Jodi Brown

  4. 15. Juli

    Before You Decide You Can't

    Eric and Todd are back together on the pod, catching up on everything that has changed since they last sat down. Todd has started a new full-time job, Eric has been recovering from a medical procedure, and both of them have been trying to find their footing with movement, training, and the usual unpredictability that comes with Parkinson’s. They talk about getting back into exercise, building routines that can survive real life, and Eric’s recent fishing trip to Alaska, where a little planning, a few adaptations, and support from the people around him made it possible to stay fully part of the experience. They reflect on how easily life can start to get smaller after diagnosis, and how friendship, preparation, and being willing to accept help can keep more of it open. Key Takeaways ➡️ Life can get smaller before it has to.Eric and Todd talk about how Parkinson’s can lead people to step back from plans, travel, and everyday experiences before they know what is still possible. ➡️ Adaptation keeps you in the experience.On Eric’s fishing trip to Alaska, support from family, help with the physical details, and clear expectations allowed him to stay involved instead of sitting the trip out. ➡️ Accepting help is not the same as giving up independence.The conversation explores the discomfort of relying on others and how the right support can make it possible to keep training, traveling, and participating in the parts of life that matter. Key Moments 00:00 Eric and Todd Catch Up; Moving, Recovery & Life Updates05:41 Todd’s New Work Routine; Making Exercise Automatic06:36 Eric Returns to the Rowing Machine After Three Months07:50 Alaska Trip; Doubt, Balance & Showing Up Anyway10:11 Learned Helplessness; How Life Can Start to Get Smaller11:53 Saying Yes When Parkinson’s Makes Plans Uncertain12:21 Asking for Help; Independence, Frustration & Daily Challenges14:50 Travel, Medication Timing & Disrupted Routines16:27 Adapting the Fishing Trip; Support That Keeps You Involved17:23 Family Support; Accepting Help Without Feeling Like a Burden About the Hosts Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt are athletes living with Parkinson’s, sharing the day to day reality of training, adapting, and figuring it out as they go. They explore what helps, what does not, and how to keep moving forward with purpose. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Before You Decide You Can't

  5. 8. Juli

    Pedaling 1,010 Miles to Phoenix | Rob Warner

    Rob Warner’s athletic life was built one challenge at a time. First it was climbing stairs. Then Mount Whitney. Then cycling. Then triathlons. Each step gave him a new way to measure effort, build confidence, and stay connected to what his body could do. When Parkinson’s symptoms first appeared, Rob thought he was dealing with an injury from a triathlon fall. Instead, after a long diagnostic process that included an early concern about ALS, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. Since then, Rob has kept adapting. He has trained, raced, raised money through Parkinson’s events, gone through DBS, dealt with freezing, falls, dyskinesia, a broken back from a bike crash, and still continued looking for ways to stay active. Rob talks with Eric about family, faith, humor, cycling, the Ride to Phoenix, and why movement still matters after nearly two decades with Parkinson’s. Key Takeaways ➡️ Movement kept giving Rob a way forward.From Mount Whitney to cycling to triathlons, Rob kept finding new challenges that helped him stay connected to his body before and after diagnosis. ➡️ Adaptation is not one decision. It keeps changing.Rob has adjusted through DBS, medication changes, freezing, dyskinesia, falls, injuries, and new tools like an e-bike. The work is ongoing. ➡️ Support matters when it protects agency.Family, guides, doctors, and riding partners help Rob keep participating without turning him into someone who needs to be pitied or held back. ➡️ Community turns effort into purpose.Through fundraising, Cycling to End Parkinson’s, the Ride to Phoenix, and the World Parkinson’s Congress, Rob uses movement to connect with others and build something larger than his own diagnosis. Key Moments 0:59 Life before diagnosis; Lancaster, Edwards Air Force Base, flight test engineering2:33 First symptoms; left pinky movement, arm swing changes, triathlon fall3:22 Early ALS concern; waiting for answers with four young children4:18 Parkinson’s diagnosis; relief, uncertainty, and having something concrete to face5:05 Hiding symptoms at work; disclosure, coworkers, and relief after telling the truth7:08 Family response; humor, support, and not being treated with pity10:24 Athletic background; Mount Whitney, cycling, and finding triathlon14:28 Racing with symptoms; dystonia, running backward, and adapting mid-race18:00 Moving closer to care; family support and the realities of daily limitation22:51 Exercise becomes advocacy; fundraising through Parkinson’s events23:56 Choosing DBS to protect his ability to exercise24:13 DBS experience; medication changes, tuning, and symptom relief27:44 Parkinson’s risk; bike crash, broken back, falls, and challenging easy sayings31:14 E-bike support; adapting tools for long-distance riding32:25 Cycling to End Parkinson’s; Ride to Phoenix and family logistics35:45 Riding from Salt Lake to Phoenix; trikes, heat, support, and endurance37:33 Rock Steady Boxing, rock climbing, pickleball, and movement variety38:53 Freezing and sport; why pickleball can feel almost normal once play begins40:18 World Parkinson’s Congress; community, research, and being around people who understand41:41 New infusion therapy; managing on/off time and medication delivery45:21 Advice for the newly diagnosed; Parkinson’s is not life-ending48:08 Movement as the message; cycling, running, swimming, boxing, jujitsu, and doing something Team Utah - Pedal for Parkinson'sFacebook Page: PedalForParkinsonsUT About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Pedaling 1,010 Miles to Phoenix | Rob Warner

  6. 1. Juli

    Life Is Not a Sprint, It’s 100 Marathons | Larry Grogin

    Larry Grogin is nearing the end of one of the most demanding endurance challenges imaginable: 100 marathons in 100 consecutive days. With only a few runs left, Eric catches up with Larry as he nears the end of a journey that has taken him more than 2,500 miles across the United States. What began as a challenge built around Parkinson’s, exercise, and possibility has become something more personal, more practical, and more revealing. Larry has learned what happens when the body hurts, the mind gets tired, the weather turns, and the road still has to be covered. In this conversation, Larry reflects on what the first 97 days have taught him about adaptation, support, medication, movement, and the mental tools that help him keep going. He talks about slow warm-ups, hard miles, music, nature, community, and the surprising strength that comes from doing the work day after day. Key Takeaways ➡️ Hard days connect the easy days.Larry describes the rough stretches of the challenge as temporary, not permanent. Over 97 days, he learned that the bad miles, low-energy windows, and painful moments always shifted if he kept moving. ➡️ Adaptation happens through repetition.The daily marathons forced Larry to respect slow warm-ups, listen to his body, and let his running improve through consistent use. By the end, he felt smoother, stronger, and more like a runner than when he started. ➡️ Support made the challenge possible.Larry is clear that the run was not done alone. Sponsors, drivers, family, Parkinson’s groups, and strangers across the country helped carry the effort, reminding him that accepting help is part of endurance. ➡️ The diagnosis is not the finish line.When speaking to newly diagnosed people, Larry’s message is direct: Parkinson’s changes things, but it does not mean life is over. Movement, community, and the willingness to try can still create a path forward. Key Moments 00:31 Reconnecting with Larry Grogin near the end of 100 marathons in 100 days01:02 What the challenge taught him about pain, overuse, and time02:03 Tough days connect the easy days02:48 The 40% of dopamine-producing nerves still doing their job09:34 The support team behind the run10:31 Returning to the site of Larry’s first triathlon12:14 Medication consistency and changes during the challenge13:05 Why slow warm-ups became even more important14:22 Looking stronger at the end of each marathon15:32 Parkinson’s Warriors, Durango, and the power of community18:42 Learning to accept help21:45 Mental tools for hard miles: music, calls, nature, and birds25:25 The role of rhythm, music, and running cadence27:06 What Larry would tell someone newly diagnosed29:25 Running for people who think they cannot32:17 The people Larry met across the country37:19 What Larry would tell his 2019 self38:00 Learning that every downtime ends39:11 What an athlete’s mindset means after Parkinson’s41:41 “Larry is running for people who think they cannot, but they’ll try” Connect with Larry GroginStrides for Humanity / Run Larry Run: https://dpf.org/runlarryrunIG: @runlarryrun26Follow the journey: #RunLarryRun About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Life Is Not a Sprint, It’s 100 Marathons | Larry Grogin

  7. 24. Juni

    Find What Keeps You Moving | Ryan Cotton

    Ryan Cotton has been part of Rock Steady Boxing since it was thirty boxers in an aerobics room. With more than 20 years of clinical experience and a Doctorate in Health Science, he joined as a board member before becoming Chief Scientific Officer and eventually President and CEO. When his father was diagnosed with Parkinson's, the work became personal. By then he already understood what the research said and what the gym floor proved: that people who keep moving do better, and that engaging with the disease early changes its trajectory. This episode covers what changes after a diagnosis and what helps people stay engaged in the life they still want to live. Exercise as daily medicine, building the right medical team, and the support systems that offer both understanding and accountability. Key Takeaways ➡️ Exercise is part of the treatment plan, not an optional add-on.Ryan explains why consistent, moderate-to-high intensity exercise has become central to Parkinson’s care, with benefits that can show up physically, emotionally, and neurologically. ➡️ The best exercise is the one you will keep doing.Boxing is one model, but Ryan is clear that movement can take many forms. Cycling, rowing, dancing, strength work, etc., or a mix of disciplines can all matter if they keep someone engaged. ➡️ Community turns exercise into accountability.The gym becomes more than a place to train. It becomes a place where people compare notes, check on each other, offer encouragement, and sometimes give the push someone needs to keep going. ➡️ Early action changes the experience of diagnosis.Ryan encourages newly diagnosed people to build the right team, take medication consistently, find their form of exercise, and surround themselves with support before isolation or apathy take over. Key Moments 00:33 Ryan Cotton’s background and early involvement with Rock Steady Boxing02:33 When Parkinson’s became personal through Ryan’s father04:44 Why Ryan became a physical therapist06:22 How Rock Steady Boxing connected Ryan’s clinical work to Parkinson’s08:14 PT, OT, speech therapy, neurologists, and the team approach to Parkinson’s10:31 The “lottery no one wants to win” and the range of Parkinson’s symptoms11:31 What newly diagnosed people should focus on first13:52 Eric’s morning routine, mindset, breath work, and stackable wins18:39 Ryan’s path from board member to Chief Scientific Officer to CEO22:50 The early growth of Rock Steady Boxing24:20 Why exercise matters so much for Parkinson’s26:58 Physical, emotional, and neurological benefits of consistent exercise28:29 Apathy, dopamine, and finding exercise you actually enjoy32:07 Social and emotional transformation through Rock Steady Boxing33:36 Accountability, support, and peer-to-peer knowledge in the gym35:38 A retired Marine’s shift from isolation to a half marathon38:13 Why some people become thankful for what diagnosis brought into their life40:17 Reflections from the World Parkinson’s Congress41:19 Scaling Rock Steady Boxing while protecting the mission46:22 Exercise collaboration across the Parkinson’s community49:23 Ryan’s definition of resilience Connect with Ryan LinkedIn: Ryan CottonInstagram: @rock_steady_boxingWebsite: www.rocksteadyboxing.org About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Find What Keeps You Moving | Ryan Cotton

  8. 17. Juni

    Challenge the Body Enough to Adapt | Jorge Quintero

    Jorge Quintero’s work with Parkinson’s began in the operating room. As an electrical engineer working in neurotechnology, he supported deep brain stimulation surgeries and watched people with severe tremors experience immediate changes once stimulation was turned on. That experience led him deeper into clinical neuroscience and into a question that now shapes much of his work: how much can the brain change when it is trained with the right demands? Jorge is now a clinical neuroscientist, NASM certified personal trainer, and founder of NeuroGym, an athletics gym built around mental health and brain performance. His approach blends neuroscience, fitness, and practical movement training for people dealing with brain conditions, including Parkinson’s. Eric and Jorge explore what Parkinson’s changes in the brain and body, and why varied, athletic training can help people keep building capacity after diagnosis. They get into deep brain stimulation, neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve, proprioception, progressive muscle relaxation, rope flow, learned helplessness, and the value of doing things that are challenging enough to wake the system up. Key Takeaways ➡️ The brain needs challenge to keep adapting.Jorge returns to neuroplasticity throughout the conversation, especially the idea that the brain can keep changing when it is asked to learn, coordinate, remember, balance, and move in new ways. ➡️ Parkinson’s training has to go beyond cardio and strength.Eric and Jorge talk about the value of varied athletic training, including balance, footwork, proprioception, reaction, rope flow, cognitive load, and skills that keep the body solving problems. ➡️ Confidence is part of movement.Freezing, shuffling, and hesitation are connected to how clearly the brain reads the body and the environment. Better sensory input, balance work, and body awareness can help rebuild trust in movement. ➡️ Learned helplessness can shape the diagnosis experience.Jorge and Eric discuss how quickly people can begin living inside the limits they expect. The conversation pushes toward action, curiosity, social connection, and training that gives people evidence they can still adapt. Key Moments 00:50 Jorge’s background in engineering, neuroscience, DBS, NeuroGym, and Parkinson Power Protocol03:24 What deep brain stimulation is and when it becomes an option04:25 Seeing tremor suppressed during DBS surgery07:42 Current treatment options and adaptive deep brain stimulation09:06 Stem cell therapy, bemdaneprocel, and the exPDite trial10:45 Cognitive reserve, neuroplasticity, and proactive brain health16:04 Neuroplasticity as a double-edged sword20:41 Feet, gait, freezing, and the brain’s body map23:20 Balance as a neurological task: proprioception, vision, and vestibular input27:09 Why athletic, multimodal training matters for Parkinson’s29:42 Why Jorge started NeuroGym32:06 Learned helplessness and the diagnosis mindset33:42 Breath work, interoception, and progressive muscle relaxation36:23 Rope flow, spatial awareness, proprioception, and coordination38:25 Motor reserve and why adults need more movement variety43:58 Self-directed neuroplasticity and living well with Parkinson’s44:17 Group exercise, social engagement, and brain health45:29 Jiu-jitsu, pickleball, and building motor reserve through sport49:44 Cognitive load through memory, reaction, and coordination drills52:43 Intensity, lactate, and the brain benefits of exercise56:33 What newly diagnosed people should understand about adaptability58:30 Parkinson’s as a movement disorder and why movement remains essential59:34 How to connect with Jorge and NeuroGym Connect with Jorge LinkedIn: Jorge QuinteroWebsite: https://theneurogym.orgInstagram: @theneurogymYouTube: @theneurogym About the Host Eric Von Frohlich is a fitness entrepreneur, coach, and athlete living with Parkinson's who founded EVF Performance and Row House before his diagnosis in 2020. On the podcast he talks with athletes, experts, and people refusing to let a diagnosis be the end of the story. Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey 📩 Join our Community: https://evfmethod.com/subscribe-to-podcast-community🎧 Listen and Subscribe: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast🤝 LinkedIn: Parkinson's An Athlete's Journey🌐 Website: www.evfmethod.com Disclaimer This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.

    Challenge the Body Enough to Adapt | Jorge Quintero
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Parkinson’s: An Athlete’s Journey is for athletes navigating Parkinson’s, the coaches and clinicians who train them, and anyone who wants real-world strategies for performance and longevity. Hosted by Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt, the show focuses on tactical takeaways: how to train, recover, manage symptoms, and stay consistent when the rules keep changing. Expect honest conversations, tested routines, and guest experts who go deeper on what works.

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  • Erstellt von
    Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt
  • Jahre aktiv
    2026
  • Folgen
    28
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