An interview with Jodie Tickle: Fighting Parkinson’s through CrossFit & Functional Fitness
Biography
My name is Jodie and I was born in Australia. I am an Adaptive Crossfit and Bodybuilding athlete, diagnosed with Idiopathic Early Onset PD last year at age 46.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I’m a mum of 3 teenagers, a wife, and registered nurse & midwife of 22 years. Background in cattle farming, rodeo competitor and all round country life.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I think it is so important that people grow an understanding of how complex this disease really is, and that it isn’t just ‘shaking’. I feel there is a big misconception that all PD is, is constant and uncontrollable shaking and a shuffling walk’. But I want people to understand that the symptoms are so much greater than that and can affect all aspects of our lives.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Every thing I researched specifically highlighted the importance of exercise and movement in slowing the progression of PD. So my passion is to share my journey in fitness to help others overcome some of the fears of training with PD.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I hope that I can encourage them to start fighting this disease with fitness and exercise. You don’t have to be an athlete, you just need to start.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
I was training boxing for many years prior to switching to weight training 5 years ago. I wanted to compete in bodybuilding so that’s where I began. I have competed in 3 seasons of bodybuilding competition over the last four years. 3 years ago, I found myself at a crossfit gym and fell in love with it. I now train a combination of heavy weight training and cardio 5-6 days a week. I have a coach as I compete, so they set my program and I just follow along.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Hopefully, that age isn’t a barrier to starting any fitness regime (obviously check with your health care professional first but).
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
More people involved in functional fitness. It really will change your life completely. You don’t have to be in any specific ‘shape’ to start, that’s the beauty of functional training, it meets you at the level you are currently at and you progress from there.
What events do you participate in?
I have competed in natural bodybuilding, over 5 different federations in Australia. I also compete in crossfit events, previously to my diagnosis I competed in novice events, qualifying to compete in The Fittest Mum competition in Rotarua New Zealand which was fun. Since diagnosis I will be competing this season in the Neuromuscular Adaptive division. Hoping to represent Australia and the PD community overseas in 2026.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Even with general aging, we have a large decline in muscle mass and mobility. I strongly believe that if individuals can maintain some good quality lean muscle and mobility going into older age we can remain independent for longer, thus helping the people around us care for us easier. I feel this also applies to those of us with PD.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
I share my journey through PD with fitness through my Instagram page @trainingthroughparkinsons
Happy for people to message me through there.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Just share your journey, whether it be online or face to face through friends and family or community engagement. I think that we are always seeking information and support and what better place to get it then from people who are also facing the same things we are.
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Sharing of information.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
By bringing more awareness to the disease and how prevalent it is in the world.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I like to use hot/cold water therapy, acupuncture and massage to help my physical limitations. I find those things help with pain, stress management and mobility issues. I also like to practice meditation and/or yoga for mindfulness as much as I can fit in.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 10 million+ people around the world are living with PD. This makes PD one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders globally, second only to Alzheimer’s disease, and is a leading cause of disability as populations age. Therefore, there is a big majority of the worlds population who will be affected by PD in some form or another in their life. Awareness is key.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Not that I am aware of.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
Ooooh that’s a tough one lol. Maybe ‘Keeping your head Up’ by Birdy off the top of my head.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
It’s not a life sentence, you can do hard things, just keep going one day at a time, adapt and evolve.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!