EVERY BODY CLIMBS | Melissa Ruiz on Training with a Neurological Disorder

In this episode of "Every Body Climbs," Melissa Ruiz, a decorated para-climber with cerebral palsy, discusses her journey into climbing, initially sparked by a chance encounter with other para-climbers. She details how she adapts climbing to her body, including specific training for high steps and core strength, and how outdoor climbing has unexpectedly improved her walking and overall mobility. Melissa also shares her experiences with trad climbing and aid climbing, her upcoming aid climbing workshop at the Adaptive Climbers Fest, and her goal to climb Lurking Fear on El Capitan. She also touches on the challenges of grading climbs for para-climbers and advocates for greater inclusivity and recognition of adaptive climbing within the broader climbing community.