Getting Back into Climbing
Hey Steph!
I have just discovered your site from reading your interview on mindbodygreen.com, and I absolutely love it! So inspirational! I used to do a lot of indoor climbing and bouldering, but haven’t done any for 2 years so I’m looking to get back into it. The reason I stopped was because I got kinda pushed into bodybuilding, but jeez I bloody hate it! Such a focus on body image and vanity, and it’s so unhealthy! Anyway, I took a month off there and done only yoga, some pullups and walked my dog.
I’m just wondering if you could tell me if there is any ‘best’ way to get back into it, or is it a case of just go and climb! Lol! Also, do you do or recommend any strength training or other exercise to assist with climbing – apart from yoga which I already do!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!
Lauren xx
Hi Lauren,
Do you have a gym nearby? If so, I recommend going to the gym and making sure you have only fun. The reason I say this, is that you have been pursuing a very quantified activity with bodybuilding, and what you have to be really careful about with climbing is the focus on “ratings” and numbering, especially in a gym environment. Use the ratings as they are supposed to be used–as a general guide to decide what to warm up on and what to climb after you are warmed up–rather than as a measure of yourself or your performance.
Keep up the yoga also, as it will help with opening your joints and making you feel more balanced.
And above all, have fun with it!!
🙂 Steph
