“Do you ever struggle with rock climbing because of your size?”
YES, I do sometimes struggle to rock climb because of my size!
Yep, I sure do, but what helps me get through it is knowing other people struggle with rock climbing because of x, y, z, too tall, too short, bum shoulder, confidence and more. We all have struggles, it’s managing and pushing through them that makes things possible and sometimes even enjoyable!
Some days are awesome and I don’t feel like it’s a struggle at all and other days are not so awesome and I fight the inner voices saying, “there’s no way you can do that.” My best way to fight those inner voices is always to counter with, “how would I know, I haven’t tried it! I’m just gonna try to start it.” But often what happens is a I get past the start. Often what also happens is I don’t make it to the top. But guess what? I made it much farther than if I’d listened to that inner voice telling me something was impossible.
What are some non psychological things I can do to make climbing easier?
Some things that help me climb better while being overweight, having boobs and a fluffy stomach (this is a safe space right??? haha):
- a great sports bra. Seriously. Buy one that fits, I climbed for far too long in a sports bra that was from slimmer days and it was hard to breath which meant it was hard to workout in.
- comfortable and easy to move in clothing. My go-to are very often yoga pants/shirts (I mean I basically live in them anyways. I have some pairs that I don’t mind getting chalky and have tested for see through-ability. Nobody needs to see my butt crack or the pattern on my undies through my pants while I’m climbing lol)
- a harness of your own. The ones they rent at the gym are totally usable but if you end up liking climbing I highly suggest buying your own harness. They’re padded and soooooo much less pinchy in all the wrong places than the rentals.
- underwear that doesn’t bunch! go commando if you have to (good thing you know your pants aren’t see through) but nothing takes the mind off climbing like a major wedgie or undwear that’s slipping down. lol
Do you have any pro tips for climbing as a person of size or dealing with other struggles while climbing?
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