Rock On…! How Yoga Helps In Rock Climbing

For the past 8 days, I did not manage to go for any yoga classes in KL. Instead I did tried one short session of self practice. ( er… just enough to get me perspiring )

On last Thursday, I went rock climbing for the very first time with Fendi. It was exciting for me and I thought, “man, it’s gonna be cool” like those from the movies. I just watched Mr & Mrs Smith (playing movie catchup), there was this scene where Angelina Jolie was rock climbing with her gal pal with a National Geographic gorgeous backdrop. So cool if I could do that.

Fendi was telling me I will get to know about those muscles that I never knew I had after rock climbing. In my mind, I thought “I am going to get it… somemore I had not gone for yoga classes for like a week!”

We went to this uber cool rock climbing facility at 1 Utama. It is called Camp5 ( check out their website ).

I geared up by renting the harness, shoes(size 4 for me!) and the carabiners. So many new things and terms to learn! First was how to wear my harness, how to wear my shoes, how not to walk around in them expensive shoes etc
I tried out bouldering…man, it was tough. My forearms was screaming pain and the muscles along the forearms were hard. Wooo!

Next stop the high walls! I managed to do two walls and reach the top. It was fun and challenging. At first, it was scary thinking that I have to climb all the way up and then having to let go and then walk down. But hey, once you start climbing the fear is gone!

I only wished my arms were stronger! haha… there are rock climbing techniques that helped, making your climb more elegant and efficient. It was amazing a small change in the technique can make such a difference. In essence, rock climbing is a sport of not only physical strength but mental sport as well when the laws of physics as well as climb strategy comes into place.

While we were there, we saw this lithe lady climb. She was a fantastic climber. Noiseless, stealth and strength. She practically tip toed her way to the top of the wall. It was really fascinating to watch those pros.

We spent our entire day there, from 2pm until 7:30pm. And most of the climbs were by me as I have not learn how to belay yet. Poor Fendi had to see me climb. ( as a consolation, he did do some bouldering… he had some pretty groovy moves… )

Next time, I just wanna do my favorite National Geographic wall ( one of the bouldering moves which I attempted… very nice moves… I was almost here, halfway through ) and the tall wall with the red stones ( this one I tried at least 4 times but everytime got defeated at the halfway point. arrgh…!)

And I am happy to announce that I suffer no pain in my legs and butts. ( yoga has paid off! ) I only feel a slight pain in the triceps and that’s about it!

hehehehehehe…

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