Yoga for rock climbers
Yoga for rock climbers is important for strength, flexibility, ease, sense of wisdom and balance. Before we jump into what yoga can do for rock climbers, let us look at why rock climbers need yoga.
Let us look at what is important to you as a rock climber?
- Balance
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Comfort
- Grip
- Balanced body weight
- Muscular strength
- Strong arms and legs
- Calm mind
- Stress free
- Relaxed posture at all times
- Wisdom and awareness of one’s body
These are some of the most important things that a rock climber needs for an effective and effortless rock climbing.
Where does yoga fit in?
If you look at the list above and pause for a moment, you will realize that yoga offers all of the above as benefits of practicing it.
First of all let us look at why this list is so important and then we can fit yoga into the picture.
Rock climbing is a physical challenge. You tend to learn to use your body in different ways to learn new climbing techniques. It involves a great sense of freedom and adventure.
Balance, strength, flexibility and grip go hand in hand for rock climbing. With each new climbing technique and new route that a rock climber takes each time they climb, they need to know what lies ahead and keep their body prepared at all times.
The body has to have the strength and flexibility for each move which may be easy or difficult. Each move is made by balancing your body weight on your arms and legs as you tend to use them a lot for support. For this reason, it is also important to dispense the body weight equally to ensure that there is not much pressure on your limbs. This is where balanced body weight comes and limb strength comes into picture.
So why is calmness, relaxation, being stress free and body awareness important as a climber? Imagine if you were climbing rocks and heights, and your body and mind are extremely stressed out, do you think it is safe for you to continue?
It is important to be calm and free of stress at all times especially when you are climbing heights. Being aware what your body wants and being responsive to your body is another important quality you will need as a climber.
These are just some of the most important qualities that you should have as a climber. Now let us see how yoga helps you maintain these qualities.
Yoga practice on a regular basis, promotes balance, strength and flexibility. It helps you distribute your weight evenly across your entire body. Some of the asanas of yoga concentrate on promoting strength to your arms and legs. Another most important benefit for rock climbers is that yoga is the most relaxing form of workout, which calms your mind. It unites the body and mind and relaxes your entire system.
Yoga asanas for climbers
As a climber it is important to practice poses that add to your balance, strength, stamina and flexibility. Some of the asanas are as follows:
- Mountain pose
- Tree pose
- Downward facing dog
- Triangle pose
- Side angle pose
- Back twists
- Warrior pose
- Eagle pose
- Hands to feet pose
- Half moon pose
- Cow pose
- Bow pose
- Peacock pose
- Shoulder stand
- Head stand
These are just a few of the important poses for a climber. You can go through a few more which enhance strength, balance and flexibility.So you now know what is important for you as a climber, just embrace the slow, relaxing and flexible poses of yoga and see what it does to your next adventure.
