What exactly do rock climbing and yoga have in common?
In climbing, I make one wrong move and I lose my balance. I take one short breath and I can fall. It’s the same with yoga.
Not to mention they are both much more than a practice or a hobby, they are a way of life, a philosophy, a journey of self-discovery. They are graceful movements of the body and the soul.
A form of dance I might say….
How will yoga improve your climbing?
Yogic breathing
Many climbers forget the importance of the breath when climbing the wall. Breathing techniques taught in yoga can help you keep balanced breathing and avoid holding air in when under intense concentration or physical exertion.
Flexibility
Flexible limbs can help keep your movements fluid, improve your range of motion and let you climb smoother. But flexibility doesn’t appear overnight, you must be diligent over a long period of time to reap the benefits. Consistency is key.
Strength
Yoga can provide a number of poses that can help build your strength. From chest and hip openers, to muscle bearing poses that involve holding your body weight for long periods of time, it can condition your body to be supple and strong.
It may take a while for a climber to adjust to the slow-paced flows of yoga after experiencing adrenaline-pumped climbing action, but being persistent in the stillness, holding these unfamiliar poses, and being consistent you’ll be sure to see improvements on the wall.