I finally let my partner take me indoor climbing! We agreed we’d go just the two of us and at a quiet time so it wouldn’t be too overwhelming for me, because I know from what he’s said before the place gets very busy!
I started with the beginner adult holds but soon found I start to freak out more than 2 feet up. I mean I can’t go all the way up a ladder without shaking all over so I’m not sure why I thought climbing would be easier. As soon as I looked all the way up the wall or down the wall and became conscious of how far I was off the ground my head would swim so I don’t know if I’ll be able to get over that! We quickly decided I should stick with the baby holds, that are meant for children, because the routes generally stay lower!
Still, it was good just to see if I can get used to the feeling of being on the wall and pulling myself up. Clinging onto a wall is a sensation I’m not used too! Often I found getting on a route was as hard, if not harder than climbing up! Especially when the kids holds are meant for someone half my height.
I can see benefits to giving it a few more tries! It is the only sport my partner enjoys so it’s nice to support him. I definitely need to be working on more resistance, strength and stretching for my body as I age and climbing is a potential added motivation to do that. It’s a puzzle for your brain as well as your body so when you’re doing it it doesn’t feel like exercise – which is the perfect kind of movement!
It’s also surprisingly social! There is time standing around waiting for your turn and if invited people will offer friendly advice. Even on this one visit, I noticed there is a camaraderie that sets off my anxiety a little, but is also appealing.
My partner usually goes with a few friends and at this point that group is too intimidating to join. I’ll feel too self-conscious with people watching me climb when I don’t have any confidence yet. The idea of anxiety over heights plus the social anxiety at this stage seems like overload! I want to feel more comfortable in the environment of the climbing place first.
I found the longer were there I got a bit hot and dizzy. I think the new sensation of climbing using new muscles and positions, the fear of the heights, the bounciness of the mat when I came back down on shaking legs, the heat in the place and the way it filled up so quickly with people was a lot to take in at once!
I think we’ll go again and see how I feel. I’m very sceptical that I’ll be able to get over the crippling fear of heights.. but this could be a good avenue for both fitness and social options so I’m not going to shut it down yet!
It’s good to try new things, and I’m proud of myself for doing it!
