I used to rock climb all the time! Here are some of the helpful things I learned from that experience.

1. Some rocks are for pinching, some are for straight grabbing.
2. It’s all about the legs. Work those quads/hamstrings/glutes/calves. Apparently, a lot of women are naturally great at rock climbing, since they are lighter and have stronger legs. I don’t know if that’s true, now that I think about it…it’s just something I heard in a rock climbing gym one time. Makes sense though, right?
3. Chalk is your best friend. Have a chalk bag.
4. Tiny shoes squeeze the feet! Rock climbing is like being an awesome ballerina, or a court dancer in the early Song dynasty in China. Yes, I just dropped a reference to the early Song dynasty. What?!?
5. The first time you rock climb, it’s terrifying to let go and let the harness take over. After a while, it’s liberating.
6. Indoor rock climbing is a fun skill, and will definitely come in handy if you are ever being chased by gnomes in multi-coloured urethane caves with 90 degree angle walls.
7. There is nothing that says “reality show first date” like an indoor rock climbing gym.
8. Brace yourself at all times if you are working the harness. Better to be safe than sorry.
9. There are people out there who climb sheer walls of ice. I am not one of those people.
10. Rock climbing is a two-person sport, so it’s great for couples! It is also great if you are recently single and want to wander into the gym you used to go to with your partner and stare forlornly at a wall, while Call it Off by Tegan and Sara plays in the background.

Image of young man climbing indoor wall courtesy of Shutterstock