Chee has been a yoga instructor for a number of years and I recently attended one of his classes, all be it in payment for writing this blog ha, but its something Ive wanted to get him to do for a few weeks, so here is his thought on Climbing and Yoga.
Yoga.
Depending on how your brain is wired, that word will tend to bring up different ideas.
Chanting, slow stretching, weird breathing, all natural deoderants, people with the flexibility of Gumby, expensive tight fitting clothing, beads, the list goes on...
While these may form some components of what people consider is modern yoga, the world of yoga is so vast and broad that you can develop a practise that is uniquely individual to you.
I know what you’re thinking, “I stretch for 5-10 minutes before I climb, it's basically the same thing.” Yes and no. Whilst you might throw some downward facing dogs in when you’re feeling particularly spicy with your stretch routine, what distinguishes yoga and stretching is the incorporation of mindful breathing. Yes breathing, that thing we tend to forget about when we’re near the top of a climb and can’t make that final move because your heart rate is jacked, your forearms are gassed and your brain is telling you can’t to do it.
Slow deep mindful breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which integrates with the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). If you were to use the analogy of a car, the PSNS acts like a brake, and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) acts like an accelerator. Your SNS controls your fight or flight response whilst the PSNS conserves energy in the body by slowing the heart rate and calming the mind.
A yoga class is essentially a number of uncomfortable positions, while trying to keep a calm mind using a steady breath. Doesn’t this sound awfully familiar to another activity we love?
Beyond the breath and mindset aspect, a regular yoga practise will help you develop awareness in how your body moves and how to mindfully move your body. Similar to climbing, you need to be aware of what every part of your body is doing, whether it’s how your hips are aligned, where is your big toe pushing, whether you are over gripping, whether you’re over tensing, or you don’t have enough tension etc. With a greater body awareness linked with a steady breath, we are able to develop our strength, mobility and flexibility.
Don’t get me wrong, to climb better you need to climb more. But there will come a point when you’re feeling stagnant and can’t seem to make gains, where only a change in mindset will do. It’s like spending hours/days on a problem, only to figure out a slight adjustment or idea is what was holding you back. A regular yoga practise will help you observe and approach things differently.
I’ve heard every excuse in the book, “I’m not flexible enough”, “I’m not spiritual”, “I don’t have enough time” blah blah blah. But my question is, what do you have to lose and what do you have to gain? As long as you’re keen and motivated, you’re more than qualified.
Portside Boulders runs yoga classes on Monday and Saturdays.
