Fast forward about two years, and I go to the climbing gym about once a week.
I no longer spend five minutes sweating and quadruple-checking that my harness is tight enough.
But if youre thinking of trying indoor climbing, know that its very natural to be intimidated at first.
Getty / Christopher Kimmel
Anyexperienced climberhas been there too.
And yes, your forearms and hands are going to be sore in places you didnt even know existed.
One: Wear comfortable clothes you’ve got the option to really move in.
Two: confirm your nails are trimmed.
Everyones here to have a good time, and no ones looking down on anyone else.
Just come in and have fun.
Any of these options are fine, and you should choose the one that makes you feel most comfortable.
For most people, thats probably getting a little professional help.
Typically, climbing gyms have both rope climbing andbouldering.
The equipment
When you go climbing for the first time, youll rent a harness and shoes.
You may also get a chalk bag.
Most harnesses are similar across the board, Mickey Ashmont, head coach atGravity Vault Hoboken, tells SELF.
Then youll pull the strap around your waist to tighten it.
The harness should sit just above your hips.
Theyre going to feel like theyre too small, by maybe a half size or so.
They should be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful, says Ashmont.
(Honestly, how many feet have been in and sweat in those shoes?
Luckily, Ashmont says its totally cool to wear socks with climbing shoes when youre first starting.
And a quick note about chalk: It should be your friend.
And Ill be totally honest here: It takes some time to trust the system.
But once you do, getting up on the wall is a million times less scary.
There are crash pads under you, and youre typically not going very high.
I highly recommend doing this.
Another option is to use an auto-belay when youre first getting started.
When youre ready to come down, the gear catches you and lowers you slowlyno second person needed.
Leonard says they start a lot of beginners on these at Riverfront Rock Gym.
You should also test falling with the auto belay so you could get a feel for it.
But they do serve an important purpose!
I really like stressing that, says Leonard.
Lack of communication is how a lot of accidents do occur.
If youve ever climbed anything before, youll have the basic motion down.
The thing that most people need to be reminded of, though, is to use their legs.
That way, youre using your leg muscles instead of trying to do pull-up after pull-up, he says.
Thats going to make climbing a lot easier.
Speaking of forearm fatigue…its inevitable.
Your fingers, hands, and forearms are going to get tired really quickly.
Thats totally normaland Ashmont reassures that youll notice improvement week after week.
But even climbing once a week you will see an increase in form, endurance, and strength.
And the best part, I think?
