265 lbs and a size 22Climbing isn't a sport only reserved for elite athletes.
Now don't misunderstand: it takes great dedication, skill, strength, patience and practice to be an elite climber. But isn't that the way of any elite sport? Entry level to this sport means that you are able to climb a ladder and fit into a harness. From there you can make it as hard as you want. |
*Before you start any new activity please check the link below and speak with your doc.
My First day
I was so worried about my weight the first time I went, or that I would walk in and the front desk would look at me and tell me I wasn't allowed to be there.
I called the gym to ask if they had a weight limit (nope they don't), I called again to ask if the gear would fit (yes they had many sizes) I called again and gave them my measurements to see if the gear would fit (yes yes it will fit) are you sure? (yes we are) ok......so I called one more time...can I come anytime? (yes you can) Ok.
So for my birthday my brother and I went, I was self conscious and nervous. But quickly I realized what they were saying on the phone is "you are welcome here, please come and try" and I loved it.
Suddenly an entire world of activity opened up for me and I saw a future where I could be a bad ass rock climber, while I was big.
I called the gym to ask if they had a weight limit (nope they don't), I called again to ask if the gear would fit (yes they had many sizes) I called again and gave them my measurements to see if the gear would fit (yes yes it will fit) are you sure? (yes we are) ok......so I called one more time...can I come anytime? (yes you can) Ok.
So for my birthday my brother and I went, I was self conscious and nervous. But quickly I realized what they were saying on the phone is "you are welcome here, please come and try" and I loved it.
Suddenly an entire world of activity opened up for me and I saw a future where I could be a bad ass rock climber, while I was big.
Exposure therapy and slowly shaking my fear of heights: IE why I started climbing
I have long been afraid of heights. So much so that I spend a large portion of my life out right avoiding any height, any time I was confronted I would panic.
The past few years I have put great effort into challenging that fear: bouldering outside, standing on glass floors, zip-lining from Olympic ski jumps, taking gondolas up mountains, walking up mountains, trying to get across suspension bridges, talking it out, meditation, asking my irrational self to acknowledge that I was indeed being irrational, and also climbing.
It has required great patience. But seeing as I have been able to complete that list (though not always gracefully or without tears) I know that I am on my way.
Climbing has turned into more than that for me now. Getting to the top was only just the first step. Once I sat up there, realized it wasn't so bad and came back down I desired more of a challenge.
So now I want to push myself physically, challenge my patience, ask for my rational self to take control and see how far my body can take me.
The climbing gym has a vibe that I really like. Its a supportive team environment, people are always thinking and trying to figure things out. There is a safety in failing and celebration in just trying.
And sure, this is a sport of insanely fit people that are incredibly strong but the entry barrier to do this is small. You don't have to hang from the ceiling or scale a flat faced cliff....until you are ready :) Just start at the easiest and its a lot like climbing a ladder, you can even take breaks.
The past few years I have put great effort into challenging that fear: bouldering outside, standing on glass floors, zip-lining from Olympic ski jumps, taking gondolas up mountains, walking up mountains, trying to get across suspension bridges, talking it out, meditation, asking my irrational self to acknowledge that I was indeed being irrational, and also climbing.
It has required great patience. But seeing as I have been able to complete that list (though not always gracefully or without tears) I know that I am on my way.
Climbing has turned into more than that for me now. Getting to the top was only just the first step. Once I sat up there, realized it wasn't so bad and came back down I desired more of a challenge.
So now I want to push myself physically, challenge my patience, ask for my rational self to take control and see how far my body can take me.
The climbing gym has a vibe that I really like. Its a supportive team environment, people are always thinking and trying to figure things out. There is a safety in failing and celebration in just trying.
And sure, this is a sport of insanely fit people that are incredibly strong but the entry barrier to do this is small. You don't have to hang from the ceiling or scale a flat faced cliff....until you are ready :) Just start at the easiest and its a lot like climbing a ladder, you can even take breaks.
Getting Started: Fat Climbing
1. Search online for local climbing gyms:
The gym will likely offer a beginner class to teach you the knots you need to know and how to belay someone. If you have never been you will need to take this class. At my gym that class comes with rentals and 50% off a months membership so its a good deal :)
2. Ask at the gym if there are any weight restrictions
*some gyms will have them and that number is usually about 250 lbs. But here (in Calgary AB) most gyms dont have that restriction.
3. Make sure they have a harness that will fit.
Harnesses come in generous sizes but they do top out at a certain point. My harness is a Petzyl Corax Size 2 L/XL and I have about 10 more inches of give at the waist that it could be loosened. My waist is currently 47", the harness fits a little smaller than that measurement as tightening it squeezes you in a little. If the gym doesn't have a harness your size you can contact a local retailer and sometimes they rent harnesses, or usually will let you buy it and try it then if you don't like it you can return it.
4. Find a buddy
Climbing is mostly a 2 person sport so you will likely need a buddy. The closer to your weight that buddy is the better, but you can weigh drastically different and still go indoor climbing. Generally rule of thumb is if the belayer (the person holding your rope while you climb) weighs less than 2/3 of what you weigh then you need to compensate for that. My gym has points your partner can anchor to the floor if they are a lot lighter than you, a much lighter partner can also wear weights to balance out the difference.
If you tether that will slightly restrict what routes you can climb but allow you to do it safely.
5. Book your class and prepare yourself mentally.
Climbing harnesses do not leave much to the imagination but really don't worry about it.
Climbing is hard and you will be tired and that is ok.
You will likely sweat so have a sweat band and rent a chalk bag for your hands.
You are heavy and pulling yourself up the wall will be hard work, but don't underestimate how strong you are! Climbing is a lot of leg work and your legs are good at carrying you around.
Before you go the first time:
1.
Cut your toenails short. Trust me that will feel better in your shoes
2.
decide on an outfit you feel comfy and not restricted in.
Make sure it stretches and allows full mobility.
Also snugger is better, and be ready to tuck your shirt into the harness.
3.
know that that the first time you climb your forearms are going to light up, and not in a comfy way.
So research some stretches, drink lots of water and know how to rest them.
They will relax eventually, take time to shake them out and then try again.
4.
are you a sweater? Make sure you have a buff or fabric headband to absorb sweat
5.
if you wear glasses and you have contacts, try to wear your contacts.
Just allows for one less distraction. (but TOTALLY able to be done in glasses)
6.
Know that People are really into climbing
be ready to accept tips and help that others offer and don't be self conscious that they were watching. They want you to get to the top!
The gym will likely offer a beginner class to teach you the knots you need to know and how to belay someone. If you have never been you will need to take this class. At my gym that class comes with rentals and 50% off a months membership so its a good deal :)
2. Ask at the gym if there are any weight restrictions
*some gyms will have them and that number is usually about 250 lbs. But here (in Calgary AB) most gyms dont have that restriction.
3. Make sure they have a harness that will fit.
Harnesses come in generous sizes but they do top out at a certain point. My harness is a Petzyl Corax Size 2 L/XL and I have about 10 more inches of give at the waist that it could be loosened. My waist is currently 47", the harness fits a little smaller than that measurement as tightening it squeezes you in a little. If the gym doesn't have a harness your size you can contact a local retailer and sometimes they rent harnesses, or usually will let you buy it and try it then if you don't like it you can return it.
4. Find a buddy
Climbing is mostly a 2 person sport so you will likely need a buddy. The closer to your weight that buddy is the better, but you can weigh drastically different and still go indoor climbing. Generally rule of thumb is if the belayer (the person holding your rope while you climb) weighs less than 2/3 of what you weigh then you need to compensate for that. My gym has points your partner can anchor to the floor if they are a lot lighter than you, a much lighter partner can also wear weights to balance out the difference.
If you tether that will slightly restrict what routes you can climb but allow you to do it safely.
5. Book your class and prepare yourself mentally.
Climbing harnesses do not leave much to the imagination but really don't worry about it.
Climbing is hard and you will be tired and that is ok.
You will likely sweat so have a sweat band and rent a chalk bag for your hands.
You are heavy and pulling yourself up the wall will be hard work, but don't underestimate how strong you are! Climbing is a lot of leg work and your legs are good at carrying you around.
Before you go the first time:
1.
Cut your toenails short. Trust me that will feel better in your shoes
2.
decide on an outfit you feel comfy and not restricted in.
Make sure it stretches and allows full mobility.
Also snugger is better, and be ready to tuck your shirt into the harness.
3.
know that that the first time you climb your forearms are going to light up, and not in a comfy way.
So research some stretches, drink lots of water and know how to rest them.
They will relax eventually, take time to shake them out and then try again.
4.
are you a sweater? Make sure you have a buff or fabric headband to absorb sweat
5.
if you wear glasses and you have contacts, try to wear your contacts.
Just allows for one less distraction. (but TOTALLY able to be done in glasses)
6.
Know that People are really into climbing
be ready to accept tips and help that others offer and don't be self conscious that they were watching. They want you to get to the top!