The Power of Progress

Over the past year, I’ve experimented with bouldering—climbing at a climbing gym but without rope support. If you don’t know what I’m referring to, it’s this. It was NOT love at first climb. My sister got me to try it, and while it was cool to try something new with my body, it was immediately apparent that I had zero pulling strength, grip strength, or sense of how to use my legs while on the wall. To be totally honest, if it weren’t for the fact that I have muscle atrophy in my right hand that I’m trying to combat with grip and pull strength, I think I would have been okay never climbing again.

I kept at it because I felt it was the quickest way to work with my wrist. And by keeping at it, I mean sporadically giving it a go. I would go to the climbing gym at 7am right as it opened so there would hardly be anyone there and I would feel less intimidated. There was a time that I walked out 10 minutes after arriving because there were groups of really strong guys as graceful as monkeys, and I felt so small and irritated at my lack of ability. My sister came in town, we climbed together and I tore a blister right off the pad of my hand which took days to heal. I strained my left shoulder reaching for and grabbing a hold too quickly. Why did I come back? Because every now and then, I would get to the top of a climb and feel a rush of adrenaline at my accomplishment that would renew my interest in what I was doing.

I started going to the outdoor gym last month in Dumbo more regular where I could easily climb all the Level One climbs (the ones that the 4 year olds are doing), but the Level Two’s were infinitely harder. After 2 weeks, I almost walked out one day I was so frustrated and felt so weak. The very next attempt that was going to be my last, I got to the top of a Level Two climb. And then I got another, and another. Two weeks later, I can now get to the top of 80% of the Level Two climbs. But so much more than that, I’m not nearly as intimidated as I once was—literally just one month ago. I’m not a good climber, but I've seen and felt progress. That alone has shot my confidence up beyond my skill advancement.

All of this to say, seeing/feeling progress is irreplaceable. It’s by far one of the most effective things I’ve come across in terms of motivation to move the body in different ways. That’s why my STRENGTH FOUNDATIONS SERIES is a series, not a drop in class. Students in June got to see progress in their strength and increase their confidence because of it. It becomes a positive cycle that feeds on itself and it’s so much fun to watch.

Does this sound interesting to you?? My first round was a success, and I’m gearing up for the next one. See progress, gain confidence, be empowered to move on your own. Sign up here for the July/August Strength Series. Don’t live close by? A few Skype based one-on-one sessions can get you on the right track with some goals and how to get there so you can start witnessing your own progress!

keep moving.
xoxo