90minute Taster Session Boulders in Cardiff are offering a 90-minute Taster Session for International Women's Day for £5 with proceeds going to the Charity Women's Aid, which supports women and children experiencing domestic violence. There are 16 spaces available, so if you're a woman who wants...
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You could feel the buzz from the moment you stepped in, instantly spotting all the elite climbers milling about and chatting with other attendees. Initially I was a bit star-struck, but they were so friendly and welcoming it felt like you were just there with a load of mates.
The workshops I attended were Awkward Holds and Dynamic Climbing. I was looking forward to an afternoon of talks including Rebecca Dent’s talk on nutrition and losing weight safely.
There’s a certain irony about going to a women’s anything when you have stomach cramps and all you want is to be fed chocolate. Entering a room full of friendly sporty women with a passion for climbing was just the start of a day designed to uplift, excite and inspire climbers from 14 – 70+. The day started with a talk on the history of women climbers by Angela Soper. I managed to get a sneaky photo of Angela climbing – if you think you’re too old for climbing, think again. Back in the day, these amazing women were climbing in skirts and hobnailed boots! More about Angela here.
The fear, particularly of leading, is something that everyone has at some point or another in their climbing life. For some it starts high and gradually recedes whereas for others it strikes to your heart just when you least expect it, giving you a right fright.
I want to let you into a secret.
Towards the end of last year and into this year I was working quite hard at improving my climbing – technique, skills and knowledge. I picked people’s brains and worked on areas I thought would help. I started to improve, and what I mean by...
Read MoreIf you're not sure what exercises to do to improve your core muscles, here are a few suggestions, with demos I've found on the internet: Sit Ups http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fbU_MkV7NE Crunches http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyd_fa5zoEU Reverse Crunch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyv14e2QDq0 Left and Right crunches http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwVXJKqWGpg The Plank http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz0oFaVGuh4 Russian Twist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeAtimSCxsY V-Sits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_1KGrBx2T4 I've been doing a mix of these,...
Read MoreAs part of our goal to improve our core strength for climbing we've been doing core exercises all over the place...
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I have just lead my first 7a+. I still can’t quite believe it, but luckily I had a witness – the lovely Emma Timmis from Womenclimb, who led it after me. This post is a reflection of my own personal climbing journey and includes the things that were most helpful to me and made the most difference to my climbing. During this period I had 1-2-1 training with Libby Peter, from whom I got some of these tips. Finally, please note I refer to everything in terms of indoor climbing!
Impressive dynamic moves in slow motion from the inimitable Shauna Coxsey: a.did.as/ZeqHRZ We love her and we want to dyno like that. Dyno practice here we come...
Read MoreShauna does footwork well! Her short film gives a flavour of what to do with your feet and why! a.did.as/ZeqRcd Next...
Read MoreLately I’ve seen a lot of people asking ‘What other exercise can I do to improve my climbing’. Here are some ideas of complementary forms of exercise for climbing to get you thinking: Pole Dancing Believe it or not, pole dancing for exercise requires great core strength,...
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