Written by Nic Remolina, Climb Fit crew member
When we think about rock climbing, we often focus on the physical aspects—strength, technique, and endurance. But what about the mental side of climbing? As casual indoor climbers, we don’t always pay attention to our stress levels, breath control, or how our mindset affects our performance. I’ve always wondered if there was a way to improve these overlooked aspects of climbing.
That’s when I decided to try yoga—a practice I’d heard so much about but never experienced firsthand.
Could yoga really make me a better climber? Or at the very least, help me enjoy my time on the wall even more? Spoiler alert: it did, and I’m here to tell you why you should give it a shot too.
As someone who loves climbing, I’m always looking for ways to improve my performance and make my sessions more enjoyable. I’d heard fellow climbers rave about how yoga helped them with flexibility, balance, and even mental focus.
"But honestly, I was sceptical. I thought yoga was just stretching and chanting (not that there’s anything wrong with that!). Still, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to see what the hype was all about."
If yoga could help me climb better or even just feel more relaxed, it was worth a try.
Walking into my first yoga class, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I imagined a room full of ultra-flexible yogis who could twist themselves into pretzels. But what I found was a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their experience level, was encouraged to go at their own pace.
Our instructor, Jess, greeted me with a warm smile and assured me that yoga is for everyone, no matter your lifestyle or fitness background. That instantly put me at ease.
Equipment needed: Just wear comfy clothes that you can move in and bring a towel and drink bottle. Most yoga studios will have a mat you can borrow.
Let me tell you, yoga is so much more than just stretching! The biggest challenge for me was breath control.
I thought I had decent breath awareness from climbing, but yoga took it to a whole new level. Following the sequences while maintaining steady, intentional breathing was harder than I expected. There were moments when I felt like I was holding my breath without realising it, but Jess gently reminded me to focus on my inhales and exhales.
It was a humbling experience, but also incredibly rewarding.
After just one class, I could already see how yoga complements climbing. The focus on balance and flexibility helped me feel more stable and controlled, both on and off the wall. But the real game-changer was the breath work. Learning to sync my breath with movement not only made me feel calmer during class but also gave me a new tool to use during climbs.
"When I’m on the wall now, I find myself taking deeper, more intentional breaths, which helps me stay focused and composed, especially on tricky routes."
What I loved the most about yoga was how it made me feel afterwards. I walked into class after a stressful morning, and by the end of the session, I felt ten times lighter. The resting positions, like Child’s Pose and Savasana, were like a reset button for my body and mind. Of course, there were struggles too—some poses felt awkward, and my balance wasn’t always great. But Jess’s encouragement and the supportive atmosphere made it easy to laugh at myself and keep going.
Absolutely! Yoga has already become something I want to incorporate into my weekly routine.
Not only do I think it will help me become a better climber, but it’s also a fantastic way to unwind and manage stress. I’ve noticed that I feel more present and grounded in my daily life, and I’m excited to see how yoga continues to enhance my climbing.
Want to read up a little more on Yoga ? 10 Yoga poses for strength and mobility
If you’ve never tried yoga before, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, yoga has something to offer everyone.
And if you’re worried about being a beginner, don’t be! Climb Fit offers weekly classes that are perfect for beginners and pros. Your instructor can give you easier options of each pose and movement. Plus, the class is full of friendly, supportive people who are all there to improve and have fun.
If you’re curious about yoga, why not join me? I’ll be at the Wednesday night class at Kirrawee, and I’d love to see some familiar faces there. To get started, just check our timetable online. We run classes at all our locations. You can also ask the staff at the front desk to book you in for a class.
Classes are free with your entry/membership
Trust me, your body (and your climbing) will thank you.
So, what are you waiting for? Roll out a mat, take a deep breath, and let’s see how yoga can transform your climbing—and your life.
See you on the mat! - Nic
