These pants are AMAZING! I’m all about supporting better brands but I’m broke right now..bought them on Amazon for 35 bucks. Highly recommend.
Here they are:
CRZ YOGA Women's Hiking Pants Lightweight Quick Dry Drawstring Joggers with Pockets Elastic Waist Travel Pull on Pants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G8CZ63S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_P2EN5ND2G5FQ536CWYXT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm surprised everyone wears thongs, I find them super uncomfortable! I love me some hipster briefs. Got some Reebok ones on amazon that I love. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZWMMGDX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_0FP78H214RPWY3973F5Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I love these pants from Amazon:
BALEAF Women's Hiking Cargo Pants Outdoor Lightweight Capris Water Resistant UPF 50 Zipper Pockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B5XSBKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_30DTTK61BS5MZGD92HYA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have ~30” waist, ~40” hips and I get a medium. The drawstring waist allows me to make it really comfortable. In the summer I wear them by themselves and they are almost never too hot. If it’s cold enough I layer them with thin long underwear.
The price is only $34, they come in a bunch of colors, and other women at the crag have complimented how good they make my butt look haha.
For the sport climbers in your life:
You can buy single quickdraws for like $13, and usually the more quicks, the better. There are all different kinds, so sneak a peak at your partners gear and see if they could use some more.
Personal huge fan of local outdoor store gift cards that sell climbing gear if your partner is picky :) shop local consistently at these places and you can get some sweet discounts when you get to know the staff!!
chalk. chalk. chalk. some quality stuff makes a difference and won’t dry out your hands. friction labs gorilla grip is a good place to start!
https://www.rei.com/product/898348/frictionlabs-gorilla-grip-chunky-chalk
these bad boys help me from getting tendinitis!!
just some suggestions! hope this helps :))
Hate that it’s from Amazon, but this comes with two and they last a good amount of time! You can just pop it on and off without removing the band (which a lot of other covers require).
50° from vertical, so it's very steep. At the moment I'm having difficulty being on the wall for more than a minute. But it'll get better over time. At least this forces me to address a weakness.
Limited space is a hassle, but it's workable. With an 8 ft ceiling you could have a 40° wall that's 12 ft 4 inches, or 8 ft with a 22 inch kickboard (which is pretty much the same as mine, although mine is steeper). You might even be able to do a moonboard with a limited kickboard, or a mini moonboard.
I used this calculator to figure out dimensions. Be aware that the overhang angle (40°) is β, not α.
I snap on a watch protecter every time, keep it in my climbing bag, and take off. It’s saved me a bunch of times. I like to keep my Apple Watch on to track my calories and HR. Cheap and easy and has saved my watch numerous times!
EDIMENS 2 Pack Hard PC Case Compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 / SE / 5 / 4 40mm Women Men, Overall PC Case Slim Tempered Glass Screen Protector Protective Cover for Apple iWatch 40mm SE Rose Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VDWFD9V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2S2J95ZSX7MKDJ5HT32F?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have that problem with every shoe as I have very long big toes, and I almost gave up climbing as I couldn't bare the pain, but then discovered toe tubes and they saved my life! Like these for example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MXXXL9G. They look absolutely gross after a few times using them, but make such a difference!
This type of product is what did the trick for me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FF425CP/
As my doctor explained, and this is something he apparently sees a lot in runners, impact from climbing shoes creates microfractures in the toe nails, which then creates nice breeding space for the fungus to grow. Haven't had fungus again after starting to use toe protectors. Before that experimented with all kinds of products, some worked, some didn't, but it always came back.
If you want to start doing pull ups and push ups, do modified versions of each, rows are also a great way to start building back muscles. As you get stronger, you move on to the next level.
Get a big resistance strap and hitch on to your pull up bar. If you can do one pull up without it, do the one, then use the resistance band and see if you can do a couple more. Space your sets out either 3 mins apart or hours apart. But see if you can get 3 sets in throughout the course of a day. 2 -3 times a week.
TRX is my go to for working on core, back arms and legs, plus those stabilizing muscles. But you don’t need it. You can use weights, resistance bands, body weight and a pull up bar. The best choice one is the one you’ll use.
I suggest these cards, they have them for just about everything. I use them for TRX and select a set for my workouts. But I also use them for resistance bands, yoga and stretching, foam roller, kettlebells, etc.
Target your full body, not just upper body. You’re using them all together, so strengthen them all together.
Also, just try harder boulders with different move types,, even if you can’t send them. Just working on hard moves with make you stronger, then one day you’ll surprise yourself.
Exercise Cards BODYWEIGHT - Home Gym Workout Personal Trainer Fitness Program Tones Core Ab Legs Glutes Chest Biceps Total Upper Body Workouts Calisthenics Training Routine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJBCN3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GD4VPCX7X1FP4YKV89XY
I literally sign up for NordVPN for each Olympics and connect to a UK server so I can watch the BBC feed. It's 1000x better the commentators actually get excited for athletes from countries other than the UK. They nicer and they show a ton more of the event then the terrible chopped together coverage that NBC does. All the US shows is the US athletes for the most part. You see maybe 1/4th of each event and the commentary just bad mouths pretty much everyone but the US.
I don't know why I expect better from us given the track record of us being god awful to anyone who's different, speaks different, or thinks different... But I'm still surprised every time.
I use these things
They hold like crazy but don't require any tension in your hairstyle to work. You can do a loose French twist or something and lock it in with one of these.
No, you have to hold them - something like this.
Both books I recommend have been mentioned here, but I highly recommend getting them in audiobooks:
I got the first audiobook for a road trip to the crags. It's fun to hear about the climbing shenanigans of the past, but also very educational in why certain routes are so run-out or how much of a "Boy's Club" climbing used to be. More specifically, I'm shocked by how much the boys in Yosemite weaponized human feces.
I like The Push because we see all these documentaries about badass climbers but don't get to appreciate the amount of training and research they do behind the scenes. Or how when Tommy grew from a teenager to a man, his body changed so much that he lost his competitive edge and had to retrain his climbing techniques. Plus, the diet changes and crosstraining. Also, Alex Honnold is the comedic relief we all need.
Sandwich made from a bagel or tortilla holds up better than bread.
You can fill something like this with peanut butter and squeeze it onto a granola bar for extra calories (https://smile.amazon.com/Coghlans-Squeeze-Tubes/dp/B001V9IOKC/ref=sr_1_5?crid=39QZ6QOLBCYK4&keywords=refillable+squeeze+tube&qid=1668609682&sprefix=refillable+squeeze+tube%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-5)
Always have some trail mix/nut/hard candy/dried fruit available
Hard boiled egg
Cheese, cured meat, apple, crackers.
In warmer weather, a Tupperware type container with pasta salad.
Don't forget drinks. If it's going to be cold an insulated bottle with hot drink is great. Something calorie dense. I've used hot lemonade or jello. I'm not a fan but you might like hot chocolate/Swiss Miss
NOT BANANAS. they squish too easily and get gross quick and then you’re stuck with the peel.
I have a little sandwich box. It’s a life saver. So a sandwich, trail mix and chips are my go-tos. And PRINGLES!!!
I've gotten almost all of my friends wearing these awesome pants, that are like $30 but perform as well as any $150 pair of Patagonia or OR branded pants for climbing. They're very light and very stretchy, but are more baggy so not form fitting like leggings. They have zippered pockets and ankle cuffs, which I personally consider necessary features for any climbing pant. The material is pretty strong too actually. I have a couple pairs I've been wearing since 2020 and have zero holes in either of those pairs.
I think you'll like them, and if I were going to Thailand for climbing, I'd bring alll 5 of my pairs of these pants and probably wear them exclusively.
Commented elsewhere on the thread, but try panache wired sports bra! I was a 30H pre reduction and I cried when I first tried one on.
https://www.amazon.com/Panache-Womens-Underwired-Sports-Bra/dp/B09MMTFZSS
For cuts on my hands I was using liquid bandaid for a while. Didn’t really stay on so I ordered some vetbond surgical glue from Amazon. It’s technically for animals but similar to super glue and probably safer? You can buy human surgical glue but it’s mad expensive. I’ve used super glue in the past for cuts and was fine so figured something meant for animal skin was better. I use that for small cuts on my hands! As far as maintaining your hands, this Climb Skin stuff is expensive but works amazingly.
Hi!!
From the UK here so I don't know if it helps - but these rugby shorts are the ONLY things I climb in - and are, of course, designed for men with duttier thighs that you can imagine, with HUGE pockets and an elastic waistband:) literally can't reccomend enough:
Black Diamond Equipment -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081BB5RJK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
When I started climbing with my bf I couldn’t find any women harnesses that fit me, so I ended up having to order men’s XL and this one has worked out great!
Hey all! I have IBS and still get out there backpacking and climbing, and published a book about my thru hike of the John Muir Trail called The Invisible Hiker. It's about adventure and overcoming chronic pain and is written in hopes to inspire others to take to the outdoors ☺️ profits are donated. Feel free to ask any questions about how i manage (or lack of managing lol) while climbing outdoors
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09T5Z5FL2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_33CH4EAWHZ0W8KP9W3QK
This book is great for technique drills:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Climbing-Bible-Practical-Exercises-Technique/dp/1839811048#
Also just a friendly suggestion not to boulder in a harness 🙂 if you fall and land on any gear attached (or even just buckles) you can hurt yourself and it is a risk for anyone spotting you as they might get their fingers caught.
Dragon fit joggers! Amazon for $30. They are so comfy and flexible and can easily be worn in the heat because the fabric is cooling but thick enough that they aren't see through. And they have POCKETS! Like actual, real deep pockets.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DK1Q4SS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_3WG87WX4QZ4D55X8YNRW?psc=1
I’ve switched to the mascara called Kissme Heroine Make Volume Up Mascara Super Waterproof and this is great! I’ve even done the all day crag climbing on sunny day (It was around 85F degrees) with this and it didn’t give me a mess🔥I also use NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder on top of sunscreen + concealer before wearing the mascara, so maybe the setting powder is also helping.
Hope you can find something that works for you!
I've also got knee bursitis, when it's bad I wear volleyball style kneepads to prevent further inflamation (I have this kind I think https://www.amazon.com/Mcdavid-Volleyball-Basketball-Football-Contact/dp/B000UVXZ4C). But mostly it comes down to reducing the amount you hit your knees :/
Please buy this book, it is aimed at exactly your level of climbing. Written by a badass woman climber.
https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Lead-Climbing-Climbers-Taking/dp/0899979920
It doesn't sub for the feedback you're asking for seeking out a mentor, but has lots of great info. It sort of fills in the gaps from what you've learned so far.
I taught climbing for over a decade, and this is my best book for lead climbers. Also, please wear a helmet.
Good luck, climb safe.
I fell bouldering in November and dislocated my kneecap/knee went sideways. It popped back into place, I felt relief, walked out, drove myself home, etc. Xrays were negative, but MRI showed full-thickness tears of my MCL and ACL. I was devastated. So I'm really hoping your MRI comes back with milder sprains and that you can avoid a long recovery!! If you do end up with bad news, I highly highly highly recommend r/ACL - such a wealth of experience, knowledge, information, and community. It's been a lifesaver honestly.
In the meantime, no matter how long you're out for, grip training has been helpful to me - working my pinches and forearms to the point of getting pumped just sitting on my couch - as well as band exercises for upper body. Even with limited mobility, you'll probably be able to get to a gym and use machines to work upper body - think chest presses, lat pulldowns, low rows, etc. A lot can be done seated! If you can't get to a gym, buy some bands (I like these bigger bands and these minibands. As my leg has decreased on swelling/pain, and regained range of motion and strength in preparation for surgery, I've been able to incorporate stationary biking, single-leg leg press, hamstring curls, squats, and even leg-based miniband exercises (omg I'm so stoked on this!) to rebuild muscle.
Best of luck to you. I'm really hoping the MRI shows no tearing or minimal tearing. And if you want to connect, DM me; I know it can feel really isolating to get bad news and not know other people going through it.
I expressed a similar desire to my friend and she recommended I check out this program: https://gumroad.com/l/vXHmM. Not a bad price point and you can download the workouts on your phone. I haven't started the program yet but it's on my to-do!
Start learning technique and try harder problems, try them even if you’re failing.
But if you’re missing key technique, than it’s better to start with fundamentals. A good place to start is Niel Greshams master class. It’s older and has cheesy graphics but it works. It will fill in a lot gaps in learning.
Another easy one to follow is https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Climbing-Technique-Practical-Movement/dp/1999654404
If you’re lacking basic strength start working on body weight exercises but be careful about over doing it, it’s a balance especially when new climbing, if you over train, you lose gains too.
So if you’re already going 3 times a week that’s enough, but you can add one day of strength training in if you feel you need too, as long as your are having adequate rest between sessions. And don’t climb back to back.
Every other day is better for strength gains and injury prevention.
Also, climb with intention. If you think you were sloppy, do the climb again but make it cleaner. It’s called “perfect repeats.”
Taking a class is also helpful, if it’s a technique class.
Send addition is pretty decent channel for relatable and easy to understand technique and skills advice. https://youtube.com/c/SendEdition
Before I had my hysterectomy/bladder sling I had the same problems. I used these. They helped me through a couple half marathons and with climbing.
Have you tried liquid chalk? Might not work sensory-wise but worth a try? As for gloves, maybe something like this?
Not OP, but everything they said was spot on.
We used this tent before baby was mobile: KidCo P3041ZL Peapod Portable Indoor Outdoor Travel Bed Tangerine https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07361RN1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C46TWKTH0KF4MJ30EY4F
And this one after about 12 months: Abon Portable 6 Panel Play Pen Playard for Infants and Babies Indoor and Outdoor, Open and Fold Within Seconds with Carry case 53" Wx 30" H(Blue) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08TBCYZSH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BTR4GE6DCM3SE1C9PA86?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
What you do with baby between climbs will depend very much on your baby’s temperament. Some will happily chill in the tent. Others (like mine), insist on being held pretty much every waking moment.
I saw a couple yesterday at my gym with a baby sitting in one of these eating snacks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZC36Z8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2M53WA052V38R5WJWAEB
I bet it would be useful outside too
I use these in my climbing shoes (and regular shoes too!). Not sure if they deodorize shoes that are already stinky, but they’re amazing for keeping shoes nice smelling in the first place.
Sorry I don't know how I ended up here 20 days late while flipping through climbing reels - BUT your answer is - laser cut underwear. They're invisible through tights.
Panty lines are a real pet peeve of mine, and no I don't think I'm setting the women's movement back 50 years with my unreasonable requirement to never have them.
I just broke-up and being a nomad, I let my book collection to my ex as she now have a house. But even if the techniques displayed in the book are outdated, the aproach to climbing is realy good and still ideal.
Full of respect for the mountain and the people. https://www.amazon.ca/Basic-Rockcraft-Royal-Robbins/dp/0910856346
Sunzel Squat Proof High Waisted Leggings for Women, Tummy Control Yoga Pants https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08KQ5187R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_YHGWW9D6HR01NG4VQ1M2
These are so comfortable, cheap, just like the new Lulus. Great for climbing cause if you wreak them, they were only $30 not $120 from Lululemon
I definitely see people at the gym wearing underwear that shows panty lines through leggings. It’s more important to be comfortable.
If knowing your panty lines aren’t showing makes you the most comfortable, then I recommend these thongs: Amazon link
I found these in an article that ranked most comfortable thongs, and these really are comfortable. Not as nice as normal underwear overall, but way better than any other thong I’ve tried. I forget I’m wearing them most of the time.
Lots of good advice here and I just want to add that I bring a Female Urination Device, so I can pee standing up and because I always have to pee! find on Amazon
Also, outdoor climbing is very different! I actually started outdoors and then spent a lot of time in the gym and young back outside was a bit of a shock. It's mostly because the holds aren't color coded 😜
Have fun!!
BALEAF Women's Hiking Cargo Pants... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4MSQ19?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I love these! I have a similar body type and these fit great, i usually wear them scrunched up on the calves. They've got great color choices, never feel restricting, aren't so tight they're uncomfortable but not loose enough to get bunched up under a harness. Hold up well against outside climbing as well so pretty durable. Good luck!
I don’t know if this is helpful, but no one else has mentioned it yet so I’ll go for it.
If you are a person who experiences hormonal cycles and mensural cycles, I’d recommend checking out the book Roar. The most useful thing I learned from it was to time my mental and physical training with my cycle to optimize my performance over time. For me, on my period and just after I can climb far far more boldly on top, lead or trad but for the two weeks before my period I struggle far far more with fear. To combat it, I warm up on an easy lead every day and notice my fear response. Based on that and where I am in my cycle I either go for pushing my physical fitness without pushing my mental fitness (doing reps on lead way below my physical level, or just doing top rope just below the edge of my mental level at the time) and when I’m crushing that easy warm up and feeling bold, I know I can push it harder on lead. I do the same outdoors with trad too.
I don’t like taking risks with my physical and mental boundaries in a way that makes me feel unsafe and I know myself well enough that if I’m constantly pushing myself outside my zone at the wrong time, my mental state is likely to induce mistakes. For me, climbing is a sport that’s too dangerous to ignore my internal signals of knowing myself. My partner (male) thinks this limits me as a climber, he might be right, he might be wrong but I don’t care because I’m able to progress slowly, in a way I enjoy and do a sport I never thought I could do in the first place. And I love it.
Just thought I’d share in case the perspective is helpful!
They aren't specifically for climbing, but for me they have all I need. They have two pockets with zipper that don't interfere with the harness, e.g. for phone and keys. Two other stretchy pockets for cereal bars etc.. High waisted, so no interference with the harness on that side too, and they stay where they are supposed to. Stretchy and robust too. Don't mean to sound like a ad, but these are nice.
Anything with comfrey in it. Comfrey is a plant that works wonders in skin regrow the.
My boyfriend and I have been using the Creation Farms Salve (URL below since my linking won’t work). I think I saw this brand (for a different salve) recommended by Steph Davis back a few years back which is how I found it ;)
Creation Farms, Salve Super Tin, 4 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G3V2K35/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FDTY5S5NPAGCGZ85ZDBX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I really like this long line sports bra:
Nanomi Beauty Women Removable Padded Sports Bras Workout Running Yoga Tank Tops https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B085GB5ZS1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_V5TKCDA8FXWQJKEDB04H?psc=1
I’m similar to your size from what I can tell and order the medium. If you’re wanting a tighter tank top feel then I’d size down. The long line doesn’t fit my waist super tight. I love it with high waisted leggings but usually layer a crop top on top.
Sorry if I came off assholish. I've actually left places watching terrible practices, so I'm a little keyed in to mistakes and bad practices. I taught climbing for over a decade.
I'll start with . . . he's watching you really well, which is good. There's something to work with to improve.
Some specific examples:
1. When you start, have him pull lots of rope (several arm lengths) through the belay device,so you have a giant loop between you and his belay device. This is what you use to get to your first clip, and why I say it should be like a bouldering spot rather than a belay. There is nothing to belay at that point, and novices sometimes have the rope too tight and pull the climber!
2. His arm motions should be shorter and more defined. There is virtually no advantage to having his arms very extended. Some ground practice may really help.
3. He needs more slack. Lead climbers don't need a taught belay (neither do top-ropers, either). Communicate to him that being too "good" of a belayer will ultimately pull you off the wall. It's hard not to be mad when that happens, and it's very avoidable.
4. I highly recommend this book: https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Lead-Climbing-Surviving-Learning/dp/0899972551 It tells you all the stuff that nobody taught you when you were learning.
Hope you guys have fun.
Hi there! I think the best advice is to get in touch with a great sports nutritionist. I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience with one previously.
You don't provide a lot of information about what you eat in your post. A major consideration for athletic performance (assuming you are already well hydrated and rested) is how much protein you are consuming. I always thought the protein consumption spiel was a bit over embellished, but my personal experience with actively increasing the amount of protein I consume has been really positive: I've visibly gained more muscle and have more energy throughout the day and during workouts.
You don't have to count calories to increase your protein intake. I suggest buying 0% fat Greek yogurt (I eat Fage) and adding at least a serving to what you're already eating in a day. On top of that I suggest a protein supplement: I am super picky about ingredients and use this whey isolate powder. I just shake it up with water... it's not delicious but also doesn't make me want to vomit like pea protein powder. Note that this suggestion is to add protein, not replace the amount of food you're already eating.
I suggest trying the above consistently for a few weeks; it takes time for your body to adjust to changes.
Good luck!
I've never encountered this issue...these are ones I recently bought that are super comfy and nice for climbing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZWMMGDX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_86H310YHMB0523N9HG3V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Got these from Amazon for $30 and I really like them. They’re lightweight and comfortable. CRZ YOGA Women's Lightweight Joggers Pants with Pockets Drawstring Workout Running Pants with Elastic Waist https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYS1XPN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RTH26FF8KH4NZQZ2NVZS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
My friend was having a horrible time with toe blisters that wouldn't heal and he found these toe protectors on amazon (like $10 and they come in different sizes) that worked like magic for him! https://www.amazon.com/Cushion-Protectors-Cushions-Blisters-Calluses/dp/B07Q27MFCV/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=toe+blister+protection&qid=1619843002&sprefix=toe+blister&sr=8-6
Good Luck!
I highly recommend this book to any new lead climber. It rounds out a lot of what you learn early on. And written by a badass climber chick.
https://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Lead-Climbing-Surviving-Learning/dp/0899972551
I wear a bathing suit with shorts over my bottoms and no shirt over my bikini top.
I bought a swimsuit from target that I generally wear. It looks very similar to a sports bra, in that it is all one piece and no strings to tie.
I’ve only ever gone DWS less than a handful of times, but the shorts I generally wear are from this company called 90 degrees by reflex. They have their stuff on amazon.
I don’t remember the exact ones I have, but these look mostly similar to the ones I have.
They aren’t swimsuit material but it’s like that stretchy workout material. (Which I guess is pretty similar?)
Have fun and be confident! It’s an amazing feeling!
For Christmas I gave my BF a bag of the Friction Labs chalk, some ClimbOn and then this massage pillow from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOYA2M2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_IToXDb7HRYC7M
I love the massage pillow. Benefit is that I get to use it too :)
I am also 5’5”!
When it’s hot, I prefer these pants:
BALEAF Women's Hiking Cargo Pants Outdoor Lightweight Capris Water Resistant UPF 50 Zipper Pockets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B5Y1QGF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YTZDFb2HFBJV0
When it’s colder, I like these:
https://www.prana.com/p/kanab-pant/W41190696.html?dwvar_W41190696_color=Raisin&pos=37
I wear a medium in both.
I like that they both have zipper pockets that don’t get in the way of my harness, tapered ankles, and I like how they look.
Look up "H-taping" for climbing... It was initially developed for pulley injuries, but I've found it's the best way to tape for skin issues as well, especially for the middle pad or tip. You take a 3-4" piece of tape and split it lengthwise down the middle, leaving about 1/2" connected about 3/4 of an inch from once side or the other. Align the connected part with the finger crease between the injured pad and the one below it, and wrap each joint individually. This method provides way more adhesive support to the tape, and will keep it from sliding around.
​
Also, get some Tincture of Benzoin. It's commonly used as an antiseptic agent and athletic-tape booster... not as sticky as super-glue, but a great way to enhance skin-tape adhesion. It's cheap, and I pretty much never tape without it. It most often comes with an integrated brush in the cap, which is highly preferable...
https://www.amazon.com/Tincture-Of-Benzoin-4-FL-OZ/dp/B000RH1SP2
Physical Therapist feedback here. This is not exactly how icing is supposed to work. Far too many people come into the PT clinic with blisters and burns from incorrect icing such as this. Under no circumstances should you immerse your entire foot in ice like this. Get a legit icepack to use (these are my favorites: ColPacs) or even substitute the $2 ones that you break to activate. Hell, frozen peas still work. But for goodness sake absolutely put a towel or cloth (even if it's a thin one) between the frozen item and your skin. Furthermore, do not ice for more than 15 min at a time and take a break of at least 2x the amount of time you iced before icing again. /2¢
Hi and thank you!!!
Mrs Fields was fun as hell until I got to a bunch of bees under the roof!
I would check out a book and just mess with the principals wherever you can. You can even just use two books to make a crack (literally set two hefty books up and stick your hand between them) and play with the concepts. Most of climbing is intuitive, and you can just show up at a gym and throw yourself at face climbs and figure stuff out. Not for crack climbing though - you'll definitely want to use a book to explain how you should be using your body parts and what you should (or shouldn't!) be feeling. This will save you time, pain, and skin :)
The only two books you'll ever need on the concept (you don't even need both, just one or the other) are:
Crack Climbers Technique Manual (the OG guide to crack climbing)
I'm 5'1" and have short limbs, so I also prefer elastic or 'cinched' ankles. My favorite pair of pants to climb in, both indoors/outdoors are these. The pockets are roomy enough to fit my phone, keys or wallet, which is suuuuper nice. Plus, wearing them for outdoor climbing has been nice because the material is different from leggings, which ime get torn up or 'roughened' really easily when I'm outdoors. They don't immediately feel the most stretchy out of the box, but I've been able to basically do the splits on the wall with them lol and they never feel in danger of ripping.
They're a bit pricey ($29-30, but on amazon, you have free returns with prime I think), and the one 'downside' I've found to them has been that the zippers are a bit stiff (like sometimes I have to fidget with them a bit to get them to zip up smoothly). Aside from that, these are my #1 favorite exercise pants, though I haven't tried them for running/yoga or anything else.
I also have slightly 'thicker' thighs (Idk if that's one of those terms that I can't presume about myself or whatever - I just mean that I don't consider myself slender or slim when it comes to my thighs), but I 100% know the struggle of trying to find something that fits my waist (25"), my hips (35"), my height (5'1"), my inseam (25-26"), and my thighs (Idk...just not thin lol) without them being too long or too tight or too loose around something, hence my loving these pants as much as I do.
I was also looking around for some too! I found IABMFG on amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GT84PDJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I need to wash them and climb in them but so as far as fit and price goes, they're great!
That's fancier than the first one I had, which would screw tighter or looser with every pull (obv I oriented to screw tighter, but it cracked the door a bit (the landlord didn't notice though)). Hard to tell if this one will have the same issue. If your doors will take the over-door variety e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Body-Sculpture-Total-Upper-Workout/dp/B003H9LK14/ you might find that more stable. Both will scuff up your doors a bit though.
I've got myself a rubber grip training ring, and use these exercises.
I'm a newbie as well, and so I can't say for certain if these exercises or the climbing are contributing more to my increased strength and arm endurance, but I would wager it's not hurting me any.
I once got told that the thing holding me back from climbing was that I didn't want it enough. Which pissed me off but I listened. I read 'The Rock Warrior's Way' (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Rock-Warriors-Way-Training/dp/0974011215) which was amazing, it literally gave me no fear. The downside was that in my no fear state I attempted a 5b trad grit route and fell way above my gear, twice, the second time my gear popped and I was inches from decking. Now I think a small amount of fear of heights is quite useful and I stopped reading the book....
This is seriously the best. Cheaper than anything made specifically for climbers and works better imo.