We also noticed a significant increase in the participants ’ performance with the added yoga training , compared to our previous class without the integrated yoga . Being a Division I athlete and coach , it was important for me to include the yoga , to warm up the body and visualize a great workout and training class .”
PHYSICAL YOGA
Our first outdoor experience climbing began at the Red River Gorge in Slade , Kentucky . An easy fourhour drive from Indianapolis , it was a fun , convenient road trip to take with friends for the weekend . What we didn ’ t realize was that we were heading to one of the most famous rock climbing areas , not just in the country , but the world . Throughout the weekend we met folks from all around the United States , Canada , and Mexico .
After our first rock climbing adventure outdoors we were hooked ! It was a completely different experience than climbing in they gym , after returning we worked hard to improve our skills for our next trip to Red River Gorge . The following year we pursued the Single Pitch Instructors certification by the American Mountain Guides Association . We began our apprenticeship program in order to guide others climbing outdoors .
We also noticed a significant increase in the participants ’ performance with the added yoga training , compared to our previous class without the integrated yoga . Being a Division I athlete and coach , it was important for me to include the yoga , to warm up the body and visualize a great workout and training class .”
Partnering with EVO Rock + Fitness in Indianapolis we began an unprecedented program in Indiana , an indoor to outdoor rock climbing series . Participants spend four weeks with one-on-one instruction in the gym , including unlimited gym membership for the month . They receive their own climbing kit , including a harness , belay device and chalk bag . The last “ class ” is a weekend adventure trip to the Red River Gorge , where the group climbs on real limestone rock for the first time .
Before our program this fall , we offered a yoga class for our participants and collaborated with our friend and fellow yogi , Daniel Stafford . The class focused on stretching the muscles and preparing the breath and mind for the workout . Rock climbing is just as much mental as it is physical , if not more so . Deepening my yoga teachings and practice , I was able to see improvement in my physical strength . More importantly , my mental focus greatly increased .
58 INDIANA & YOGA MAGAZINE ISSUE 2