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seis66
Aug 12, 2009, 11:12 PM
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Hey everyone,
I try to look for similar threads with no results. Basically, I'm 28 years old, 6' (1.80mts), 230lbs (100kgs) and I've been thinking on starting to climb. Perhaps even taking some lessons in a indoor wall close to my place.
I'm a little bit worried that my weight could affect me physically while doing this sport. What are your thoughts?
Thanks so much!
Walter
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VanIsle
Aug 12, 2009, 11:31 PM
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Climb on, dude. It's your path. Climbing can take you to a healthier place. There are no negatives about learning to climb with a few extra pounds, other than the need to take it easy to start. (consult your doctor if you're unsure) The strength you gain can be yours forever.
There are no perfect body sizes in climbing. Google "John Dunne" for an example of a person who might inspire you. He's a big dude.
VI
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nextclimb
Aug 13, 2009, 12:03 AM
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I climb with a guy who is 5'5" and 230lbs. Star slow, focus on technique. On off days work on your antagonistic muscles and cardio.
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jaablink
Aug 13, 2009, 12:06 AM
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I have a friend , 200 @ 5’10 . He can climb in the 12 range. You should do what makes you happy.
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foodgeek
Aug 13, 2009, 12:10 AM
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I started climbing at a climbing gym at 6' and 225lbs, in the first six months I lost 30 pounds... Don't worry about your weight, if you're a bit heavy when you start climbing that will fix itself.
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zchandran
Aug 13, 2009, 3:02 PM
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I started at almost exactly your height and weight, though I dropped 35lbs in the first 8 months I climbed.
The only thing I would add is take extra precautions with your tendons. Your tendon strength/weight ratio is more than likely less than another beginner who weighs 120lbs. So stay clear of crimps and small pockets until you've been climbing at least 6 months or so. That's not a problem in the gym since holds are generally matched well to route grade but outside it's easy to get carried away after you've been climbing a month or two.
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xtrmecat
Aug 13, 2009, 3:41 PM
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I was 269 in March of this year, I have over a decade of being over 250 and 6 foot tall climbing in the upper moderates range.
Several things that the extra weight was good for. I learned how to climb on my feet, Granted, it take a good amount of upper body strength to climb being this size, getting the feet on, and becoming proficient with their use was key to being successfull at the over beginner grades.
Also it was great training weight. Once it went down some, the strength did not go with it. I can crank some pretty hard moves now, that would take my partner some working at for a while to make the same move.
The next key thing to state is it made my hands uber strong. I am talking finger tendons of aircraft grade sinew. Both good, strong as hell, and bad, the other parts of my body paid for this. I tore the hell out of my shoulder at work, as my work involve cranking and torquing over my head while lying down or in other out the norm positions. I developed a very strong core, but lacked the flexibiblity to finess, just too strong for my or my employers good. Tore up elbows, wrists, and shoulders.
Now I am 215 and losing around 2 pounds a week. this summer has yielded over a whole number grade in improvements in my climbing. Training weight most certainly affected this, but many years of learning to climb on the feet, getting strength beyond normal peoples hands and tendons, and then getting light and flexible beyond my biggest hopes, all of a sudden I can climb way harder, way longer, and those impossible moves became not only possible, but not really that hard.
I say go for it, but be warned about the joints. There are limits to the human body. But I have never been sorry to take up climbing, even being a big guy. Now with the decrease in weight I am flexible as all get out, more energetic, and can walk on all those dime edges that used to be better smears before, and can rest on stuff now that used to be my cruxes. So use your weight to your advantage, but remember to think of your weight if you go trad or aid like I did. I makes a huge difference on what a guy can or cannot get away with concerning gear and placements A3 for me was probably closer to a4+ than I would care to admit. I am sure that ripping a couple placements I've been on in the past would have been almost an entire pitch of torn out nuts, heads, tipped out cams, and peckers.
Also, plan on shoes wearing out way faster than your buddies, as they most certainly do.
Just my two cents.
Bob
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seis66
Aug 13, 2009, 9:26 PM
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Thanks zchandran and all of you guys for the encouraging words. I've been having this really strange dream that I climb up a wall, and since that moment I haven't been able to take climbing out of my head....
I'm joining a climbing gym this saturday.I'll post my impresssions after my first lesson :)
Thanks so much!
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shimanilami
Aug 13, 2009, 10:48 PM
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Climbers come in all shapes, sizes, cultures, continents, etc. etc. etc. When I consider all the people I've climbed with, all the posters at RC.com, all the people I've read about in books and magazines, the one and only thing I can say we all have in common is that we love to climb.
It doesn't matter who you are, or what/where/why you climb. If you love to climb, you will always be welcomed by this community.
Welcome to the club!
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NoMoCouch
Aug 13, 2009, 11:11 PM
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I'm 40, 5.11 and started climbing at 250lbs a year ago. I can redpoint 5.8's and sometimes 5.9's and now weigh 230lbs.
START NOW, get off your ass, like I did, and watch what you eat. You'll feel great in a few months and will be stronger than if you wait for the pounds to come off.
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chopperjohn
Aug 15, 2009, 9:06 PM
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Six foot 240.If If I am motivated mid 10's otherwise anything below. Being a fat ass has its pros n cons. Pro- you don't look like a skinny sissy climber con- you run into a lot of spinners at indoor gyms. Stay a fat ass and be proud and go to the buffet and feed yourself.
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linkon654
Aug 17, 2009, 6:49 PM
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I am 215 and losing around 2 pounds a week. this summer has yielded over a whole number grade in improvements in my climbing. Training weight most certainly affected this, but many years of learning to climb on the feet, getting strength beyond normal peoples hands and tendons, and then getting light and flexible beyond my biggest hopes, all of a sudden I can climb way harder, way longer, and those impossible moves became not only possible, but not really that hard.
[url=http://productreviewsby.me/acai-berry/] Acai Berry
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bsyed
Aug 18, 2009, 2:10 PM
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Its a matter of passion.
when i started i weoghed 95 KILOGRAMS and was
ONLY 5.8 (mega BMI)!!!
i lost 25 KG from climbing, not slely but cos it gave me the passion to work out, and excel in what i was doing, i guess it helped i was the only climber in my school at the time, but passion drives you forward.
i ended up starting a climbing program in my school and started other sports clubs and activities, it's given me confidence.
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dingus
Aug 18, 2009, 2:13 PM
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shimanilami wrote: Climbers come in all shapes, sizes, cultures, continents, etc. etc. etc. When I consider all the people I've climbed with, all the posters at RC.com, all the people I've read about in books and magazines, the one and only thing I can say we all have in common is that we love to climb. It doesn't matter who you are, or what/where/why you climb. If you love to climb, you will always be welcomed by this community. Welcome to the club!
Nice post Shimi.
DMT
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AntinJ
Aug 19, 2009, 2:28 AM
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Walter -
Definitely start cranking! I'm 26 and I've been climbing for a year. When I started I was about 5'10" and in the 245lbs range…I'm a bit lighter now, but the weight really hasn't been an issue for me. Have fun and let us know how it goes!
-J
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Datadep5
Aug 19, 2009, 5:37 AM
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I'm 6'1" 330lbs and have been climbing for close to a year now. The idea to take things slower is something I know I should have listened to, but I didn't and paid for it.
Get out there and have some fun.
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dingus
Aug 19, 2009, 2:10 PM
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Some specific things...
gyms will tend to lead climbers toward over hanging jug hauls followed by overhanging crimpfests.
The jug hauls are fun, the crimp fests will destroy your hands and elbows. Weight is the issue. Stay away from over hanging crimp routes till you lose weight.
Fat people who want to climb need to work one specific muscle group - calves, ankles, feet. If you go to a traditional gym do those weighted toe extensions where you stand up on your toes? Do those until you have calves of steel. This will make all the difference in the world.
DMT
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Datadep5
Aug 19, 2009, 2:34 PM
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Over hangs are a lot of fun, though they can really tear at your hands and elbows as you've mentioned.
Calves of steel you say? Football way back in highschool was kind to me for those now.
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rendog
Aug 20, 2009, 3:39 AM
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Hey Walter
let me put it this way if my frined T can learn to climb (she was 5'4 and 225#) you can get out there.
Just follow one simple rule:
if it doesn't feel good and starts to hurt bad (past normal muscle fatigue and pain)... stop
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kiwiprincess
Aug 20, 2009, 4:05 AM
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Go for it. If you like it you'll be lighter by the time you have enough skill and technique to be advancing. It'll be no harder than any other sport.
Besides it's not that heavy if you're tall
However
I once saw a BIG (120kg+) guy climbing on Rp's and he ripped the lot and landed hard on his ass, he had been climbing long enough to know better though.
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bsyed
Aug 21, 2009, 11:31 AM
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In reply to: I'm 6'1" 330lbs and have been climbing for close to a year now. The idea to take things slower is something I know I should have listened to, but I didn't and paid for it. Get out there and have some fun.
Seriously?!?!
Thats quite amazing!
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mlk1cds
Aug 25, 2009, 7:56 PM
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When I started climbing i weighed 254 lbs and am 6'3. It is deffinately more difficult to climb heavy than thin but not impossible. I continued to climb as I lost my weight. after 8 months i was down to 195lbs. Dont put off climbing until you lose the weight, start climbing asap. I have read that you can burn 1500 calories in 1 hour of climbing. It is a great suppliment to an excercise routine. It is getting to be fall again. There is nothing more relaxing or just out right fun than climbing during the fall.
If you are looking for a good book on training for climbing, here is a link to one. This books has everything you need to know regarding training.
http://24ffaivgf0gl7n9d51uhq8jdkg.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=LMY2ZQKS
I hope this helps
oh and if you are looking to educate yourself on climbing all together
http://8d13f7nc8ajp2q3hpbv8u40z6z.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=LMY2ZQKS
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grampacharlie
Sep 3, 2009, 8:20 PM
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zchandran wrote: I started at almost exactly your height and weight, though I dropped 35lbs in the first 8 months I climbed. The only thing I would add is take extra precautions with your tendons. Your tendon strength/weight ratio is more than likely less than another beginner who weighs 120lbs. So stay clear of crimps and small pockets until you've been climbing at least 6 months or so. That's not a problem in the gym since holds are generally matched well to route grade but outside it's easy to get carried away after you've been climbing a month or two.
Listen to this guy! ^
I would add this: focus on footwork and flexibility. I know a few people who look overweight but climb hard. Part of it is that they have a ton of muscle that you can't readily see. Part of it is that they have ridiculous technique and can put their weight over their feet to take the strain off their arms.
Starting out slow will allow you tendons to strengthen up over time, staying flexible will insure their health and that of you're joints, and footwork is something everyone needs though few start with.
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DaveEscobar
Dec 16, 2009, 4:43 AM
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This is all great help. I noticed a problem I have is that extra body fat makes me less flexible. I can't always get my foot to certain positions.
What is a good way to become more flexible for more climbing? I have the strength to lift my body weight.
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LoneWolf1986
Dec 16, 2009, 4:55 AM
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DaveEscobar wrote: This is all great help. I noticed a problem I have is that extra body fat makes me less flexible. I can't always get my foot to certain positions. What is a good way to become more flexible for more climbing? I have the strength to lift my body weight.
Stretch before you climb. Take a good 10-15 minutes and make sure you're loose. It will also help you warm up by getting your blood flowing to your muscles and release endorphins. If you stretch before every climb, you will gain flexibility and it will help prevent injury as well.
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aerili
Dec 16, 2009, 5:19 AM
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LoneWolf1986 wrote: Stretch before you climb. Take a good 10-15 minutes and make sure you're loose. It will also help you warm up by getting your blood flowing to your muscles and release endorphins. If you stretch before every climb, you will gain flexibility and it will help prevent injury as well.
This is all essentially incorrect. If you read up on current research into flexibility, you will understand why I say this.
DaveEscobar, fat itself does not reduce motion in joints UNLESS it physically prevents joints from flexing as far as they should (is this your problem? and where?).
How to become more flexible? Stretching consistently when muscles are warm is key. So this means during and/or after your workouts. (Stretching is not a warm-up, please do not propagate this misinformation further.)
I am sure we will now get 10 people who will tell you you must do yoga. Yes, you can, but you do not have to in order to become more flexible.
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quiteatingmysteak
Dec 16, 2009, 6:40 AM
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DaveEscobar wrote: This is all great help. I noticed a problem I have is that extra body fat makes me less flexible. I can't always get my foot to certain positions. What is a good way to become more flexible for more climbing? I have the strength to lift my body weight.
This ain't true. at 5 foot 8 and 190 and with almost daily stretching I can hold my foot against my or the opposite hip. your ligaments are not connected to yer adipose. I learned in BJJ that flexibility is power, so with greater range of motion you have more power. high steps are a breeze.
The way I keep stretching is just to throw yourself into a butterfly or fig4 or something when you watch TV. Careful though, flexibile knees are not great for running. but hips? Open those babies up.
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LoneWolf1986
Dec 16, 2009, 7:08 AM
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In reply to: This is all essentially incorrect. If you read up on current research into flexibility, you will understand why I say this. DaveEscobar, fat itself does not reduce motion in joints UNLESS it physically prevents joints from flexing as far as they should (is this your problem? and where?). How to become more flexible? Stretching consistently when muscles are warm is key. So this means during and/or after your workouts. (Stretching is not a warm-up, please do not propagate this misinformation further.) I am sure we will now get 10 people who will tell you you must do yoga. Yes, you can, but you do not have to in order to become more flexible.
My bad, just throwing in my $0.02
(This post was edited by LoneWolf1986 on Dec 16, 2009, 7:08 AM)
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jeepnphreak
Dec 16, 2009, 4:02 PM
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Not too worry. Ill put in my 2 cents in all.
I got one of my best friends in to climbing this last summer, He is not climbing too hard yet BUT,,,
he is 6 foot 7 and 385 lbs (175 kilos). he like the jug hauls and useally stays in the 5.7-8 range.
So climb on and have fun.
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swoopee
Dec 16, 2009, 5:18 PM
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I am 48 yrs old, 5' 9" 195 lbs, and had a massive heart-attack a little over a year ago (was more fit and thinner before the heart-attack, oops). I climb 5.8 & 5.9 fairly consistently and manage to thrash my way up an occasional 5.10. I say climb on and have fun.
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darkgift06
Dec 16, 2009, 5:28 PM
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Sounds like the guy who started this thread back in Aug wasn't to into it... as he has not posted back..
I'm 5'9" & 180lb. & there are a few places where I have a harder time than the tall skinny guys a one of them would be cross overs, my chest is way thicker & arms shorter, making cross overs super tough.
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davidnn5
Dec 17, 2009, 12:00 AM
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Very good advice. Stop stretching before you do things, stretch AFTER you do things.
But - take it slowly when you start, warm ups are about getting moving and increasing the strenuousness of your movement over time, not standing/sitting and stretching.
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dingus
Dec 17, 2009, 2:32 PM
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Here's an idea... ! Lose the weight!
DMT
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ClimbClimb
Dec 17, 2009, 5:17 PM
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It's impressive, though, how hard some people can climb (at the gym) despite not looking the "part" at all...
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LoneWolf1986
Dec 17, 2009, 5:55 PM
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ClimbClimb wrote: It's impressive, though, how hard some people can climb (at the gym) despite not looking the "part" at all...
+1
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dingus
Dec 18, 2009, 3:57 PM
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ClimbClimb wrote: It's impressive, though, how hard some people can climb (at the gym) despite not looking the "part" at all...
Yes imagine how they would crush if they lost the saddle bags.
As a person who has struggled up and down and up and down the weight ladder for most of his life, I can tell you from direct experience, losing 30 lbs will CHANGE YOUR CLIMBING LIFE.
Fat people? You have no idea what you are missing out on.... its a game changer.
Lose the weight. Don't get used to it. Don't believe the Fat is Beautiful Too bullshit LOSE THE WEIGHT.
DMT
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desertwanderer81
Dec 18, 2009, 8:07 PM
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seis66 wrote: Hey everyone, I try to look for similar threads with no results. Basically, I'm 28 years old, 6' (1.80mts), 230lbs (100kgs) and I've been thinking on starting to climb. Perhaps even taking some lessons in a indoor wall close to my place. I'm a little bit worried that my weight could affect me physically while doing this sport. What are your thoughts? Thanks so much! Walter
Anyone can climb. As a beginner, you will find that being overweight will not limit your ability to climb very much. As your skill progresses, you will find that it limits you, but most certainly start now! You will also find that certain types of climbing will come more naturally to a person of larger body mass.
Through a series of injuries and ailments (back and a kidney stone!), I put on a ton of weight after college weighing between 215 and 235 lbs at any point in time! During that period, I could climb a lot of stuff decently but lacked confidence on routes where I couldn't get a good foot hold because I was climbing almost entirely with my feet/legs.
Interestingly enough, I couldn't really ever loose much weight when climbing. I was strong, but because of my weight, I never really had the endurance to climb for a long period of time. Anyhow, last year I broke my wrist and took up running and hiking instead of climbing! Over that time period I have dropped weight and am now around 175 lbs!
Let's just say that it opens up a whole new world to climbing. I am able to climb much more efficiently now that certain moves are open to me. I have also found I am much more confident while climbing as my body is more agile and I know I can hold my body weight on just one hand with little effort. This is huge for leading!
My advice to you as someone who has experienced what it is like to be an overweight climber first hand.
Start climbing now. Enjoy the sport and learn to use your body. However take it easy at first. This is good advice for anyone, however as someone who has a few extra pounds, I gaurantee you that your mucles will far outstretch your body's ability to take those stresses at first. I always had to watch myself never to push it too hard or too fast. Your first times out, only go 2 maybe 3 times a week and limit yourself to only a few climbs. You will injure yourself if you push it too hard, too fast.
As you progress and want to expand your game, start looking into running every day in addition to your regular climbing. For those of us who naturally weigh more, climbing alone will not take off the pounds. I took up listening to podcasts on my iPod as I ran. At first I started doing small distances. A mile of jog/walk in the morning and a mile after work. As time progressed, I was able to turn that into 2 miles, then 3 or 4 miles. Eventually I got to the point where I could just start running and keep on going for an hour or so. Your body will adapt, but it will adapt slowely.
My other big problem was that I habitually over ate. The realization that I didn't need to gorge myself till it hurt helped me along that path too. At first it was difficult, but I trained myself to only eat when I was hungry and then only to eat till I was full. Instead of eating till the food was gone, I learned that I can have an entire second meal later!
I trained my body and mind to understand that it did not need to eat. To enjoy the sensation of not having a full stomach. To me, forcing yourself on a diet does not work. You can say, "I'm only to have the discipline to only eat certain things." But ultimately you will cave eventually and start over-eating again. The problem is that with a diet, you crave things, and you only add to that craving by avoiding eating it!
The real trick is to change what you want. I still eat McDonalds, chocolate, fried foods, and the like but I do so in moderation. Instead of going to McDonalds and getting a Super Sized Number One, I instead just get one McDouble from the dollar menue. That's really all you need for lunch! It's enough to satsify me because that's what I taught my body to do. Chocolate bar? Sounds good to me, but I'm going to only eat 1/4 of it and save the rest for later. Breakfast? Bacon and eggs for me please! However instead of stacking up the plate, I'll limit it to an egg, and a piece or two of bacon. I've taught myself to crave veggies! A nice salad with lots of good stuff before dinner is delicious and really cuts down on how much you eat for dinner.
For dinner, I used to buy a package of meat and cook that along with a ton of starches! Now I buy a package of porkchops, chicken, etc, place the indivisual pieces inside of plastic baggies, and throw in a marinade! When I want, I just grab whatever I want out of the freezer and cook it up in a few minutes. If I cook rice with it, I'll typically only eat half of the box instead of the entire thing! Going out to eat I avoid the appetizer and will typically only eat about 1/2 of my dish! You really don't need any more than that. It's all about teaching your body to recognise that ;)
Wow, that turned into a bit of an off topic ramble, lol.... but yeah, start climbing and enjoy it :)
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desertwanderer81
Dec 18, 2009, 8:15 PM
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dingus wrote: ClimbClimb wrote: It's impressive, though, how hard some people can climb (at the gym) despite not looking the "part" at all... Yes imagine how they would crush if they lost the saddle bags. As a person who has struggled up and down and up and down the weight ladder for most of his life, I can tell you from direct experience, losing 30 lbs will CHANGE YOUR CLIMBING LIFE. Fat people? You have no idea what you are missing out on.... its a game changer. Lose the weight. Don't get used to it. Don't believe the Fat is Beautiful Too bullshit LOSE THE WEIGHT. DMT
Ha, word Dingus! I used to come up with all of the excuses in the book.
"I have a thick frame and don't have that much to lose"
"I am muscular and that's muscle not fat"
"I am just naturally like this"
"Nothing I do will make me lose this weight"
Ya know what? Unless you are a body builder, those extra 30, 40 lbs over the average body weight IS fat. It might not be completely obvious because it's not all in your gut, but it most certainly is weighing you down.
Furthermore, your body wasn't built to take that extra weight. It is unhealthy, no matter how physical you may be. It creates stresses in your back, joins, tendons, heart, organs, etc that your body wasn't made to take!
If you drop that weight, you will put an extra 20 years onto your life and not only that, but it will make your entire life all the more enjoyable.
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chopperjohn
Dec 21, 2009, 2:22 AM
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6 foot and 240 here. I work the 5.9's-mid 10s lately. They wear me the fuck out but I manage to do them of course single pitch because they wear me the fuck out. Im a lazy ass so it has taken me 5 years to climb decent. If you commit probably a year or so will do it. Being a fat ass is not all bad, nobody expects to much out of you and then bam you shred up a decent route and it's all good. Good luck.
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angry
Dec 21, 2009, 2:30 AM
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So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now.
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Bag11s
Dec 21, 2009, 3:52 AM
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How tall?
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curt
Dec 21, 2009, 5:42 AM
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angry wrote: So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now.
Not really. I've recently gone from 168 to 158, in order to not embarrass myself quite so badly anymore. Oh, and I'm 5'11" and still have a few more pounds to go.
Curt
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desertwanderer81
Dec 21, 2009, 1:21 PM
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curt wrote: angry wrote: So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now. Not really. I've recently gone from 168 to 158, in order to not embarrass myself quite so badly anymore. Oh, and I'm 5'11" and still have a few more pounds to go. Curt
Damn Fatties.
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angry
Dec 21, 2009, 1:46 PM
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curt wrote: angry wrote: So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now. Not really. I've recently gone from 168 to 158, in order to not embarrass myself quite so badly anymore. Oh, and I'm 5'11" and still have a few more pounds to go. Curt
Cool, my motivation is a hand injury (not the popped tendon but a new injury) that just won't heal with the volume I climb. I figure I'll take the time to drop my Bermuda weight and once it's gone, enough time will have passed that the hand will have healed.
No performance goals really, I just need to distract myself from hard climbing for about 6 weeks. In the states this would be the perfect time to climb only ice for a long time. The only ice here is in glasses and I've had more than my share of that.
To the OP. I don't have a single bit of research on this but I truly believe that climbing will help you at least jump start your weight loss. My unsubstantiated theory on this is that your body seeks to fit into it's environment. If your environment becomes such that bearing your weight is a daily (or at least a few times a week) thing, your body might just cut weight.
I don't think it'll get you skinny, that takes work, but I do think it'll jump start the process. Plus what people have said about healthy lifestyle is true. Climbers drink too much and eat too much bacon (generally put) but also walk all day with a loaded pack in a blizzard trying to find 30 feet of climbable ice. The output almost always outdoes the intake in my experience.
More importantly that any of that BS is the people. All of best friends I've ever made have been climbers. ALL of them. Fat or skinny man, the people you have in your life are who make the quality of your life. Good Luck.
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I_do
Dec 21, 2009, 3:57 PM
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curt wrote: angry wrote: So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now. Not really. I've recently gone from 168 to 158, in order to not embarrass myself quite so badly anymore. Oh, and I'm 5'11" and still have a few more pounds to go. Curt
I still say anyone under 175 has to detract a number grade from anything they climb. You're not fully grown men!
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desertwanderer81
Dec 21, 2009, 9:09 PM
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I_do wrote: curt wrote: angry wrote: So is this a bad thread to mention that I'm going to try to get back under 140? I'm at 147 right now. Not really. I've recently gone from 168 to 158, in order to not embarrass myself quite so badly anymore. Oh, and I'm 5'11" and still have a few more pounds to go. Curt I still say anyone under 175 has to detract a number grade from anything they climb. You're not fully grown men!
175 at 5'11" isn't even that skinny :p That's right where I'm at and I wouldn't mind dropping another 10 lbs or so. It's hard however because the snow keeps on dumping on us :p I don't mind the cold, but the slippery running surfaces are not good!
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ladyscarlett
Dec 21, 2009, 11:01 PM
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dingus wrote: ClimbClimb wrote: It's impressive, though, how hard some people can climb (at the gym) despite not looking the "part" at all... Yes imagine how they would crush if they lost the saddle bags. As a person who has struggled up and down and up and down the weight ladder for most of his life, I can tell you from direct experience, losing 30 lbs will CHANGE YOUR CLIMBING LIFE. Fat people? You have no idea what you are missing out on.... its a game changer. Lose the weight. Don't get used to it. Don't believe the Fat is Beautiful Too bullshit LOSE THE WEIGHT. DMT
HA! Man, this feels like my mantra everytime I see myself in the window of a pastry bakery, drooling from the window display. It's also my mantra when I walk out of that same bakery, munching happily!
30lbs changed my climbing life for sure! I will say that once I lost the 30lbs of fat or whatever it was, I was so excited to feel lighter on the rock. Then I ended up putting on another 30lbs...of metal! Going up the rock I felt every oz of that leader rack just as I felt every ounce of fat. But at least it was an exchange of weight rather than addition!
To the OP, as a smallish climber, I ask you to be honest about your weight with your belayer. And be sure that everyone is ok with the weight difference. This wasn't so much a problem TRing the gym, but outside, weight definitely became more of a factor when belaying. I've become more confident in catching climbers heavier than me, but it wasn't far back when I wanted to know exactly and wouldn't belay anyone 60lbs over my own weight. The heavier the climber gets, the more factors I need to consider. ie possible swing/fall trajectories given my likely flight trajectory, a possible anchor or upward directional, etc.
I also feel that fat is the ultimate base layer...the only insulator I know of that the body can break down for energy. With all this good holiday food, I am WELL insulated. Cold weather climbing, here I come, insulated and ready to go...up!
Do what you want with yourself and have fun! Hee hee!
ls
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I_do
Dec 22, 2009, 3:31 PM
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troutboy wrote: I_do wrote: I still say anyone under 175 has to detract a number grade from anything they climb. You're not fully grown men!  What do I need to subtract for 5'7" and 135 lbs  Whatever it is, I'll add it back for being >50 YO. TS
That seems fair... This will get complecated but I'll come up with a method to calculate the one and only true grade you climbed!
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ClimbClimb
Dec 23, 2009, 2:54 AM
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Good idea on adjusting grades climbed based on weight!
Meanwhile, did you hear what Kate Moss said? "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels".
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pbcowboy77
Jan 6, 2010, 3:01 AM
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Didn't read through all the other stuff...
I'm about the same height and weight and climb.
You'll never have more fun! Go for it buddy! It won't affect you other than the fact that you'll want to loose the weight...
If all else fails try aid climbing!
Zac
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desertwanderer81
Jan 8, 2010, 8:44 PM
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pbcowboy77 wrote: If all else fails try aid climbing! Zac
Not an aid climber myself, but if it's anything like the physical difficulty of jugging, I'm not sure I would recommend it to an overweight person as a past time ;)
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dingus
Jan 9, 2010, 1:22 PM
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A lot of hefty boys see aid climbing as a way to advance in the sport without having to lose the weight.
One wall will cure them of that thinking hahahahaha. And about 20 lbs too, if they manage to see it through!
Aid climbing (walls), physically speaking, is the hardest work I ever did in my life.
DMT
(This post was edited by dingus on Jan 9, 2010, 1:22 PM)
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desertwanderer81
Jan 9, 2010, 4:28 PM
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dingus wrote: A lot of hefty boys see aid climbing as a way to advance in the sport without having to lose the weight. One wall will cure them of that thinking hahahahaha. And about 20 lbs too, if they manage to see it through! Aid climbing (walls), physically speaking, is the hardest work I ever did in my life. DMT
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ricalvarez
Jan 19, 2010, 5:53 PM
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When I started climbing two months ago, I was 5'6" and weighed in at 250#. This morning, after climbing at the local rock wall gym three times a week for the past two months, I'm weighing in at 225# and I've lost about 2" off my waist.
I see some guys doing workouts with weight vests on to increase the intensity of their workout and build up their strength. The way I see it: I’ve got an inbuilt weight vest; the extra 100# I’m still carrying around are actually being put to good use when I climb as they are helping me build up lean muscle a bit quicker by providing greater resistance during my workouts.
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Robot
Jan 20, 2010, 5:52 PM
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I am 6' 5" and weighed 240 when I started climbing a year ago, now I am 215 and have to buy pants two sizes smaller. However around the time I started climbing I was also starting to take my cardio workouts more serious which I am sure really cannot hurt the situation. Lean muscle mass and core strength have shot through the roof however and I have never felt better. Setting goals and accomplishing them will do a lot for physical strength as well as mental health.
Good Climbing!
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mic_72
Jan 29, 2010, 10:25 AM
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I was pretty fat when I started climbing. Before I couldn't care less about excersize. After climbing a while I got really motivated to do what I could to improve and started running. This is something I had basically sworn I'd never do, saying runners are just suckers that like self inflicted suffering.
I'm not a ripped, skinny guy now, but I do not qualify as fat anymore. Climbing can in itself not change your life, but it sure can motivate you to change it yourself!
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