Fitness Workouts Workout Trends How Rock Climbing Taught Me to Trust Myself A decade of climbing has given me a major confidence boost — and some strong forearms. By Shape Editors Published on January 4, 2022 Photo: Courtesy of Katrina Klawiter Nearly 10 years and four moves ago, I was attending college in Texas when I fell in love with rock climbing. When I first started, my forearms burned so much after a climb that it was difficult to grip my steering wheel driving home. But the pain didn't stop me — nowadays, I climb two days a week on the outskirts of Aspen and lead climbing workshops in my time off from my advertising job. Courtesy of Katrina Klawiter A big part of climbing is giving in to your surroundings and believing in yourself. You must trust in your abilities — and that actually calms me. The sport isn't just mental, though. Physically, lower-body power propels you, but strong forearms are also key. That's why I focus on hangboard workouts in the gym. I find value in pushing myself, and climbing has the same risk and reward as my other passion, local theater. Only instead of getting applause, I feel the rush from reaching the top of the mountain. And with my climbing crew by my side, I've learned to prioritize what I truly enjoy in life. ( How Rock Climbing Helped Me Let Go of My Perfectionism Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit