THE SELF CARE COLLECTIVE

Okay, let me just say it—climbing is not as easy as it looks. If you’ve ever scrolled past those effortlessly graceful climbers scaling walls like spider-people and thought, “That looks fun,” you’re absolutely right. It’s thrilling. It’s empowering. It’s an entire full-body mood.

But easy? Babe, it is a workout—and a humbling one.

This week, I tried indoor climbing for the very first time at a local climbing centre, and I walked in thinking, how hard could it be? Plot twist: It challenged muscles I forgot existed. But plot twist part two: I loved every single second of it.

🧗‍♀️ Climbing is a Whole Body Experience

From the moment I put on those slightly odd-looking climbing shoes and chalked up my hands, I could feel a mini-adventure about to begin. Each route (or “problem” as the climbing girlies say) felt like a little puzzle. I wasn’t just pulling myself up—I was using balance, strategy, and more core control than I knew I had.

And while my arms were screaming, something unexpected kicked in…

💃 How Pole Dancing Prepped Me for Climbing

Yes, really. If you’ve ever done pole dancing or aerial fitness, you already have a secret weapon for climbing.
Here’s how it helped:
✨ Grip strength – Those pole spins? They’re a wrist workout in disguise.
✨ Core control – Transferring your weight on a pole is almost identical to shifting it on the wall.
✨ Mind-body awareness – Pole dancers know how to move with intention, and climbing demands the same.
✨ Fearlessness – Once you’ve done an upside-down pole invert, reaching for a tiny hold 10 feet up isn’t that scary.

Climbing and pole dancing are both feminine, strong, and beautiful in their own ways—they both make you feel like that girl.

🌿 Aesthetic Meets Strength

What I really didn’t expect was how good climbing made me feel. There’s something about that mix of elegance, sweat, and strategy that hits different. You’re not just working out—you’re unlocking a new kind of grace and grit.

And of course, your girl stayed cute. I wore my fave sleek, neutral-toned workout set (no one needs to know how much I was sweating), a low bun, and glowy skin thanks to some hydrating mist mid-session.

Pro tip: climbing with a soft glam look and minimalist fit? Pure clean girl energy.

🛍 Must-Have Climbing Gear from Amazon

If you’re curious about trying it yourself, here are a few beginner-friendly picks from Amazon that are highly rated and stylish:

🧗‍♀️ Top Climbing Gear Recs

• Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Tarantulace – great for beginners, super comfy fit.
• Chalk Bag Set: Old Blue Chalk Bag for Rock Climbing – cute and functional.
• Liquid Chalk: Fire Team Fit Liquid Chalk – cleaner, longer-lasting, and perfect for indoor climbing.
• Climbing Harness: Black Diamond Momentum Harness – cozy, adjustable, and safe for beginners.
• Athleisure Set: CRZ YOGA High Waist Leggings + Bra – affordable and has that Lululemon feel.

🌟 Why You Should Try Climbing (Especially if You Already Love Pole Fitness)

• It’s empowering and athletic while still being elegant
• Great for mental health—every problem is like a puzzle for your brain
• Builds insane strength without being repetitive or boring
• Encourages you to take up space and trust your body
• It’s low-key a great place to meet like-minded, active people

So if you’ve ever felt curious about climbing—this is your sign. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try. And trust me, it’s so worth it.

Till next time, stay beautifully you.
xoxo