LIFESTYLE AUTHOR
Caroline Betik
THE MIND OF A CLIMBER n How healthy minds produce successful climbs.
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magination, mindfulness and confidence are not commonly associated with strength and conditioning when training for a sport. However, Tonde Katiyo, director of route setting and coach at Bouldering Projects, says these skills are necessary aspects often overlooked in sports, particularly the climbing world. “I think a common misconception is the
AUGUST 2020
interpretation of the sport as a physical test, but I would say it is 40 percent physical and 60 percent emotional,” Katiyo says. “There is a really important aspect of knowing who you are, how you deal with certain emotions, where your strengths and weaknesses are and then how to manage all of it in order to produce a high-quality performance.” Unlike most sports, climbing poses a different challenge to an
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athlete each time they approach the wall, forcing the mind and body to constantly work together in a new way. Therefore, problemsolving and strategy as well as understanding emotions and how to overcome them are critical components needed in order to be a successful climber. “Climbing is really cool because you cannot turn your brain off,” Katiyo says. “Yes, you need to be strong and flexible and limber, but
