Why I started doing yoga and never looked back
I started practicing yoga almost ten years ago, during a period of high stress and a demanding job. A peaceful space to slow down was really needed for myself. I found a yoga studio near home in Milan and began attending classes a few times a week. At first, it was just a way to stretch and feel better physically, but it quickly turned into something deeper. The mental clarity and mindfulness that yoga brought into my life were life-changing. On the mat I began to be more aware of myself, learnt to listen to my body and its signals. I also learnt the importance of pausing and observing. Since then, the path got deeper and I realized this journey is something I will keep dedicating to for the rest of my life.
At first, it was just a way to stretch and feel better physically, but it quickly turned into something deeper.
As for climbing, that adventure began later, just before the pandemic hit. A friend invited me to try indoor climbing in Milan, where these amazing colored gyms are so stunning that it makes you want to try the moment you enter! I was immediately hooked by the challenge of going up high, the excitement of reaching the top and the feeling of accomplishment made me feel so good. However a few months later climbing gyms closed and I had to switch to outdoor climbing if I wanted to keep doing it. That was when I touched real rock for the first time. This experience connected me to nature in a more profound way. It was as if I became one with the rock itself, fully immersed in the present moment. It’s hard to describe the difference between indoor and outdoor climbing, but it’s almost another sport!
How do you climbing and yoga complement and support each other?
Climbing isn’t just about physical strength or technique; it also demands a strong mental focus. Yoga enhances that in many ways. Through breath control (pranayama), increased awareness, and cultivating inner peace, yoga helps me stay centered and calm, both on the mat and on rock.
it was as if I became one with the rock itself, fully immersed in the present moment.
Yoga also improves flexibility and mobility, which are key for climbing smoothly on the wall. Regular practice helps build the mental fortitude to keep going even when progress is slow, like when you’re working through a difficult pose. This mindset transfers over to climbing, where mistakes and frustration are a big part of the process. The key is not to let this frustration take over, but to learn from each mistake and use it as motivation to improve.
Additionally, yoga helps my body to recover after an intense climbing sessions. It helps release tension and relaxes sore muscles, especially in the upper body.
How Yoga Transformed My Rock Climbing (And How Climbing Enhanced My Yoga Practice!)
There are many ways yoga has supported my climbing. For example, a greater flexibility from yoga allows me to reach foot holds that might otherwise be out of reach. Also, core strengthening poses such as High Plank or Navasana (Boat Pose) directly contribute to better stability and endurance while climbing. Being flexible helps me move fluidly on the rock, seamlessly transitioning from one hold to the next.
On the other side, the strength I’ve built from climbing — especially in my forearms and shoulders — helps me hold challenging yoga poses for longer periods, particularly in arm balances. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know I love Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) and other inversions. Climbing definitely supports these poses.
I was challenging to find a balance between intense yoga practice and outdoor bouldering.
It can be tricky to balance the intense focus and effort required for climbing with the dynamic flows of yoga. Climbing often demands the same level of concentration and energy as dynamic yoga practices such as Ashtanga Vinyasa. I found balance by scheduling specific times for each activity. On days when I’m climbing, I start with a gentle flow in the morning to center myself. My body is then ready and prepared for the physical effort. On rest days from climbing, I dive deeper into more vigorous yoga flows, which require both mental and physical energy.
8 Must-Do Yoga Poses Every Rock Climber Needs for Strength and Flexibility
There are many beneficial yoga poses for rock climbers, but here’s a short list of the essential ones:
- Downward-Facing Dog (adho mukha svanasana): This pose stretches the hamstrings, calves, and shoulders, and helps improve overall flexibility.
- Plank Pose (phalakasana): Builds core strength and endurance, which are essential for climbing.
- Reclining Pigeon Pose (supta kapotasana): Opens the hips and relieves tension, preparing your mobility for heel hooks.
- Extended Side Angle Pose (utthita parsvakonasana): Stretches and strengthens the legs, hips, and side body, enhancing reach and stability.
- Child’s Pose (balasana): Promotes relaxation and gently stretches the back.
- Seated Forward Bend (paschimottanasana): Stretches the hamstrings and spine, promoting relaxation.
- Supine Spinal Twist (supta matsyendrasana): Relieves tension in the spine and improves mobility.
- Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (viparita karani): Helps reduce swelling and fatigue in the legs, promoting recovery.
Climbing and Yoga in Sardinia
Currently, I’m living in the beautiful Gallura region of Sardinia, where I’ve created, together with Lorenzo, a coliving space that allows me to stay connected with nature and share my love for yoga and climbing with like-minded people. Here, I get to practice yoga in stunning settings — whether it’s by the sea, in the garden, or on the patio. I love also to share weekly classes with our coliving guests. When I’m not teaching, I’m out bouldering in breathtaking locations. Sardinia has incredible rock formations set against the backdrop of the sea or in remote, untouched landscapes. If you’re curious about how we’re developing new bouldering areas close to home, check out this other article.
I hope my story and experience has inspired you to read up to here, and to maybe try and see if the mat or the rock might be something for you too <3
