We’ve got this.
Front foot firmly planted. Hands wrapped around and through our legs. Ready?
Rock forward. Slowly lift your feet high and engage your toes. Breathe.
One by one, proud toes begin reaching toward the ceiling. We hold the pose together for a brief moment. A silent, satisfied smile fills the room, followed by a collective breath of release.
We’ve got this.
We’re on week three of six, working toward Bird of Paradise, a yoga pose that demands core strength, balance, and an incredible amount of focus. It’s been a challenge.
Many of us have seen each other week after week in Molly’s Vinyasa/Yin yoga class on Tuesday nights. The class blends movement with breath, strength with balance. We begin by moving through vinyasas that strengthen the muscles needed for the pose, then practice the yin of the yang with slower stretches that develop the hip and shoulder mobility required to get there. Finally, we settle into a quieter, more restful mindset that helps build focus and presence.
As climbers, we’ve all experienced the rewards of prioritizing movement, strength, and community. We know we improve when we keep showing up.
This year, my New Year’s climbing resolution was to build more power. I dove in headfirst, determined to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible. I spent countless laps on the auto belays, timing myself to see how fast and powerful I could become. I thought “fast and strong” meant power.
Instead, “fast and strong” led to bruised toes and tweaked fingers.
I realized I needed a different approach if I wanted different results. I took a couple of weeks to rest, recover, and visualize the progress I wanted before putting together a plan that actually supported it.
I began weightlifting, running, and attending yoga classes. Yoga has stretched my comfort zone both physically and mentally. I’m learning that I can trust my ability to improve over time. This combination has become exactly what I need to complement my climbing.
For me, the lessons from yoga are finally starting to sink in: slow down, pace yourself, and trust the process. Keep showing up, week after week, while working toward something difficult.
Molly’s classes are designed to meet students where they are while helping them build strength, mobility, body awareness, and confidence over time. Each class offers climbers a chance to improve posture, increase flexibility, and develop strength throughout the entire body. Through deep stretching, longer holds, mindful alignment, and dynamic movement, students can build the tools they need to move better both on and off the wall.
Whether you are working toward a specific pose, hoping to improve mobility, or simply looking for a way to support your climbing, Molly’s yoga classes offer a steady place to practice, learn, and grow.
As climbers, we’ve experienced how climbing transforms our lives outside the gym. Maybe you’ve become more confident in the way you move, the decisions you make, or the challenges you’re willing to take on. Climbing is a keystone habit, and its effects ripple into every part of our lives. It has a remarkable way of mentoring us toward becoming the people we know we’re capable of becoming.
Join Molly for an upcoming yoga class. We’d love to see you there.
