Experience Iowa

One thing about me is that I need exercise to function. I’ve written about how I had a strict gym schedule last semester, and while I still want to be active this semester (even more so than last, honestly), I’m trying to be flexible and honor the energy, time, and motivation I have to do exercise. Sometimes, my movement for the day is walking back to Mayflower after my classes. Sometimes, it’s forcing myself out on a run because I want to run a 5K this summer and need to stay in shape for that. Sometimes, it’s doing yoga in the Mayflower gym because I’m feeling tight. Sometimes, it’s ROCK CLIMBING.

Whoa. Sorry, guys. Didn’t mean to scare you. But I really, really like rock climbing. I always have! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to do it much because climbing gym memberships are expensive, and I was already playing sports in middle and high school. Now, I’m not playing sports, and the CRWC has a climbing wall! More specifically, it has a top rope wall, the one where you’re harnessed in and climb to the ceiling, and a bouldering wall, which is shorter and for free climbing. The latter is also always. Open. One of my futsal friends invited me to climb with her one night, and now I’m hooked. I haven’t been back YET, but I texted my dad to see if he had an old chalk bag and some shoes. He climbed mountains when he was my age because he grew up in Colorado. I’m not jealous at all… 😒

He offered to send those items over, which was really sweet, and trust me, I will be AT that wall!! It’s great for upper body and grip strength, and I can only imagine it helps with general body control. I can’t wait for summer to show off my insanely built back and shoulders😌

Besides any aesthetic benefits, I’ve found that high-concentration physical tasks, like climbing, are really good for giving my brain a break. They force me to be present in my body instead of just living in my head all day. Running does this for me, too. Additionally, demanding physical activities force me to take care of myself. I can’t run well if I haven’t had enough water that day or lift heavy if I haven’t eaten enough, and I certainly won’t want to do anything if I haven’t slept enough. It’s easy to get lost in the academic sauce, but one of the keys to college is taking care of yourself through it all.

I will keep you guys updated with everything climbing, but that is all I have for you today! Catch ya in the next one!

Kiah<3

(Forgive my excessive use of emojis. They’re so cute, I can’t resist.)