{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"I've been climbing for years now, and looking back, these five things would have saved me a lot of frustration (and skin):"}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"1. You don't need to be strong to start"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Climbing is about technique, not muscle. The best beginners I've coached focus on footwork first and let their legs do the work. Your fingers and forearms will catch up."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"2. Rent shoes, don't buy them (yet)"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Gym rental shoes are fine for your first few sessions. Once you know you're hooked, invest in a pair that fits snug but not painful. Aggressive downturns are overkill for beginners."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"3. Rest days are training days"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Your tendons adapt way slower than your muscles. Climb 2-3 times a week max when starting out. Pulley injuries are real and they'll bench you for months."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"4. Watch other climbers"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Seriously. Sit down and watch how experienced climbers move. Notice how they keep their hips close to the wall, how they use straight arms, how they read the route before starting. You'll learn more in 10 minutes of watching than an hour of flailing."}]},{"type":"heading","attrs":{"level":3},"content":[{"type":"text","text":"5. Falling is part of the sport"}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"Learn to fall safely early. Feet first, knees bent, roll with it. The mats are there for a reason. Once you're comfortable falling, you'll commit to moves you'd otherwise chicken out on."}]},{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"type":"text","text":"If you're just getting started and want a structured path from zero to sending V3s, check out my Beginner Bouldering Course. It covers all of this and more."}]}]}