Which yoga is best for climbers?

Short answer: The best yoga for climbers is a mix. You need calm yoga that gives your hips and shoulders some room. And you need stronger yoga that builds core and control. At yum, that means yum on earth for recovery, yum at sea for strength and flexibility, and yum on fire when you want more. Classes are taught in English, by the canal in Sydhavn, about a kilometre from the bouldering gyms.

Why does yoga make sense if you climb?

Climbing is fun. It’s also a lot of the same: grip, pull, rounded shoulders, high feet. Yoga moves you in the directions the wall doesn’t. You open your hips, stretch your chest and work on balance and breath. Many climbers find it helps them feel calmer in their body and more aware of how they move. It’s not magic. It’s just good movement that goes well with climbing.

Which yum classes suit climbers?

• yum on earth (60–75 min): Slow, inspired by yin and restorative. Great on a rest day, or when your forearms say no.
• yum at sea (60–75 min): The same sequence every time. It’s built for strength and flexibility, so you can feel your progress week by week.
• yum on fire (60–75 min): For you if you have some yoga in your body and fancy core, arms, head- and handstands.
• Aerial yoga (60 min): Hammocks, upside-down time and plenty of core. Start with aerial basics.

Brand new to yoga? yum basic elements is the easiest place to start. See every class on Class descriptions and What is aerial yoga?.

Do I need to think about my fingers and wrists?

A little, yes. Yoga puts weight on your hands, for example in downward dog. After a hard session you can shorten or soften the arm work, or rest in child’s pose. Tell your teacher and you’ll get an option. If you have an injury, talk to a physio or doctor before you start.

When should I do yoga, before or after climbing?

What matters most is that it fits your week. Many people like a calm class on a rest day and a stronger class on a day without hard climbing. Check the schedule and pick a couple of regular times you’ll actually keep.

How do I get started?

Start with yum intro. You get 30 days of unlimited yoga, aerial included, and 10% off in the café. Try the calm classes and the strong ones and see what your body likes. See you on the mat. And maybe after, over coffee, with a few of the people you just sweated next to.

FAQ

Is yoga good for climbers?

For many climbers, yes. Yoga works on mobility, balance, core and breath, the same things you use on the wall. It doesn’t replace climbing training, but it can make it easier to move freely.

Which yum class should I start with as a climber?

If you’re new to yoga, start with yum basic elements or yum at sea. For a calm recovery class, choose yum on earth. If you have experience and want core work and handstands, try yum on fire.

Are classes taught in English?

Yes. All classes at yum are taught in English. Only if everyone in the room speaks Danish may the class be in Danish.

How can I try it?

The easiest start is yum intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga and 10% off in the café. It’s for people who haven’t been a member in the past six months. After that it continues as a membership unless you cancel before it ends. See price and terms at yum.dk/intro/.

Where is yum?

By the canal at Alliancevej 22 in Sydhavn, 2450 Copenhagen SV, about a kilometre from the bouldering gyms in the area.

Read also: Why should dancers do yoga if they’re already flexible?