You can do lots of amazing things, once the weight comes off. This is something that I never could really do when I was younger, because frankly, I was too big. My arms were never strong enough to hold my weight.
Once I lost 100 lbs in college, I could probably have done this. I just never tried. So recently when my daughters wanted to climb the wall at the Ellicott City, MD YMCA, I said I'm going to climb too. This is the second time I tried it. The first time, I only made it a little bit further than the top picture. On this day..September 2, 2008, I made it to the top!! Whoohoo!
Training
When I tried the first time my triceps began to hurt and I noticed my fingers were a little stiff. So, after that first time, which was about a month ago, I began doing push-ups with my fingers instead of my hands. I also began doing push-ups with my hands together in the shape of a diamond. The first type of push-ups strengthened my fingers.. The second type strengthened my triceps. My training paid off and I made it to the top.
Next up is working on hanging with each arm individually, so I can do the Rings ala American Gladiator style. By the way, I want to go on that show, that is why I am doing these types of activities. I was never in shape, the first time the show came on. Now I will be ready. Bring it on Gladiators..Bring It On!!
