Is 40 too old to learn to climb?

[TunipTheVegemal]

Took the kids to a climbing wall yesterday. I want a go.
Am I going to look stupid? Everyone else there was incredibly wiry. I'm not overweight but I'm average size and fitness (I do long brisk walks and swim but don't go to the gym or anything like that). I'm also conscious it's harder for adults because of the strength:weight ratio working against you - as a kid I was brilliant at climbing ropes but there's no way I could do it now.

I don't expect to ever be any good at it but am I going to humiliate myself totally and everyone will feel sorry for me and fail to make any progress up the walls my kids have just been scampering straight up?

WDYT?

Do it!

Climbing is the best fun.

Just do it, climbing is great fun. You've got to start somewhere, I can't imagine anyone thinking you look stupid, I would imagine you would just get encouragement for giving it a go.

I thought I could book a taster course for the same time as we take the kids (and then they'll be busy climbing themselves and won't be able to watch me humiliate myself).

My mum started climbing when she was about 55; not tall, not thin and wiry. She loves it!

Excellent, thank you Em3978! That gives me hope.

Absolutely not, go for it, the kids will probably be more impressed about having a mum who can take on any challenge.

Climbers are a lovely bunch.No one is going to think you look stupid,and I think you'll find people will be happy to help out if you need it.

Definitely go for a taster course.But watch out - its addictive!

2nd 3rd 4th all of this. Most people pick it up fairly easily and v. soon you'll be concentrating so much and be so proud of yourslef you really won't give a fig what anyone else looks like they are thinking.

the strength bit - it's all about where you put your feet to take all of your weight. You don't need a lot of upper body strength - your arms should really only be for balancing, not for supporting your weight, tho' good back and arm muscles won't go totally amiss.

You will find that you will develop good balance - which will also help you in other areas(yoga for one!)

When I very first began to climb,I found it was my wrists that felt it the most on my upper body so its worth focussing on them a little more if you do any strength work.

Thanks.
I have no idea how good my balance is! I do plenty of heavy (toddler) lifting, though.