Climbing, with its promise of adventure, physical challenge, and camaraderie, has become an irresistible draw for individuals looking to add excitement to their lives. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Aimee and her husband Jodie Capps for www.RockClimbingForWomen.com. They are a dynamic couple whose journey into climbing sheds light on the countless reasons why people choose this exhilarating sport. In this blog, we’ll uncover the motivations behind their climbing adventures and explore how staying active has played a pivotal role in their lives.
Aimee and Jodie: Early Active Lifestyles
Both Aimee and Jodie were no strangers to an active lifestyle in their early twenties. Aimee discovered the therapeutic benefits of exercise and staying active in combating postpartum challenges. At the age of 40, with two young adult children residing at home, they understood that staying active was more than just a routine; it was a lifeline to dealing with the ups and downs of life.
Aimee’s Introduction to Climbing
A friend from her yoga community and work introduced Aimee to climbing in February 2023 at Aiguille Climbing Center, she quickly discovered the allure of vertical ascents. Her active lifestyle and yoga-honed balance and strength provided a solid foundation for climbing, and the transition was almost seamless. Climbing became a new way for her to explore balance, both physically and mentally.
For Aimee, climbing is a beautiful and intricate dance with the rock. She was mesmerized by the experienced climbers skillfully employing their hips, legs, and core to pivot their way up the wall. From her observation, Aimee quickly learned to gracefully navigate routes, using her yoga-honed balance to find the perfect footholds and her core strength to conquer challenging moves.
Jodie: Escaping the Work-from-Home Routine
Jodie’s story resonates with many who have experienced the challenges of working from home. Balancing remote work with parenting responsibilities can be overwhelming, and Jodie was seeking an outlet different from a traditional gym that would provide a break from the daily grind. Climbing offered him an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse himself in the physical and mental challenges of scaling rock walls.
A few months after Aimee took her first steps on the climbing wall, Jodie decided to join her on this exciting journey. Climbing had captured Aimee’s heart, and Jodie couldn’t resist the opportunity to share in this passion. Climbing presented them with a unique way to connect, bond, and embrace new challenges together.
Overcoming Challenges: Dislocated Rib and Elbow Pain
Early in his climbing journey, Jodie faced adversity in the form of a dislocated rib from a fall in bouldering and persistent tennis elbow pain which is common with beginner climbers. These obstacles could have deterred him from continuing, but Jodie’s determination to conquer them only fueled his passion for climbing. 
His tenacity and willingness to confront challenges head-on highlight the resilience that many climbers share.
Aimee’s agility, strength, and flexibility from yoga helped her evade many serious physical injuries. They both encounter unavoidable little bruises and scratches here and there from the common climbing bumps when scraping against the wall.
The Joy of Climbing Together
As I asked further about the competitive dynamic between couples, Jodie answered with no hesitation, “Of course, Aimee is better than me in many things and I am okay with it.” While Aimee excels in many aspects of life, Jodie doesn’t mind taking a back seat. He appreciates Aimee’s skill and acknowledges her abilities in various climbing facets. For them, it’s not about competition; it’s about collaboration and mutual support. I admired their depth of commitment and relationship with each other.
For Aimee and Jodie, climbing has become more than just a sport. It’s a way for them to stay active, explore their limits, and build a stronger connection. Climbing provides them with an avenue to escape the everyday grind and rediscover themselves in the process. The climbing community has welcomed them with open arms, fostering new friendships and shared experiences.
Word of Advice
Show up and try, even if you doubt your upper body strength. You may just surprise yourself. And if not for that, come for the community. You might discover the encouragement and sense of belonging you’ve been seeking.
The Allure of Climbing
Aimee and Jodie Capps’ journey into climbing mirrors the endless reasons why people start this adventurous sport. Whether it’s to maintain an active lifestyle, discover balance and mindfulness, or strengthen bonds within a relationship, climbing offers a unique blend of physical challenge and community connection. Although the couple is new to the climbing sport, they look forward to exploring new challenges such as lead climbing and climbing outdoors with family and friends.
Aimee and Jodie embody the spirit of climbing, emphasizing that it’s not just about reaching the summit; it’s about the journey, the community connections, and the joy of discovering new challenges together as a family.
