Overweight and climbing

Question
Hi

Hoping you can help with a question.

I am 31, female, and and approx 50lbs overweight from my BMI.

How much weight should I should lose before I can realistically think of taking rock climbing lessons?

I am reasonably fit for my weight, and am losing approx. 1 1/2lbs a week.  Obviously, you are making life more difficult for yourself the heavier you are, so I would appreciate some advice on how much I should lose before I start.

FYI I weigh 200lbs, and am 5.6",

Thanks in advance.

Gill

Answer
Gill,
Let me first congratulate you on discovering climbing. I think you will find it very rewarding.  If I were you, I would not wait to take climbing lessons. There are many things to learn that are not related to your body, such as belaying, rope management and knot tying.  Climbing is all about balance, and and as you lose weight your balnce points will change and you will adapt easily to those points.  How you approach foot and hand holds also have nothing to do with weight.  The only real issue is pehaps a climbing harness, you may have to buy a smaller one when you hit your target weight.  My advice, go out and climb. Have fun and welcome to the climning community, we're happy to have you!

Jeff