I started rock climbing when I was just ten years old and never knew it would impact me on such a powerful level as it does today. This is by far my favorite way to stay fit because it is not a normal gym with weights and machines. Rock climbing works your body in a way that I didn't think was possible. It uses your mind, works almost every body part, and even teaches you valuable life lessons along the way. Here are the 14—yes you read that right—14 life lessons that I have learned from indoor rock climbing.

1. How to make decisions on the go and use your intuition

In life we make on the go decisions and have to commit to the decision we make, the same thing goes for rock climbing. You have to make a quick decision of where your feet are going to go and where you'll place your hands.

2. Perseverance

When I try a new route or wall, I give it a first go at it and if I don't succeed I look for a new approach and don't give up on it. I know that I can't let the wall win. I know that I can make it to the top of the wall!

3. Practice makes perfect

Practice, practice, practice. I go rock climbing at least twice a week and whenever I go I learn something new. If I don't make it to the top of a difficult wall, I will stick with that wall the next time I climb and will make it to the top eventually.

4. Look before you leap, and have a plan

This is extremely important when rock climbing and in life. Each time I'm about to scale up a wall, I analyze the route I'm going to do. I stare up at the wall for at least a full five minutes before I start to climb. I try to figure out hand and foot placements so I have a little bit of an idea of what I'm doing before I actually do it. It's always good to have a plan before you do something anyway.

5. Try a new approach

If the first time doesn't work out look at the route in a different way. Try it from a different perspective.

6. Don't worry about the past, and look towards the future

Don't focus on the people down below you on the ground. Most of the time you can't hear what they're saying since you are so high up. The past is below you for a reason. Look at your next move and the ultimate goal of reaching the top or your dreams.

7. Take things one step at a time

Don't take on many tasks at once. Same thing goes for rock climbing. One arm and one foot at a time.

8. Trust your partner or auto-belay

Whether you are outdoor climbing or indoor climbing always trust who or what is holding you up. Your partner/belayer/auto-belay will be there to catch you if you start to fall so have trust in them.

9. Problem-solving

In life and in rock climbing we are faced with problems at least once every day. Rock climbing teaches you how to solve problems quickly.

10. Hesitation is bad

When you make the decision of where to put your hands and feet go with that feeling. Don't hesitate. If you hesitate, you will lose energy and the momentum to get to the top. Your arms will become very tired and you'll get lazy. Don't do it.

11. Know how to let it go

It's easy to get started but hard to let go. Once you enjoy the view from the top, slowly ease yourself down the wall. Letting go of things in life is one of the hardest things to do but we have all been there. We know that we have to do it and also know what it took to get to that step.

12. Remember to breathe

Whatever the task you are doing or the stress you are faced with, just remember to breathe.

13. Hydrate

Hydration is so important when exercising and gives us energy throughout the day to keep pushing us through. Personally, when I climb I get tired and a bit out of breath and am so thankful when I have that drink of ice cold water afterwards.

14. Go at your own pace

It doesn't matter if you are the fastest climber or the slowest. Embrace your pace and accomplish the tasks in your own time. Who cares what other people think and don't compare yourself to them. You do you and everything else will just fall right into place.