Lean Out Podcast: Cruxes with Halley Stocks

The crux of a rock climb is a “problem” section.

A puzzle of sorts to solve.

We all encounter many cruxes on our respective journeys, whether they be climbs or professional paths. My guest this week on the Lean Out Podcast reminds us to focus on solving the problem at hand instead of the final destination.

Hallie Stocks is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and an Integrative Climbing Coach. As the founder of Grace and Grit Climbing, she is passionate about empowering women to build physical and mental resilience, achieve their climbing goals, overcome challenges, and create a life filled with confidence, health, and abundance.

From Physical Therapy to Coaching

Hallie began her career as a physical therapist, but like many in her profession, she quickly experienced burnout. Long hours, high patient loads, and the pressure of working within insurance-based models led her to reassess what she truly wanted. Even in those early days, she prioritized work-life balance, carving out mid-week climbing sessions to sustain her passion.

She eventually transitioned into health coaching, inspired by her patients who shared their struggles beyond physical pain—stress, sleep issues, poor nutrition, and emotional challenges. Hallie saw an opportunity to make a deeper impact by addressing these holistic aspects of well-being, leading her to create Grace and Grit, a coaching business aimed at empowering female climbers.

Climbing as a Catalyst for Growth

For Hallie, climbing is more than a sport—it’s a reflection of life’s challenges. Her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and an eating disorder has shaped her coaching philosophy. She emphasizes that success in climbing, as in life, isn’t just about structured training plans but also about sustainable habits, mindset shifts, and self-care.

Hallie’s journey has also been about redefining wealth. Rather than chasing financial success at the cost of personal happiness, she has prioritized time, health, and freedom. Her seasonal lifestyle—splitting time between Colorado and Kentucky’s Red River Gorge—allows her to stay deeply connected to the climbing community while pursuing her coaching business and continuing to do some part-time physical therapy.

Lessons from the Journey

Reflecting on her path, Hallie highlights one crucial lesson: failure is not a reflection of worth but a necessary part of growth. Whether in climbing, business, or personal development, setbacks are opportunities to learn, adapt, and push forward.

Her story is an inspiring reminder that fulfillment comes from aligning your life with what truly matters to you. By embracing balance, self-compassion, and intentionality, we can all move toward a life that feels rich in the ways that matter most.

What are the ways you define wealth? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!