[ashtonkem]

Medieval knights were typically very trim and fit; we have existing texts extolling knights to not over eat and go outside and exercise with stones. While kings performing the role of general tended to be fat, the actual men at arms up front doing the dirty work were probably in fantastic shape. There are historical accounts of knights in armor being capable of climbing siege ladders like a pair of monkey bars while wearing their armor.

[questionfor]

> climbing siege ladders like a pair of monkey bars while wearing their armor.

So without legs? Just pure hands?

[ashtonkem]

Yup, just with their hands.

This story is attributed to Jean de Maingre.

[questionfor]

hmmm so monkey bars with 40-60lbs load. That's really impressive and something you have to actually train for.

I guess they did train that movement specifically (in armor etc.), because it's not something you could just randomly do on a whim even if you are very strong. Definitely not something you would WANT to do on a whim if you can fall down to your death and also have to be in good enough shape after to fight (which makes this particularly crazy).

Damn, considering that they were also trained grapplers, those must have been one hell of sparring partners.