Rope Climbing In Physical Education

Climbing a rope during physical education class can be more than just fun -- it is also an effective workout. You can come up with entertaining rope climbing games or just have students take turns climbing it. Although each child's technique and speed will vary, everyone can learn how to safely climb a rope, regardless of age, sex or fitness level.

Benefits

Rope climbing is a challenging and entertaining way to get kids to strength train the upper body during physical education. Rope climbing can help strengthen the muscles in a child's biceps, forearms, back and abdominals. RossTraining.com also notes that it can help improve a child's grip. It can also help maintain strong joints, bones and a healthy weight. Physical education activities such as rope climbing can also help delay serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Methods

Have each child reach up and grasp the rope with one hand directly below the other. The child should wrap his legs around the rope, securing it between his thighs. The child must then pull up with his arms until his chest reaches hand level or his feet encounter the next knot in the rope. He must then squeeze his feet and legs around the rope and reach upward to grasp another section of rope. You can make it a game by timing kids or attaching a bell to the top and encouraging children to climb up to ring it.

Tips

For optimal results, use a manila rope that is about 1.5 or 2 inches thick. Tie large knots throughout the rope to make it easier for children to climb. An older child can wrap the end of the rope around the outside of her leg and clamp it in place with her opposite foot. This way she can brake or support herself without needing to use her arms or hands.

Warnings

Rope climbing can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced children. Place mats on the floor beneath the rope to help cushion any falls. The Northside Elementary School website warns that you should never allow children to climb more than ten feet off of the ground. Do not allow any rough housing or pushing, especially while a child is climbing up a rope. Because rope climbing can be stressful on your shoulders and elbows, only do it one or two times per week.