Whether indoors or out, rock climbing is a different way to exercise, have fun and get in great shape. According to RockClimbing.com, there are more than 101,000 locations around the country and around the world that provide places to climb rocks and boulders while enjoying the beauty of nature. Many gyms and fitness centers provide indoor rock wall climbing as well.
Cardiovascular Workout
Rock climbing involves a full-body effort. As a result, your heart and lungs work hard together, providing an optimal cardiovascular workout. Rock climbing also strengthens and tones your calves, quads, shoulders, arms, hands, back and core muscles. You may think rock climbing requires a strong upper body; however, just about anyone can do it. If you haven't tried rock climbing before, spend five to 10 minutes each week climbing then add five extra minutes each week until you reach 30 minutes.
Flexibility and Coordination
Rock climbing is sort of like solving a puzzle. As you make your way up the boulder or rock climbing wall, you must decide what move to make next. It may be that the next available ledge or hand grip is right next to you or somewhere just out of reach. Rock climbing requires you to stretch or hold strange or awkward positions as you find your way up the wall. All this hard work helps improve your flexibility as well as your eye/hand/feet coordination.
Weight Loss
There are plenty of ways to exercise in order to lose weight; however, not many are as exciting, challenging or rewarding as rock climbing. In addition to eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and living an active life, participating in rock climbing once or twice a week may help you reach your weight loss goals. Rock climbing at a moderately intensive pace for 30 minutes can burn between 299 and 623 calories, depending on your weight.
Other Considerations
It is important to note that, while rock climbing helps strengthen and tone muscles, it may also lead to muscular imbalances. A lot of rock climbing requires pulling yourself up. Therefore, other areas of your body, such as your flexors muscles, may become weak. Be sure to incorporate other forms of exercise, such as weight lifting, in order to prevent muscular imbalance. Rock climbing may also cause injuries such as sprains, strains, shoulder dislocation, tendonitis and various soft tissue injuries. Speak with your doctor prior to starting a new workout program and wear the appropriate rock climbing clothing and accessories.
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