If you're like me, you love the feeling of keeping fit and the endorphins
are well worth chasing but the gym three or four times a week gets dull
real quick. Why not try something a little more social and fun? Why not try
a sport which excites the geek in you too?
Whether or not you relate, I urge you to have a gander at the reasons many
people love climbing. Who knows, maybe by the end of this article you will
be checking out your local wall
Every body is a climbing body
Everyone has a different advantage in climbing. You don’t necessarily
need to be young, old, tall or short to be a great climber. There may be
factors that predispose you to the sport, like a background in
gymnastics or dance, a wingspan 6 inches longer than your height, or an
impressive sense of balance but generally speaking, anyone can excel at
rock climbing. Climbing is a sport for everyone.
It teaches your mind and body to work together
Rock climbing is very different from other popular sports. You don’t
necessarily need to be young, old, tall or short to be a great rock
climber. Sure, there may be factors that predispose you to the sport,
like a background in gymnastics or dance, or a wingspan 6 inches longer
than your height, but generally speaking, anyone can excel at rock
climbing. Some of the strongest climbers in the world range from about
13 to 35 years old. Climbing is truly a very inclusive and enjoyable
sport.
It's a great way to meet people
Rock climbing, especially in a gym, is a very social sport. There’s
plenty of down time while you’re resting between climbs, so it’s very
easy to meet other people if you hang out at climbing gyms. The
experienced climbers will even offer up tips, which may make something
which seemed impossible somewhat easy. If you want to, you can easily
meet new people each time you go. So, if you’re looking for a workout
partner or trying to make friends in a new city, go hang out at your
local climbing gym. You’re bound to meet some amazing people.
Everyone loves a bit of excitement
Whether you’re bouldering in the gym just 5 feet off the ground, sport
climbing 60 feet off the ground, or up in the mountains climbing at
13,000 feet, this sport will definitely give you a rush of adrenaline.
Apparently, sports that involve more fear or excitement cause your body
to release more endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine — so why not
give it a go?
Improvement is quick
Climbing allows you to easily track your improvements, because
eventually you will make climbs you old you couldn't even start. There
are so many skills to acquire and muscle groups to strengthen that you
are improving something. This sport is very rewarding for beginners all
the way to the elite, professional climbers.
It's a full body work out
Climbing is definitely my favorite form of exercise because it’s
enjoyable and is a great workout. You get the added benefit of strength,
endurance, and flexibility training all in one activity.
It's strategic
Any unnecessary time on the wall is energy wasted, so the aim is to plan
how you will reach the top before you get there. Sometimes the moves you
are making don’t work and you have to plan a new route to the top. It
really is a game for the geeks, as good strategy and technique are
essential to making difficult climbs.
Have I tempted you into giving it a go? If so, follow the button above to
find your local bouldering walls. Or, if you have already been climbing
and you want to share your reason for climbing, leave your reason below.
