We see kids climbing on walls, trees, with or without any help all the time, without even realising how big of an effort does it take to “reach peak”. When we decide to go climbing or bouldering as adults, we remember our childhood when it seemed to be so easy. Then we go to the gym or find an outdoors climbing space and realise, that it is not a piece of cake at all!
Being full-body-exercise as climbing requires a large amount of endurance and physical strength. Some people may think that climbing is all about the upper-body however the footwork itself and the strength of the lower body are as important as the usage of the upper muscle mass.
Climbing is a low impact cardio exercise, which means that it will improve your breathing and heart rate will as well, while burning over 700 calories/hour. Do you know what is the name of the path that a climber takes in order to complete the climb is called problem in bouldering? They’re called problems. No wonder, that the tricky maneuveurs used during climbing makes the sport ideal for improving problem solving skills and creativity and while increasing the flexibility of the used muscles as well.
Since it is a complex interaction of physiological and psychological factors, several scientific studies have been made about the different benefits of climbing. Some suggest that it may decrease symptoms of ADHD, improve memory, or function as a cup of coffee. In a nutshell: it is a mental and physical exercise. It is basically a competition between you and yourself. It does not matter how big or small steps you take, you develop after each movement you’ve been through. Climbing 100 metres one day will make you go higher on the next.
Of course just like in the case of any other sport, before starting such a serious workout, you need to do the warm-up properly. You have to be prepared that you may not step to the next grade without practicing and trying for more than once. Some beginners usually make the mistake of forgetting about using their lower body. Unless you are as good as Chris Sharma don’t forget to use your legs! Climbing is dangerous enough in itself – except if you climb on Climbstation –, so better not getting any sport injuries, don’t you think?
After reading so much about the health benefits of climbing, you should be having the urge for a little bit of exercising right now. Check out the closest gyms and climbing sights to you! If you are lucky enough they also have a Climbstation! If not, we will make sure it will be there one there sooner than later!
photo credits: https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiTfZAbxLaP6e47Caevtv-ALn0X_DctEqGvxG1UcKkOET1Xh2l
Kaarle Vanamo, the creator of ClimbStation