 |
||
Rock Climbing for Total Body FitnessWhy Rock Climb?Not only is rock climbing an amazing total body workout, it is a ton of fun. It offers the exhilaration of adventure, freedom, and a sense of oneness with nature. Tough day at the office? Why not relieve some stress on a rock wall. Looking to lose some weight? Climbing not only provides superior strength training, but also burns major calories. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, this sport is a great way to expand your social network and improve your self-esteem by overcoming obstacles. What Do You Need To Rock Climb?Most indoor gyms rent shoes and harnesses for those who do not own the proper equipment for rock climbing. The gym near me rents you a harness, shoes, and chalk bag for only $7. Clothing and ShoesAny clothing that allows freedom of movement and can withstand abrasion should do. Many beginning climbers use athletic shoes or hiking boots to start. There are specialized climbing shoes (varappe or kletterscuhe) made of rubber synthetics that allow for better traction and grip on smaller footholds. HarnessA number of harnesses are out there in a number of price ranges. If you really get into the sport, you?ll want to pick up your own. The more expensive harnesses have automatic locking loopholes while the cheaper one?s require you to double back your loops to lock them. When you go to the local climbing store, ask a dealer to explain the different features and fit you for a harness.CarabinersMost climbers use a combination of oval shape or modified D-shape carabiners. They should test to at least 3000 lbs. Dealers should have information on carabiner strength so don?t be afraid to ask.RopeDo not use ropes that are not manufactured for climbing. Using no climbing rope is extremely dangerous. All modern climbing ropes are laboratory tested and stretch a little after a fall. They are constructed of a large number of long inner filaments covered by an outer sheath (kernmantle construction). They cost a bit more than regular rope, but no climbing rope of this type has failed since World War II.BelayA belay device aids the belayer in protecting the climber in case of a fall. The belayer should always be anchored to a rock, tree, or other heavy, non-moveable object. Always test your anchor before climbing.The belayer should always have their ?brake hand? on the rope in case the climber falls. The other hand is consider the ?guide hand?. The best belay technique is the take up slack with the brake hand by bringing it up towards your chest and then bringing it straight down in front of you to lock the brake. The guide hand then reaches to hold the rope in the brake position while the brake hand slides back up the rope toward the belay device. HelmetHelmets are not required for climbing but are a great piece of safety equipment. It's your head not mine. Be smart. If you do not want you head banging off the side of a cliff of wall, wear a helmet.CommunicationCommunication is very important in climbing. Sometimes the climber will not see an available hold, or may be climbing faster than you can take up slack. Do not be afraid to tell your climber to slow down or warn them of danger they may not be able to see. If a climber should fall, you want there to be little slack in the rope to prevent injury, so communication is key.Where Can You Rock Climb?Many outdoors places exist for rock climbing. You can find a number of indoor rock gyms as well that have artificial rock walls. Just do a search on climbing gyms in your area.Return to Home Page from Rock Climing |
|
|
Weight Loss and NutritionOther Material
Enjoy This Site?
Then why not use the button below, to add us to your favorite bookmarking service? |
||
|
Return to top |
||
|
| ||
