6 reasons to give rock climbing a go
I have been rock climbing now for just about two years. I am absolutely in love the sport and would love for all of you to give it a go! Here are 6 of many many reasons why you should give rock climbing a go :)
1. Everyone can do it :)
When it comes to climbing, age, size, how big, tall, small you are does not matter. You and your body will be able to adapt and find it’s way to the top of the wall. You do not need a specific body type or a specific advantage to make achievement. All you need to do is learn basic movements and you’re all good to go! Climbing is not about the being the fittest or the strongest, it is about having fun and giving it a go.
2. It is a super fun Full-Body Workout
As soon as you start to climb regularly you will notice the massive impact it has on your body and your fitness. You can forget about the treadmill or that spin class (well if you want to) as climbing is a great workout! Unlike swimming or running or football, this kind of sport makes every inch of your body feel sore the next day! You will use muscles you didn’t even know you had! In time your endurance will improve, you’ll become more flexible and your strength will multiply!!!
3. You can climb any time of the year and it is so accessible
As much as climbing outdoors in a crag is great fun and also very weather dependant, indoor climbing is a year round option for those days where you fancy climbing! Not only is it not weather dependant, there are also so many climbing gyms opening up at the moment so I can guarantee there will be one close to you making it so easy to give climbing a try! A great rainy day activity!!
4. Getting started is relatively affordable
Although the cost of climbing will depend on what kind of climbing you would like to focus on, all you should really need is a pair of climbing shoes to get started! It is pretty easy to buy a pair of climbing shoes second hand but you can also purchase a new pair for a very small amount of money! You can get an affordable pair for as little as £35. If you would like to do top rope then you will also need your own harness and belay device which shouldn't cost you more than £90. However, you can also rent all the necessary equipment at the gym and monthly memberships to the climbing gym generally cost the same as a regular gym membership. Some centres (such as Reading Climbing centre) also include kit hire within your monthly membership which is great!
5. It’s a social sport
Chatting to people and making friends at a local climbing gym or crag is almost inevitable. You will spend a lot of time off the wall between climbs which is where conversation begins! You’ll get chatting to people about your favourite climbs and ideas on beta. So even if you don’t have a climbing partner, I guarantee within a few weeks you’ll have a great array of people you can chat to while your climbing… you may even find a belay buddy. Climbers are very sociable and guarantee we are always looking for new people to climb with and a new belayer to add to our contact list ;)
6. It is a great thrill-seeking option
There have been so many studies that have shown how sports with a higher element of fear can cause the brain to release a higher dose of endorphins, dopamine and norepinephrine. All of which are great to alleviate pain, enhance performance and triggers excitement. There is a reason climbing is so addictive!!! Even if it’s a little scary to start with, that’ll be one of the reasons why you end up loving the sport!!
There is nothing I would recommend more than giving climbing a go! For all the reasons listed above and more!!! If you do end up giving climbing a go please let me know, I would love to hear how it went!!!
