Earlier before, climbing was an adventurous pastime of rare individuals who, eager for adrenaline, crossed the boundaries of hiking and mountaineering. This is no longer the case today. Climbing is an active sport that has more and more fans. Not only children but also the elderly can play this sport. It doesn’t matter if you are 5, 15, or 45 years old. This activity brings so many physical and social benefits. What are some of them – read in our guide for 2024.
Climbing
How familiar are you with new sports? And are more traditional or extreme sports preferred in your environment? One of the favorites, especially in the last few years, is climbing on an artificial rock. If you have noticed that people spend their free time climbing the picturesque walls and that it has also become a ubiquitous trend – know that it is for a reason. Climbing can take place outdoors or indoors, on short walls or large rocks.
Why Is This Recreational Sport So Popular?
First, these artificial rocks are present in almost every major fitness center. Secondly, it is attractive because it is a fun and social way of exercising – and at the same time it is considered a great training for the whole body. At the same time, this sport combines several mental and practical aspects – such as dealing with fears, solving practical problems, and creating tactics for overcoming obstacles. Below are the reasons why you should include this activity in your schedule.
This Activity Doesn’t Require Prior Physical Preparation
You don’t have to be a professional in this sport, desire, motivation and good organization are enough. Most movements on an artificial rock can be evaluated on the so-called B scale. The ascent to the B0 level is the easiest – while each subsequent level is more difficult. Climbing routes consist of “holders” or rocks/sections of rock – that you have to hold on to ascend. More demanding sequences do not have to be so demanding if you have previously consulted with a competent instructor. Even if you misjudge a movement, it is not the end of the world – you can achieve everything with practice.
You Don’t Need Previous Experience For This Sport
Sport climbing is an expensive sport, especially due to the fact that you buy or rent equipment that will provide you with safety. Even when you are a complete beginner, you must have basic training (which is not complicated) before climbing. All you really need are good sneakers and clothes. However, even though you are a complete layman in this sport, there is no need to be afraid of the moment of landing, that is, if you are unsure you can always get down to earth quickly.
Advantages Of Rock Climbing
We can say that due to the specific position of the climber when climbing – the spine is straightened and the body is held correctly. Also, it has been calculated that rock climbing (in addition to running up the stairs) – is one of the sports that have the highest caloric expenditure per unit time. So if you want the best for yourself – then CLIMB! The female part of the population does not have to worry that they do not belong here. Although the most difficult routes are climbed by men – women climb much more gracefully, relying more on technique than strength.
Physical And Social Benefits Of Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has an excellent effect on the whole body and what is perhaps even more important – on a person’s mental health. Climbing in an obvious and interesting way shows people that with perseverance, work, and learning – they can solve even those problems that seemed impossible to them at first. For example, in the beginning, a part of the rock may seem impossible to cross. However, very quickly, by learning how to tread and move on the rock, training, and working on the technique – that part becomes easily mastered. These are 5 of the physical and social benefits of such an activity.
1. Strengthening Balance
In addition to helping to strengthen the muscles, rock climbing also helps to strengthen our balance. However, it is also important to take care not to burden our body more than it can handle. Therefore, you can use some of the regular climbing equipment. You can read more here if you want to find more about things that can help you climb better and overcome some usual problems. So, for example, if you have balance problems – it would be advisable to take ropes and helmets during your climbing adventures. If your palms are sweating, liquid chalk for climbing will help you increase the feeling of security.
2. Strengthening The Torso Muscles
The muscles of the middle part of the body (torso) are very important because they form the basis that carries our entire body. Therefore, they play an important role in the proper posture of the spine. Interestingly, the way we move while climbing, we activate these muscles more effectively than we do with some other activities, for example, when we ride a bike or run on a treadmill.
3. Improves Blood Circulation
This sport is very good for improving blood circulation. Namely, using your hands and feet when climbing requires a certain effort. That means you will improve circulation, and thus the overall health of your body. Today, blood circulation problems are mostly related to lack of movement, improper diet, and obesity – as well as overall unhealthy life habits. Therefore, this type of physical activity will help you on several different levels. With improved circulation, you will have a healthy heart and be far more mobile.
4. Stress Relief
Just a few years ago, some research confirmed that rock climbing has a beneficial effect on people’s mental health and can reduce the risk of depression. Also, medical experts claim that actively playing this sport reduces the risk of heart disease – and has a beneficial effect on blood pressure and blood sugar levels. So, it is nothing new when we say this activity helps to relieve stress – and to improve our mood and health in general.
Just half an hour of rock climbing can make you feel that you have distanced yourself from the stress of everyday life – and that you have “escaped” from everything that burdened you that day. Therefore, it is not surprising that this sport is practiced by many managers, doctors, and other people who deal with stressful professions.
5. Rock Climbing Is Strengthening Social Interconnections
Rock climbing is often challenging for individuals. However, this experience will be unforgettable if you have a company on an adventure like this. Climbing in a group or pairs can strengthen interpersonal relationships – whether you need to overcome some more difficult obstacles together, or simply enjoy socializing.
The feeling of “isolation” from the stressful environment creates a special atmosphere – which is often more intimate and private than the one we are in every day. Also, by joining the local climbing club, you can meet new people, similar to yourself – with whom you have at least one common interest from the very beginning – rock climbing.
Conclusion
If you are already a passionate climber, we believe that the arrival of spring has already motivated you to be active. If you have not yet experienced the charms of this sport – maybe this is the right time to take your chance. Remember to always prepare adequate footwear and a bottle of water.
