Skip to main content

Rock climbing is a sport that truly tests you in both strength and stamina. Both climbing and bouldering, the name for climbing on low rock formations without a rop, involves nearly every muscle in your body. And if you’re afraid of heights, it might be the best way to face your fear.

Any kind of exercise focuses on engaging your muscles. From your heart to your biceps, to your quads – these muscles need to be performed to work. When it comes to activating and training a diverse range of muscles. There are very few exercises that rival climbing.

Rock Climbing Is A Full Body Challenge

Expert researchers say that running, cycling, rowing, and most conventional gym workouts teach the body to perform consistent, repetitive motions. These motions are either to build strength, increase cardiovascular fitness, or both. However, climbing is a far more complex movement.rock [longevity live]

Interestingly, rock climbing is a continuous series of different movements. There is no climbing surface or route that is the same, and you are always asking different muscles to perform during a climb. Every time you exercise whilst climbing, the muscle groups that are used change. This ensures you’re training a greater number of muscles. Research suggests this kind of dynamic muscle activation is much more challenging and fatiguing than simpler, repetitive movements.

There is a lot of pushing, pulling, and lifting involved in rock climbing. Many of these movements mirror aspects of resistance training. But climbing is an excellent cardiovascular workout too. A 2004 study looked at the physiology of rock climbing and saw that climbers use a significant portion of their aerobic capacity, and their heart rate response was higher than they’d predicted.

You’re Constantly Holding Your Own Weight

I went for a rock climb for the first time this past weekend. When you’re hanging onto a tiny rock, the muscles in your hips and torso strain to hold your lower half against the wall. You have to arch backward and extend one hand up to grip the next tiny rock. Your thighs start to shake, and your calves begin to burn whilst trying to hold on for dear life. No, I am only joking, but you do need to maintain good form and balance throughout if you want to last. A moment later, when the tips of your fingers have secured their grip, you have to quickly shift the focus on your muscles to others to remain safely secured on the climbing wall.rock [longevity live]

You will definitely feel your heart rate increase during a climb. However, it depends on how hard you push yourself. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, if the climb is challenging for you, your heart will get a workout. And just like any other heart-rate-raising exercise, rock climbing burns calories.  Research says that even if a 155-pound person climbs with a moderate effort, it can burn between eight and ten calories per minute. According to researchthis is almost equal to intense cardio workouts like spinning. Rock climbing is also quite a scary experience if you’re new to heights. So the fear of falling will rev up your heart rate and caloric expenditure like crazy.

You’ll Need Some Serious Brainpower

And the benefits do not stop there. The balance and neuromuscular coordination required for climbing calls for an enormous amount of brainpower. Studies have discovered that activities involving balance, muscle coordination, spatial orientation, and other aspects of climbing can significantly improve a person’s working memory, as well as other cognitive functions.rock [longevity live]

Rock climbing requires a lot of dynamic, balance-dependent movements and therefore improves coordination and other motor skills. Researchers believe that climbing could improve the symptoms of those with neurologic conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. On top of feeling coordinated, you’ll feel a lot happier. Some studies show that eight weeks of bouldering might also reduce the severity of depression.

Think you’re not strong enough? Well, apparently anybody can learn to rock climb. Climbing walls, both natural and artificial, like those at an indoor rock climbing gym have different levels of difficulty. Experts say that with the right harnesses and gear, almost anyone can get started. However, you must be prepared to use a little strength!

I recommend consulting with your doctor first if you have a heart condition, especially if you’re afraid of heights. But, if you’re looking for a new way to build strength, coordination, and fitness. Plus you’d like to train other muscles in your body that hardly get worked, then adding a weekly climb to your routine is a great way to do it.

Skye Mallon

Skye Mallon

Skye is a Holistic Lifestyle Blogger, Entrepreneur and Movement Instructor. She loves changing people's lives and believes you should always strive to be your best! Her brand, Skyezee FashionFit pty (LTD) shares the latest in well-fashion, conscious living, and daily movement. She wants to help others achieve a happy balance by sustaining a conscious, longevous lifestyle. She shares content that helps others tap into the intricacies of our bodies, environments, feelings, and minds.

Skye knows how you feel and is here to help! She wants to help you live happier, longer and more fulfilled lives that we know will make some kind of positive or meaningful impact. Visit Website

The mind, body, and soul must connect.

She specializes in mixed movement classes including her very own Jump Rope HIIT, boxing-inspired workout called Jump Fit. Moreover, she teaches a Skyezee Movement class which includes elements from yoga, martial arts, and dance.

She has a keen interest in high-quality, activewear apparel and represents different brands. Lastly, she believes that the best results are achieved by doing something you love! The point is to have fun, explore and move more, eat good food and get outside of your comfort zone.

Book Skye's Paradise Adventure Retreat in Watamu, Kenya February 2020.
Start the Jump Fit Program
Follow the Skyezee FashionFit Blog
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion at LISOF.
Jump Rope HIIT Coach and Professional Jump Roper
Pilates Teacher Training Certificate.
Budokon Yoga and Mixed Martial Arts Enthusiast and aspiring Teacher/Yogi.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.

error: Content is protected !!