Climbing indoors or outdoors is a demanding physical activity that requires at least a minimum level of conditioning. A reasonably fit person can immediately enjoy his or her first experience climbing an easy route without any special training.
Fingers and forearms may initially tire quickly from gripping the handholds, but the fun makes up for it. “Contact strength” is the limiting factor for all rock climbers, whether new or experienced. As a person’s interest in climbing develops, it is natural to progress to longer and harder climbs. The best way to accomplish this is by some sort of training regimen.
Training for climbing does not necessarily mean strict schedules and documented sessions. It can be as simple as some commonsense approaches to using the rock gym and creating a lifestyle that helps avoid injury and promotes gradual muscular strength gains.
In the past, climbers would get in shape for the climbing season by a training hike or two in the local hills, occasional pull-ups, and repeating the standard easy climbs at the crags. The existence of rock gyms has changed all that.
Now it is possible to train full-time specifically for climbing. Climbing is no longer constrained by seasons, it is a year-round sport.
» Aerobic Training for Rock Climbing
» Weight Training for Rock Climbing
» Periodization for Rock Climbing
» Warming Up for Rock Climbing
» Climbing Training for Rock Climbing
» Endurance Training for Rock Climbing
» Strength Training for Rock Climbing
» Technique Training for Rock Climbing
» Rock Gym Training for Rock Climbing
» Training With a Partner for Rock Climbing