Rock climbing fans?

Question

okay so i am interested in getting into rock climbing. what kind of workouts should i do to help with that? i already know where i want to start at (indoor). should i buy my own harnesses and stuff?

Answer 1

You say you are "interested in getting into" climbing. It sounds like you have climbed a couple times and think it is fun...but not sure if you are ready to commit. My suggestion would be to continue to use rental gear for the first several visits to make sure that you want to get serious about climbing. Gear is specific to climbing and expensive so if you are still in the "Im intersested" phase you dont want to spend the money and then end up walking away from the sport because you encounter something you didnt expect. So be sure that you are going to want to use the gear before you buy it...

As for a workout, the good news is that climbing is one of the few sports that you work all the necessary muscles while doing the sport. Climbing multiple times a week will develop the muscles and technique that you need to get better. In the beginning, balance and basic technique are key. As you climb more routes and as they get more difficult, strength is only part of the game. You will want to find a climbing partner that will be able to teach you good technique as well.

Lastly, strength and technique are only 2 legs to the stool. You will also need to develop your mind. There are going to be times when it is mind over body. Forcing yourself through your fear to just go for it. Sometimes that means missing and falling. But if you go back after it and succeed the reward is worth the effort.

Answer 2

The best workout is to actually climb - because climbing isn't only about strength and endurance, it requires a lot of technique as well.

You can go to the gym and "traverse" - which is just climbing sideways along the ground. It helps with arm strength and more importantly foot work. You can also do dead hangs - which are holding on to a bar or a training board until you can't hold on any longer and drop to the ground - very good for arm strength and endurance

http://www.rei.com/product/649051

You really should get your own shoes, harness, belay device, belay locking carabiner and a chalk bag. Try here:

http://www.mountaingear.com/

Good Luck

Answer 3

You should definitely buy your own harness, it will be much better quality than the one the gym offers, and a helluva lot more comfortable. Since you're just getting started, shoes aren't as important, but they will be soon.

A good harness is going to set you back about $40, shoes will cost anywhere from $60-$120, if you need a chalk bag (I don't even use mine) that'll be about $12 + a chalkball.

You should just go to the gym and get situated with the walls, learn the layout, the rules, the etiquette, meet some climbers, and you should start to build up callus before you start training yourself specifically for climbing.

You'll soon figure out what muscles you use (trust me, you'll be sore), what muscles you don't, what you need to work on, etc.

But heads up, if you're going to be bouldering overhang, you should work on your abs. Core strength is very important for overhang climbing, and that doesn't occur to the new climber.

Good luck and welcome to the climbing community!

Answer 4

your exactly right indoor climbing is the best place to start, when i started climbing i just rented all the gear and then as i got more and more into the sport i got more kit, the first thing i got was chalk bag and ball - you can get the chalk for about £2 each and the bag for about £5, next i got shoes, this is because the climbing shoes that they use for loan are made from a mor durable rubber that is designed to last longer but are not neccesarily good for climbing, you can get these for £30-£150 really anything over £150 pounds is ripping you off. i then got a harness - £40-£80, and then a rope £50-£100, then i got, caribiners, belay devices and quick draws, which all vary in price.

Answer 5

Yes, you should buy your own harness. This is because generally speaking, gym harnesses aren't exactly the most comfortable of things. The same thing goes with climbing shoes. Note, that generally speaking, these things are pretty pricey. In terms of harness, you can pretty much pick up any harness (so long as there is no damage) since you're always safe. If anything, pick something that's comfortable and doesn't crotch shot you every time you fall. In terms of climbing shoes, look up the reviews before you purchase shoes. Generally speaking, you don't want to buy something that has a sneaker sole. In my experience, Five Ten, Evolv, and Mad Rock have decent rubbers. Make sure that your shoes are made in America, because you want them to last. Chalk + Chalk bag aren't necessary, and I would actually advise you to climb without them until you desperately need them. Although most climbers have a set, it's always wise to carry a biner and an ATC for belaying.

In terms of work outs, there's always the basics. Do a lot of sit ups. Do a lot of pull  ups. Do a lot of things to work your forearms. But to be honest, nothing really prepares you physically for climbing other than climbing. Anything muscles that you really need will form as you practice over time. And more important is foot work, which will serve you much more than strength does.