What is a good workout if you're planning to rock climb? (to make you stronger to climb)?

Question

And how am I supposed to start rock climbing? I haven't bought anyting yet. I don't even have a climbing partner. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Climbing, it's all muscle memory. Once you can do 10 pull ups, and run 3 miles you're in good enough shape to climb 5.13. The more you climb the more you will increase your skins resistance to wearing down, and increase your tendon strength. Ice your hands (seriously). The rest will come in time. Be patient.

Answer 2

The best workout is to actually climb - the reason is that climbing is not only strength but also technique and you increase both when climbing.

But there are other exercises that will help - the best is to use a training board or other small fingertip holds and do dead hangs. These are hanging on small holds with your body weight until you can't hold on any more and drop to the ground. You can do them on the small lip above some door frames or get a training board:

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

To start, join a rock climbing gym and get trained to belay and take some climbing clinics if they offer them. You will be able to meet other climbers there - often experienced climbers like to teach new climbers.

Good Luck