Climbing as the ultimate form of exercise...

Captain_Tightpants
Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
This is a thought I had earlier today. I attended a group at a climbing center and spent a while watching the folks going up and down the wall. It occurred to me that climbing must be an unbelievably well-rounded form of workout.

Not only are you getting great cardio and strength training all in one - as you might in other well-touted exercises such as swimming, but you're also getting a flexibility workout, and (in a way) interval training as well - as you have to stop frequently to catch your breath and let your muscles recover for the next burst. On top of all that you're utilizing practically every muscle group at once so the core strength needed must be phenomenal.

All that and I'll add one more - it's a primal exercise. Humans must have climbed since the dawn of the species, just like walking, running and swimming, our bodies have literally evolved through the ages to perform this activity.

Thoughts?

Replies

  • wlgreen379
    wlgreen379 Posts: 104
    Yes. Ive seen tons of people climb and I know how hard it is. Never thought to put it in these parameters before.
  • dvisser1
    dvisser1 Posts: 788 Member
    I used to rock climb regularly. You are right, this is one exceptionally well rounded workout. Very few sports require that same full set of strength, stamina, flexibility and agility like climbing does. Climbing not only works the large muscles, but requires and builds significant strength in the smallest of stabilization muscles all over you body.
  • theoriginaljayne
    theoriginaljayne Posts: 559 Member
    I also used to rock climb quite often, and I loved it. Awesome, intense, thrilling exercise (I preferred to climb in nature). I wish I still had the opportunity to do it; I really miss it.
  • alphagirl82
    alphagirl82 Posts: 34
    I love climbing of all forms! Indoor rock, outdoor alpine, mountaineering, ice climbing. It's all fair game for me. My favorite part is how well defined it's kept my upper body and core throughout the years. So many of our cardio exercises provide the best benefits to our lower bodies and tend to ignore the upper. Climbing makes full utilization of both. It is also a good mental exercise because you are always thinking a few steps ahead, making sure that you're not getting stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard spot.

    While rock climbing gyms are expensive, nonprofit organizations such as the Mountaineers are volunteer-led and can get you similar training and experiences than the commercial programs.
  • SteveTries
    SteveTries Posts: 723 Member
    Have never tried it, but it strikes me as an anaerobic exercise. Perhaps someone who does it can confirm or refute the cardio benefits?
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    Have never tried it, but it strikes me as an anaerobic exercise. Perhaps someone who does it can confirm or refute the cardio benefits?

    I'm not positive either but by the way those folks on the wall were sweating and breathing (as opposed to straining and grunting) it looked like it had a signifigant cardio component to me.

    I think it probably depends on the wall. Climbing overhangs and boulders probably involves more anaerobic bursts. Speed-climbing the beginners walls or going hell for leather on the rolling wall definitely look like cardio.

    Just found this on a Livestrong article... still looking for any actual studies though...

    "Rock climbing involves a full-body effort. As a result, your heart and lungs work hard together, providing an optimal cardiovascular workout."
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