Indoor Rock Climbing

Indoor Climbing is a derivative of Rock Climbing in which people scale artificial Climbing walls. These are manmade walls that climbing holds are attached to in order to mimic actual mountain walls. Ultimately, Indoor Climbing imitates the feel of real Rock Climbing, but in a controlled environment. The techniques, equipment, and guiding principles are comparable to those of Rock Climbing. The sport's concept is simple: Climbing walls are bolted with holds and are located under a roof so as to be considered as a venue for Indoor Climbing.

Indoor Climbing had started to become widely known during the 80s when Indoor Rock Climbing gyms played an important role in introducing many people to Climbing. The gyms provided a safe, comfortable environment which accommodated to beginners and advanced climbers. Indoor Climbing's popularity increased even more when people started to offer lessons to those who are interested in it. There are other reasons why some people choose to do Indoor Climbing. Some areas either don't have a good natural wall to scale or it is just to dangerous to climb them because of bad weather or loose and falling rocks. Also, gyms are more accessible than normal Climbing locations.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

It is common for people who wish to take up Climbing to wonder which of the two styles would better suit them.

Here are a few of the differences between Indoor Rock Climbing and Outdoor Rock Climbing:

*Indoor Climbing is ideal for enthusiasts who are in need of constant practice before they try out the real thing, or for climbers who want to train all year round.

*Surfaces in Indoor Climbing can be easily seen, as distinguished by holds on the artificial wall. With natural walls, holds are usually not apparent, making the climb more challenging.

*It is easier to focus in indoor climbs because distractions are considerably minimized not like in Outdoor Rock Climbing where the environment itself can be a distraction; wind conditions, weather, and bugs.

*Indoor Rock Climbing has different levels which climbers can try out and master. Outdoor Climbing routes are diversified since mountain holds are not predetermined. Every slope and crack may serve as hand and foot hold for the climber.

*Indoor Climbing promotes competition since some walls are tailor-made for competitive climbers. Outdoor Climbing focuses on the act of climbing itself, pushing the climbers to the limit.

Although Indoor Rock Climbing comes close to Outdoor Rock Climbing to a point, there are some things that Indoor Climbing can never give you such as the breathtaking view of the landscape below and that feeling of accomplishment as you reach the summit of a difficult mountain wall.

Why Go Indoor Climbing?

Here are some reasons to try Indoor Rock Climbing:

*It's not your typical recreational activity. Indoor Climbing has benefits such as improving your physical fitness, as well as your self-confidence and sense of achievement.

*It builds better social relations since Indoor Climbing requires communication with other experienced climbers to learn and develop your skills.

*Indoor Climbing is ideal for team building, improving trust, and friendship as some sessions require more than one person in order to complete the climb.

Go... Try it out. I know you want to ;)

Why Should You Go Rock Climbing? Introduction to Climbing

Why should you go rock climbing? Many people consider rock climbing to be very dangerous and will try to talk you out of it if you intend to practice it. Don't let others' opinions stop you to have a go on rock climbing. You are responsible for your safety and the safety of your climbing partners. In order to reduce the risk of injury, paralysis, or death you must adopt safe climbing practices and good judgment at all times.

Nevertheless I wish to reinforce please climb safely.

Remember Every Climb Matters.

This article is designed for everyone, I mean EVERYONE. The beginners or experienced climbers who want to gain that extra edge to increase your climbing ability.

And not forgetting that the objective is to climb while having fun!!

I hope that by the time you finish reading this article, you will have:

Gain a fundamental understanding of climbing.

Why do you rock climb?

Personally it is because there are so many routes to climb; you will never get bored with rock climbing. Some people enjoy the dynamic full body workout, others like the community at their local gym. For the advanced climbers, they can be competitors who train year round for victory. And then you might just climb for the pure recreation.

Rock climbing is the ultimate physical challenge. Each day on the rock is an
opportunity for you to push your limits and go beyond the skills you already have by exploring more difficult routes.

Most climbers also search adventure and freedom. Climbing outdoors provides opportunities to combine your favorite outdoor activities. Since many climbing areas are in remote locations, camping and hiking are often a necessary part of a climbing trip. Enjoying the outdoors and wildlife as you hike from boulder to boulder is a great compliment to any day of climbing. This feeling that you are free to choose when and where to go is great. The extraordinary nature and sceneries at the summit, you are treated to a breathtaking view that not many people will see.

By the way do you have children?

Climbing can build stronger bonds with your children. Climb with them in indoor or outdoor. Soon you'll definitely earn 'respect' if you show them what you can do! Also you can try hosting a birthday party at your climbing gym and watch your kids have the time of their lives.

Friendship

It's almost impossible to not meet new friends if you climb. And this is one of the main motivations in me to climb. The nature of climbing requires responsible cooperation and help from other climbers. We always need a good spotter or belayer to climb safely. Besides, it's always more fun when you have climbing partners to workout or go on trips with.

Fitness

There are two schools of thoughts. One is that if you pick up climbing to impress people with your worked out body you'll be disappointed since there are lots of easier ways to work out instead of wandering through the woods and on top of dangerous cliffs.

The other school of thought is that climbing is easy to get into and stay in shape. Dynamic muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination will be developed by varying the types, intensity, and duration of your climbing. And consequently you can develop strong, lean muscles with endurance.

To me, climbing is about balance and positioning the body to achieve stable equilibrium.

Creative moves and quick adaptation to the climbing route will be the key. Experience and physical condition works hand-in hands. And hence women climbers have humbled many strong men in climbing.

Mental

Climbing challenges your composure and reflexes. Even when off the wall, the routes will set the mind thinking so as to challenge tougher moves.

Mind once expanded will not return to its original state.

Everyone climb for a variety of reasons.

There is no right or wrong philosophy of climbing. And no matter what your reason is, learning to climb is very much like learning to ride a bike. You'll never forget the basic moves, but will need a lot of practice to perfect them if you are heading for competition.