6 health benefits of rock climbing

Rock climbing has become increasingly popular over the past few years.

The availability of indoor climbing facilities has made it more accessible to a larger audience.

Outdoor rock climbing has also seen a significant surge post-pandemic. People are rock climbing outdoors to challenge themselves and get immersed in nature.

This form of exercise is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, size, or fitness level. This physical activity also offers several health benefits.

For this reason, we spoke to leading health experts to learn more about the benefits of including rock climbing in your fitness regime. Here’s what they had to say.

6 health benefits of rock climbing:

1. Full-body workout
When rock climbing, you work multiple muscle groups throughout your body, including your arms, shoulders, back, core, and legs. As a beginner, it’s good to start with indoor rock climbing and then move on to outdoor rock climbing. Indoor climbing walls provide a controlled environment for beginners to practise their climbing skills and for their bodies to get used to the movements involved.

2. Improves mental health
During rock climbing, you have to focus your mind to strategically think of your next move. Thus, it is a physical activity that is mentally challenging and helps improve concentration. Furthermore, rock climbing has a community aspect. Rock climbers often join climbing clubs, which enables them to form strong social connections. Rock climbing can be an excellent way to improve focus and enhance overall mental well-being.

3. Builds core stability
When you rock climb regularly, your abdominal and lower back muscles are strengthened, leading to improved core stability. Rock climbing engages muscles throughout the body. It requires strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Climbing involves using your arms and legs to pull and push your body weight up the wall, while your core muscles stabilise your body and maintain balance.

4. Increases flexibility
Rock climbing involves reaching and stretching, which helps improve flexibility and increase your range of motion.

5. Strengthens muscles
While rock climbing, the pulling, and pushing movements aid in toning your upper body, back, and leg muscles. “The few times I have tried indoor rock climbing, I have noticed some conspicuous benefits. It is a super full-body workout.

6. Boosts cardiovascular health
Regular rock climbing helps boost your stamina and lung capacity. It involves sustained physical effort, which improves cardiovascular health.

That being said, it’s crucial to rock climb with proper training, equipment, and safety precautions. If you are a beginner, it’s advisable to take a few lessons or practise with experienced rock climbers at the start.