Even though rock climbing is a more obscure sport, it’s been a part of my life for a long time. I started climbing when I was six, and I’ve been on a team with regular practices for most of the years since. I used to think that everyone knew what rock climbing was, but in truth, only around 4% of Americans would identify themselves as rock climbers. From indoor climbing at a local gym to cross country trips to outdoor routes, here are a few reasons why everyone should get into the sport.
Climbing is a unique sport in that it’s not actually that difficult to get into it if there is a gym near your house, and luckily, Central Rock Gym on Gandy is only around five minutes away from Robinson. Rental equipment is almost always available, and gyms will usually offer lessons on the basics and beginner friendly routes. In fact, no matter your skill level, the wide range of types of climbs will help anyone find something that is just challenging enough for them. For example, if your upper body strength isn’t where you want it to be, there will almost always be some routes that focus a lot more on balance. Even people who are shorter can find routes that require more compact moves.
Aside from that, rock climbing is a very good sport for overall health. According to Time Magazine,” [climbing] requires the same amount of energy as running an eight-to-11-minute mile.” Not only is it good for your cardiovascular health, but climbing is able to exercise almost every part of your body at once, helping with upper body, core, and lower body strength.
The sport can also be beneficial for your mental health. Climbing forces you to look at things from different angles and solve puzzles in order to find a practical way up the wall. According to Time, “climbing for about two hours boosted working memory capacity by 50%.” Not only that, but like many forms of exercise, studies show that climbing regularly can significantly improve mental health issues such as depression. Personally, I find it to be stress reducing and a nice way to relax after a long day.
Perhaps the most important reason why everyone should try rock climbing is that it is simply an extremely fun sport. The rock-climbing community is small, but very kind and supportive. You never have to worry about being judged, and people will almost always be willing to give you advice while you’re working on something. I know that I have certainly found community and made very close friends at my own climbing gym. Aside from the community, finally finishing a route you’ve been working on for a long time is an amazing feeling that boosts your confidence and can be the highlight of your day.
Some people hesitate to try this sport because it can, admittedly, be dangerous. Outdoor climbers face the possibility of falling from significant heights if their ropes are set up wrong. However, climbing gyms are highly regulated and do everything in their power to protect anyone climbing there, and are a much safer place to start than self-set outdoor routes. As long as you follow the safety procedures set by the gym, there is no need to worry about being severely injured.
For all of these reasons, I believe that everyone should get into rock climbing. It is truly an amazing sport, and it has definitely contributed to the person I am today. So, the next time you feel like trying something new, head over to the nearest gym and find yourself a lifelong hobby.
