Rock climbing has attained unbeatable popularity, as seen by the rapid growth of specialized climbing gyms worldwide. The number of indoor climbing options in recreation and fitness facilities is also rising. This growth in popularity has additionally culminated in a spike in outdoor climbing enthusiasts. If you plan to try rock climbing for the first time, this blog from Hong Chong Yi — Integrating Rock Climbing into Your Adventure Sports To-Try List- can help you in ways you might not even know. 

When it comes to rock climbing, you should be aware of all the do's and don'ts, and as a beginner, you should know when to keep going and give up. Here is how you can prepare yourself for your first climb: 

Gear up: Rock climbing, like bowling, offers the option of renting shoes. It is best to pick a size that fits tighter than you would typically choose for walking, as this helps your toes to grab tiny footholds properly. Renting a chalk bag is a good idea because it will be handy throughout your climbing session. A harness is only required if you intend to try top-roping, which may be challenging to master and possibly terrifying if you are afraid of heights. 

Start easy: Start your climbing adventure by attempting the lowest grade marked on the wall, irrespective of how physically fit you believe you are. Starting with lesser gradients will effectively exercise your muscles while reducing pressure on your hands, frequently an impediment to the length of a climbing session. Trying more complex routes too soon may fatigue you early on, depriving you of getting genuinely strenuous, full-body exercise.

Plan your climb: Be careful about rushing onto the climbing wall. When pushed against it, identifying the little footholds and hand crimps becomes harder. Furthermore, colliding with those who are already climbing is likely, providing a safety concern. While you can't plan every part of your climb, knowing where the challenge begins, and ends will be helpful in the heat of the moment.

Chalk it up: One disadvantage of climbing is its burden on your hands. Even if you're a relatively fit person doing it for the first time, your fingers will likely get painful, chapped, and ripped. This is why having a chalk bag and applying chalk to your hands during the climbing session is vital for creating a more powerful grip and lowering the possibility of damage.

Use your legs: Regardless of how many pull-ups you've done, your arms are one of your weakest muscular groups. As a result, it is best to use them judiciously whenever possible. This is especially crucial for inexperienced climbers. Focus on aiming for the highest grips available and letting your core and legs carry the weight of the lifting.

 

Rock climbing is a fun yet challenging exercise, but it demands attention to safety, appropriate technique, and intelligent energy use to truly enjoy. To learn the benefits of skydiving, you can also read about Hong Chong Yi - Unforgettable Journey of Growth Through Skydiving and Soul Searching.