Why I Climb

As you already know I enjoy the sport of rock climbing/ice climbing. When thinking about why I actually enjoy these two sports, I came across a few surprising things. For one I enjoy working, and rock climbing is like mother nature’s natural work out. The gym is subject to change with the weather outside, fresh air is readable, and you can still enjoy it with several buddies. Its much like challenging your self with a heavy set of weights, or maxing out your reps. Altough everything feels better, because you can physically see what you have accomplished. Plus I just like being outside, and nothing beats spending your day climbing a new rock face, while getting a full body work out. When I say that I mean it, literally every body part, and muscle gets worked out. You do a lot of work with your fingers, so strengthening your fingers is important. Many climbers clench tennis balls, or use other means to strengthen there grip. However the best remedy is to just get out and climb. Your legs, and abs receive a great work out , this is due to the fact that these are your main muscle groups that you use to advance up the rock. If you are climbing right, you won’t even need your arms to pull you up. Your arms are used mainly for balance and keeping your body close to the rock face. If you try to use your arms too much, you will tire early.

Secondly, the sense of accomplishment you get when you crest the top of a face, Is like none other. You feel like all your hard work has paid off, while in reality you are always improving.  Which is awesome, so next time you will be able to climb an even harder face. I find that rock climbers, are hard workers. They are respectful to there body yet continually push the limits, and get rewarded for this. Rock climbers will and can go anywhere; many enjoy the journey to the face as much as the climb itself. Its really cool to see how other sports go hand and hand with climbing. For instance backpacking, snowshoeing, hiking, and camping are all very closely related. When you combine two or them or many of them you will have lasting memories that’s for sure.