Get in Shape Rock Climbing

Body

Tonight I’m off to the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival for the Reel Rock film, it’s showing motivated and inspirational athletes rock climb around the world. I know it will make me want to adventure, get outdoors and climb some rock walls. In honour of the night, I thought I would write a little bit about my love of rock climbing and bouldering.

I’ve always loved climbing, I think everyone as a kid does. Climbing up the trees in the park, trying to see how far you can get and what views await you. Rock climbing brings back that same thrill.

When we go hiking I love it when some impromptu climbing gets incorporated. Whether it was climbing the chimney of the Black Tusk at Garibaldi National Park, scrambling up a dried waterfall on our way from Squamish to Whistler, or doing some bouldering at Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest this summer, it always give me rush of joy and excitement, and it leaves me with an unforgettable experience.

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Rock climbing vs bouldering – what’s the difference?  They’re similar but rock climbing involes ropes, harnesses and technical gear, while bouldering uses just your hands and feet with no gear securing you. With bouldering you don’t usually go very high, but instead focus on using your strength to maneuver your bodyweight and climb the surface. Both of the activities are really fun and are a great workout.

There are so many benefits from rock climbing:

  • It engages your mind – Rock climbing is like a puzzle. You have to scope out your terrain, find the best course and mitigate problems as they arise. It keeps your brain sharp and focused, developing your problem solving skills.
  • It improves your flexibility – As you practice rock climbing, you work on your flexibility, allowing yourself to reach further and get farther.
  • You build strength in your whole body, giving you an awesome workout – From your arms, to your legs, to your core, to muscles you never knew existed. Rock climbing gives you a full body workout. Using your own body weight, it help tone your body and helps create long, lean muscles.
  • It gets your heart pumping, burns lots of calories and leaves you feeling energized – Rock climbing is a great cardiovascular workout, and for a 155-pound person it burns an average of 298 calories every 30 minutes. After a workout you feel so energized and ready to conquer anything.
  • You are pushed outside your comfort zone and you conquer your fears – Rock climbing tests you, it makes you face fears, and explore new territory. It challenges you mentally, it helps build your confidence and it builds belief in yourself.
  • You feel accomplished – When you get a little farther than you have in the past. When you make it to the top. When you do a move that scares you. All these things provide you with the feelings of accomplishment, pride and success. It fills you up and leaves you happy.
  • It’s a great play activity – Lately there has been a lot of research surrounding the the importance of play to help us live energetic, happy and creative lives. Rock climbing is an activity that provides freedom, excitement and fun engagement. It hits numerous areas of play, by incorporating puzzle solving, rough and tumble activity, and getting the whole body engaged.

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Rock climbing has so many benefits and it’s definitely something I highly suggest for people to give a try if they haven’t before or if they haven’t done it in a while. It’s a great way to spice up your workout routine and get you in shape, while also having a great time.

I’m excited to start incorporating a rock climbing and bouldering session into my weekend. I hope you guys are too!

With love,

Lucy

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