How to Get Better at Rock Climbing?

Rock Climbing is an activity in which the participants try climbing up, across, or down the formations of rock or climbing walls.

A pre-defined route has already been set for the participants, and one has to reach the summit without falling or passing out in the middle. This sport is physically demanding, and it tests the participants/climber’s agility, balance, endurance, and strength to a great extent.

Rock Climbing is an adventure sport that needs one to be fit and agile. It also requires the mental fortitude that one requires for conquering an ascension. Rock climbing targets one’s core, and it also gives you the strength and balance you need to hold your body near the wall. Rock climbing also strengthens your forearms.

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What are the steps to get better at rock climbing?

Rock climbing is the sport in which your improvement is noticeable. All you have to do is adjust your training regimen properly to give you a great scope for improvement. You develop a huge spectrum of climbing skills if you follow the below essential tips for improving your training:

Try practicing down-climbing

You might be taken aback to read that you must also practice down-climbing. Let’s delve deep into this. Rock climbing is a sport where most of the time is spent climbing upwards. After one reaches the top of the climb, they drop off quickly instead of trying to cover the route down climbing.

However, they should practice down-climbing as it is the art of reversing the sequence for ascending the route. See this as descending the climb similarly, only through a backward route. This is a helpful skill for a plethora of reasons. It develops endurance and agility.

Practice new climbing techniques

Climbers use their feet and hands in ways you never thought were possible. If you are a novice climber, it is recommended to use small and frequent foot movements. Some of the climbing techniques are as follows:

• Drop knee: This technique brings your body and hips closer to the wall. For dropping your knee, you should place your toe on an edge, then drop the knee inward and down towards your body.
• Hooking: To gain traction, you should use the toe and heel technique for climbing.
• Flagging: In this unique technique, you use one of your legs for counterbalancing. For instance, the tail of a monkey as it climbs a tree.

Ninja’s feet

One of the most essential components of rock climbing is ninja’s feet! We all are no strangers to our legs being way stronger than our arms. They support the entire weight of the body.

Our legs keep our body upright regardless of the forces of gravity that try to pull in down. Feet movement should be impeccable while climbing up the rock.

You automatically tend to move slower by climbing silently. This technique will help you improve your endurance.

Creating fitness goals

One should know that rock climbing is the ultimate workout for your physical strength. You should set fitness goals as they are a means to improve your climbing techniques.

There are many workout techniques and training plans for coaching you on the specific body position required for getting the ideal physique and heart rate.

• Endurance: As you start your climbing journey, you will encounter certain challenges. A lack of stamina and endurance will be one of your weaknesses. Thus, you should build a proper workout regime and train yourself so your muscles and shoulders don’t wear out.
• Flexibility: You need to be flexible to maintain your ability to perform daily tasks. Thus, after you are done with your gym session, give some time for basic stretching. It is one of the most important components of physical fitness, improving your posture and mobility.

Boost your mental game

Many people have vertigo, which is often described as dizziness. You might feel dizzy as you climb further or reach greater heights during rock climbing. The fear of falling is one of the toughest challenges people face while climbing. If you want to overcome your fear of falling, it is crucial to boost your mental game.

Hence, it would be best to become mentally strong to excel at rock climbing. Rock climbing is the sport where you are supposed to combat your fear of heights to perform well.

Try rock climbing on different types of terrain

In rock climbing, the goal is to cross every hurdle and reach the summit! The climb’s intensity or difficulty also depends on the terrain type. The three basic types of rock faces and terrain climber’s face are vertical faces, overhanging walls, and slabs.

The more amount of time you spend on the rock, the better it will turn out for you! It is fun to explore new terrain, and these terrains also help you unleash your highest potential. For instance, try a steep route if you look forward to slab climbing.

Hand jamming is also challenging, requiring you to hang upside down on steep routes! Trying rock climbing on different terrains will make you a seasoned climber!

Bouldering

Climbing is dynamic, acrobatic, and uncomfortable. One of the most efficient ways of improving your climbing techniques is bouldering!

Many people are under the preconceived notion that it is too hard. Bouldering is not hard, it is one of the most efficient training techniques!

Take ample amount of rest days

Do not ignore the calling of your body. You would not want to experience a ‘burnout’ in the quest of becoming a seasoned climber!

Rest days are very crucial for preventing the wear and tear of your body! These days give your body time to recover and rebuild. Take ample amounts of rest days, and always keep yourself hydrated!

Final words

There are ample of ways to excel at rock climbing. However, you should carve your own path and figure out which way is the most beneficial for you as what works for someone else may not work for you.

Happy climbing!