Avoiding Rock Climbing Aches And Bruises
Rock climbing might sound like one of those sports that only the hyper agressive will try. Once you give it a try, however, you’ll be hooked. You will also notice that even a short climbing session can leave sore. Yes, avoiding injuries is a big issue.
Climbing is a unique sport to say the least. Although people have climbed throughout the history of humanity, the idea that it would be a functional sport for anyone other than kids is fairly recent. The sport is also unique in the stress it puts on your body.
Most of us simply do not work the muscles used in climbing. Shoulders, stomach, arms and backs may seem like they get plenty of work, but climbing for even 30 minutes will quickly reveal that is not the case. Simply put, you are going to get a major workout.
You don’t really need to be in any particular shape to climb a bit every so often. On the other had, serious climbing requires some serious fitness or you run the risk of major injuries to the joints and musles of your upper body.
Pull ups and lat pull downs are going to be two exercises you are going to become very familiar with if you want to climb. They work your should muscles in just the right area. Don’t use heavy weight. Instead, go for a lot of reps.
A well manicured hand is a beautiful thing. Climbers’ hands, on the other hand, look like something out of a horror film. Cuts, abrasians, rough skin. It is all part of climbing. You can try to minimize the grizzly appearance with tape.
It is always important to follow a day of climbing with an adult beverage or two. If you want to actually hold your beverage or glass, you must work on your forearms. Climbing will torque them because of all the grips used.
When getting in shape, it is important to focus on gaining strength, not muscle. You are not trying to “get big”, just strong. To this end, you also want to focus on flexibility. Being able to comfortably twist and move is invaluable.
Perhaps the easiest of steps can really help you avoid climbing injuries. Warm up! Yes, it sounds sophmoric, but it really works. Take the time to stretch and loosen your joints. It can make a huge difference when it comes to avoiding injuries.
Tags: Rock Climbing, rock climbing holiday, rock climbing injuriesAbout the Author:
Aazdak Alisimo writes about rock climbing for NomadJournals.com - makers of rock climbing journals that make great unique gifts for men on all occassions. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.
