At first look, a rock wall can seem intimidating! Its looming height can cause some hesitation among future climbers. However, the physical and mental benefits of rock climbing far outweigh any initial apprehension. In the 2020 Summer Olympics, competitive sport climbing made its debut. This event included speed climbing, bouldering and lead climbing, which captivated a new and now growing audience around the world. With the increasing curiosity about rock climbing, let's dive into the benefits people can expect to see when they get started.

Physical Benefits

While rock climbing is a full-body exercise, the main targets are the upper body and core. Different muscle groups can be activated with various climbing styles. Many people tend to overlook how intense rock climbing is to the cardiovascular system. It is common to see first-time climbers out of breath after being on the rock wall. Balance and breath control are vital to a successful climb. Don’t forget to think carefully about future moves on the wall!

Mental Benefits

Rock climbing is like puzzle solving. The routes on the rock wall are created to challenge climbers and get their minds working. A study by the National Library of Medicine stated that a multi-hour climbing session can boost working memory capacity by 50%. Rock climbing requires planning, decision-making and balancing that further brain activity.

Overall, rock climbing presents mental and physical health benefits. People can expect to get a full body workout while simultaneously exercising their mind. When visiting the SRWC Rock Wall, challenge yourself and others to push the limits. Share the benefits of rock climbing to instill trust and communication on the wall and throughout your climbing career.