Are you ready to climb the steep cliffs of Mexico? Before you hit the rocks, let’s talk about how to get your body in climbing shape. Are you new to this, or if you take part in climbing often, proper training can make all the difference.
Steps to Train for Rock Climbing
Start With Strength Training
Are you wondering where to begin? Strength training is essential for rock climbing. You’ll need strong arms, legs, and core to tackle the steep climbs. Similarly, the good news is you don’t have to lift heavy weights to prepare.
● Pull-ups are your best friend. They help build the upper body strength needed to pull yourself up the rock. Can’t do a pull-up yet? Start with assisted pull-ups or use a resistance band.
● Rock climbing requires a strong core. Moreover, planks are perfect for building stability and core strength. Start with 30 seconds and work your way up.
● You’ll need powerful legs for all that pushing up the rock. Squats help strengthen your quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
Work on Your Grip Strength
Climbers rely heavily on grip strength. Without a strong grip, holding onto tiny rock edges becomes impossible. But how do you improve this? Simple exercises can make a huge difference.
One easy way is to invest in a grip strengthener, a small tool you can use anywhere. Additionally, you can also try hanging from a bar for as long as possible to mimic the act of gripping a rock. Do this for a few minutes each day, and you’ll feel the improvement in no time.
Don’t Forget Cardio
Rock climbing can be physically demanding, and you don’t want to gas out halfway up the route. Similarly, cardio exercises will help you exceed climbing harder routes and improve overall stamina.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate cardio a few times a week. Not a runner? No problem. You can just hike, swim or head out on your bicycle.
Practice Climbing Indoors
Before heading to the cliffs, why not start indoors? Indoor climbing gyms are an excellent way to build climbing-specific skills in a controlled environment. In addition, you can practice different sized holds while forcing different moves on varying grade routes. Try it all to get comfortable with different techniques. Plus, climbing indoors is a lot of fun!
Stay Flexible with Stretching
Climbing is all about flexibility, and the worst thing you can ever feel when climbing is rigidity as you reach out for that next hold. This will help you avoid injuries that come with tight muscles, which are due to lack of flexibility. Concentrate on stretching your shoulders, hips, and legs since they are points that are often contracted during climbing.
Mental Training for the Climb
Climbing is not all about muscles. It’s a mental game as well. How do you not get nervous when you are 100 feet off the ground unable to figure out the move? Imagine yourself on it, making every move correctly and being calm all through the climbing process up to the anchor. Concentration and managing anxiety is paramount when climbing.
Join Us On Your Next Climbing Adventure with SouthernXposure Climbing School.
Now that you have trained your body and mind, do you want to go on your next climbing vacation? SouthernXposure can make this an unforgettable experience for you. We will show you the best climbing areas and routes. Plus, we will make sure you have the time of your life. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait! Book your next climbing adventure with us!