Whether you’re interested in losing weight or just want to feel a little bit stronger, you know one thing for sure:

Working out in a standard gym and spending hours running aimlessly on a treadmill just isn’t for you. 

Instead, you’re much more drawn to adrenaline-based, unconventional workouts that challenge your mind as much as your body. If this sounds like you, then why not give rock climbing a try? 

Not only is it a great way to meet new people and conquer your fears. You also can’t deny the appeal of a rock climber body. 

The benefits of rock climbing are well worth the sweat and heights. Read on to learn why you should start getting your belay on today. 

Get a Full-Body Workout

Maybe you already have some kind of fitness routine already. 

However, you’ve noticed that whenever you switch things up or try a new class/routine, you’re sore in places that you didn’t even know existed afterward. 

This is the problem with a lot of cardio and even strength training workouts today. They may help you to lose weight and get a few parts of your body in shape, but they totally neglect other areas. 

A rock-climbing workout is so effective because it provides total body fitness solutions. It makes sense: after all, you have to engage countless muscles to reach, maneuver, hop, and keep your balance when climbing.

Plus, no two rock surfaces are identical. So, you’ll be forced to use tons of different muscle groups. 

Better Grip Strength

Let’s face it: most of us don’t exactly hit the gym in the hopes of developing a stronger grip. 

But maybe we should. 

Thanks to our increasing reliance on smartphones and other digital communication devices and gaming systems, carpal tunnel syndrome has quickly become one of the top health issues in the country. 

One of the surprising benefits of rock climbing is that it seriously builds your grip strength, preventing both carpal tunnel and arthritis. 

Improved Flexibility

Is rock climbing a good workout for those who want to improve their overall flexibility levels? 

Absolutely. 

Think about how you’ll have to reach and stretch in order to grab onto that tiny rock you need to propel yourself up. With every wall you climb, you’ll become more flexible. 

This won’t just improve your climbing. 

You’ll also notice less soreness, increased endurance, fewer pulled muscles, and even improved posture. 

The Fun Kind of Cardio

While no one can deny the importance of cardio, it can be tough to motivate yourself to get out there and get it done. 

Rock climbing is cardio for people who hate cardio. You’ll be able to take in the views if you’re climbing outdoors and enjoy the rush of adrenaline and the “runner’s high” you get when you reach the top. 

Think of it as climbing a stair machine. You have to engage your core, your lungs, and vault yourself to the next rock to keep going. That’s certainly one way to get your heart rate going hard.

Believe it or not, when you go rock climbing, you’ll get the same cardio workout as you would when running an eight-minute mile.

If you’re already a runner, you might want to consider how taking a rock climbing fitness class could help you to improve your mile time. 

It’s a Mental Workout, Too

Every kind of fitness requires you to push yourself mentally and physically — but rock climbing does it in the extreme. 

If you have a fear of heights, saying “yes” to rock climbing can help you to conquer it and improve your self-esteem in the process. 

Climbing also forces you to think logically, planning your next move and constantly looking ahead for rocks and boulders to cling onto. It’s the ultimate strategy game. 

In fact, studies show that rock climbing actually improves brain function. Don’t be surprised if, after a few months of climbing, you’ve noticed that your focus and memory recall have both improved. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your anxiety/stress levels, rock climbing can help you with that, too. This is especially true if you’re able to climb outdoors. 

Many addicts credit rock climbing with helping them to stay clean, though everyone can experience the mental benefits of rock climbing. 

You’ll Make New Friends

Trying out a climbing and bouldering workout won’t just make you stronger and leaner. 

It can also give your social life a boost.

Sites like Climbing Blogger are filled with tips and tricks on how to improve your climbing, where to go to get the best views and even information about upcoming climbing events and meetings. 

If you’ve moved to a new city or just want to expand your social circle, head to a local indoor climbing gym to make it happen. 

Experience the Benefits of Rock Climbing for Yourself

Now that you know more about the benefits of rock climbing, we’re willing to bet you’re ready to try it out for yourself. 

Call up a few friends and make a day of it. After all, when you’re belaying each other, it’s a great way to build trust in your social circle!

Looking for more unconventional workouts to boost your mind and body? 

Curious about other ways to improve your flexibility and core strength? 

Ready to plan the ultimate rock-climbing vacation? 

Our blog can help with all that and more. Bookmark our page to learn more about how to get more out of every workout.