Spring Rock Climbing Training - Get in Shape Now
Hone Climbing Skills for the Late Spring and Summer Climbing Seasons
Feb 19, 2009
Whether a rock climber has spent the cold season involved in winter sports or simply has taken time off, right now is the perfect time to start training for climbing. Get in shape for this rock climbing season by reviewing climbing skills at a climbing lesson, working out at the indoor climbing gym,slowly increasing rock climbing training intensity, training climbing technique, and using safe climbing practices outside.
Consider Taking a Rock Climbing Lesson from a Climbing School
Because safe climbing can mean the difference between life and death, rock climbers who’ve taken time off might want to take a brush-up rock climbing lesson from an AMGA-certified climbing instructor or a similarly accredited climbing school. Many indoor climbing gyms offer climbing courses as well. Working with a professional who is familiar with safe climbing skills can help ensure a sound start to this climbing season.
Head to the Indoor Climbing Gym with a Climbing Partner
Before rock climbing outdoors, visiting the controlled environment of the indoor climbing gym a few times is a good idea. This gives rock climbers the opportunity to refresh crucial safety skills in a nonthreatening environment, as opposed to trying to recall everything while in the much more changeable and often more intense outdoor rock climbing setting. Climbing partners can go over safe climbing skills while starting to get in shape for rock climbing season.
Start Training for Climbing Slowly
If the winter’s been spent doing other sports or not much at all, do not expect to start back rock climbing at the same level as before. Trying to push the body too hard, too fast can lead to overuse injuries. Build back slowly, making sure to form a solid base of climbing fitness before switching into serious rock climbing training mode. Otherwise, the whole climbing season could end up being spent on the sidelines instead of on the sharp end.
Focus First on Remembering Climbing Technique
Focusing on climbing technique is a good way to get back into rock climbing after a winter off, since the climber’s body will need some time to readapt to the particular stresses climbing places on it. Instead of jumping right on routes of a difficult grade, spend a few gym sessions on more moderate routes at the indoor climbing gym, taking some time to work on honing climbing technique, such as good footwork.
Use Safe Climbing Practices Outside
The outdoor rock climbing environment by its very nature presents climbing partners with way more variables than the indoor climbing gym. Weather, insects, snakes, loose rock, other climbers, other people, and other wildlife are just some of the potential dangers that can be encountered on the rock. Climbing partners should be sure to go over safe climbing practices with one another, reviewing all basic commands, knots, and other safety procedures before rock climbing, every time.
Get in Shape for Climbing Season by Starting Now
By the time prime climbing season has arrived, climbing partners who start to get in shape now should be fit for climbing outside. Start by possibly taking a rock climbing lesson from a climbing school or guide to refresh safe climbing skills. Spend time with a climbing partner at the indoor climbing gym working on climbing technique and reviewing safety skills. Avoid injury by beginning training for climbing slowly and allowing the body to adapt. Finally, starting training for climbing now will make the likelihood of a fun and rewarding spring climbing trip that much more possible.
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