Indoor Climbing

[lph]

I've started off a lot of beginners, and often they're self-conscious about two things: not being "good enough" (to climb with somebody more experienced), and looking stupid or clumsy when climbing (usually the guys )

I usually tell them these two things:
1. any climber, no matter what climbing level, needs somebody to belay him or her, and it makes no difference whatsoever if the belayer is a total beginner as long as he/she can handle the rope. So just learn that well, and you'll be needed and useful. It's more fun to climb with someone at your own level because you can talk about the routes and exchange tips, but it's not necessary and any belayer is better than no belayer. And a good belayer is worth her weight in gold.

2. Climbing is fun, watching people climb is pretty boring. And you get a crick in your neck. Nine times out of ten your belayer, and everybody else, is paying just enough attention to keep the rope taut enough, but otherwise could care less about how you look on the wall. (Well, unless you're a real hottie, and in that case you probably don't worry about how you look )

Just in case these two thoughts had crossed your mind

And yes, you'll build upper body strength, but your mantra should be "conserve energy". All the time! No-one is strong enough to just pull themselves up any which way, so the faster you learn to climb smart, the faster you'll see an improvement. It's all about planning your moves and focusing

[HillSlugger]

And yes, you'll build upper body strength, but your mantra should be "conserve energy". All the time! No-one is strong enough to just pull themselves up any which way, so the faster you learn to climb smart, the faster you'll see an improvement. It's all about planning your moves and focusing

Yes, you need upper body strength but the drive really comes from your legs. Biker or not, out legs are much stronger than our arms and are capable of higher endurance. So, good technique involves learning how to conserve your arms and maximize your legs. Climbing is a real high!

[solobiker]

I did a lot of climbing a few years back. Climbed indoors 3-4xweek during the winter for training for summer outdoor climbs. It was so fun and always challenging both physically and mentally. Make sure you stretch before and after and yes, your forearms will be sore for a little while. There are so many levels of climbing. At first you will be what is called " top roping" which is fun and a "safe" way to climb. Once you get the skill set and experience you may eventually be able to lead climb which puts you more at risk for falls, but in the gym it is not too bad/dangerous to take a lead fall. Just find a partner you can trust that will be paying attention.

And of course have FUN!!!

[solobiker]

oh and another suggestion, when climbing focus on your feet/legs. Don't try to pull your way up the wall. That is where a lot of people get burned out.