What to expect from a rock climbing class
A rock climbing session can include âbelayingâ (where you climb about 40 feet with the assistance of a harness plus a partner), âboulderingâ (where you climb about 20 feet, without a rope) or climbing an actual rock.
Climbs are typically about five minutes long if youâre an experienced climber. You can expect a climb to last between 5 and 15 minutes if itâs your first climbing class. And while climbing isnât cardio, one can expect to get winded and break a sweat. One of the best things about climbing though is the wide range of people who participate, climbing is a community of encouraging individuals and everyone and anyone can do it!
Different types of rock climbing
There are many different types of rock climbing that speak to various skill levels. The most popular forms of rock climbing are: mountaineering, traditional climbing, sport climbing, free climbing and bouldering.
Bouldering vs rock climbing
Bouldering is very similar to rock climbing, but it takes place on a shorter wall (typically less than 10 feet) and you are not harnessed in. Bouldering is a great way to dip your toes into the rock climbing world without the intensity. Rock climbing involves scaling a larger wall and you are typically secured to the wall via ropes and harnesses, since the drop and dangers are greater.
Benefits of rock climbing
Whether you have plans to scale a mountain IRL or simply want to give the new rock climbing studio in your city a try, one thingâs for sure: rock climbing has many health benefits. You can expect a full body workout thatâs benefits include: improved flexibility, stronger muscles and enhanced mental strength.
How to prepare for rock climbing
Make sure that you hydrate and stretch before your rock climbing session. Water is essential for strengthening and stretching, so drink to boost the extension in your arms and legs when reaching from rock to rock. Climbing is about muscles, and beginners are known to favor their arms and not their legs. Break from the curls and pull-ups/push-ups and rest your upper-body. Consider this to be as good as âarm day,â if not better.
What to wear for indoor rock climbing
Rock climbing does involve physically climbing, so make sure to wear fitted clothing that properly covers your body. Shirts should be tucked and paired with fitted bottoms (such as spandex) that wonât bunch from the harness. Be sure that your hands and feet are free from extra fabric, and be sure to remove jewelry (especially rings/toe rings) which can hurt your hands and feet, and earrings that can catch and break or tear in the event of a fall.
How much is indoor rock climbing?
Indoor rock climbing memberships can run from $70 to $200 per month, depending on your location. Individual sessions, or classes, can run from $15 to $30 per session.
![[Picture] Wellness collage](http://images.ctfassets.net/ew96z4wsnz93/siIvDAGQnjQYN1aycW779/2ee39f79773e5bcfd0a61f3ccc57a77c/wellness-collage.png "[Picture] Wellness collage")