Training requires understanding the basics of rock climbing, including equipment, form, safety, and environment. Numerous manuals and training courses designed to educate the beginning rock climber are available online and in sporting equipment centers. It is important that the novice climber spend an adequate amount of time educating himself regarding terminology, safety, and tools before heading to the rock. This includes mastering climbing grips, footholds, and safety techniques. It is not enough merely to head to a precipice and climb.

Proper training for the beginning rock climber is an essential part of learning the sport. Without proper training in techniques and tools, as well as proper fitness development, rock climbing can be dangerous and life threatening. The hardest part of any sport, though, is the training. It is no different with rock climbing. However, without proper training, rock climbing can be lethal.

Seasoned rock climbers will tell beginners that there are three essential factors to training:

PHYSICAL - the ability to maneuver and function using the muscles of the body.

TECHNICAL - mastery of climbing techniques and skills.

MENTAL - the ability to maintain mental focus during the rigors of climbing.

Physical training for rock climbing is not necessarily about strength training. In fact, large bulky, heavy muscles may work against the climber in some situations, generating more weight and more cumbersome body parts to haul up the side of a cliff. Fitness training for the aspiring rock climber needs to be specific to climbing techniques. Climbing practice is the best way to develop the fitness skills needed by rock climbers. This will develop hand strength, arm and back strength, core body strength as well as opposing muscle strength.

Numerous gyms, health clubs, climbing clubs, and college and university fitness facilities have beginning level climbing walls that can be used as practice sites to develop climbing fitness. The use of revolving climbing walls, hangboards, and campus boards provides the opportunity to develop hand strength, arm and back strength as well as agility moves. Rock climbing training requires isolating and developing specific muscle groups that will come into use when scaling rock surfaces.

All sports have a mental component, including rock climbing. It is necessary for the aspiring climber to have a clear picture in mind regarding his goal. Rock climbing can be a grueling and dangerous sport. Without a clear vision of the goal, it can be extremely frustrating. Along with having a clear goal, climbers must develop the ability to focus entirely on the task at hand without being distracted. Once on the face of a rock, distractions that break the climber's focus can prove fatal. Mental condition can be developed through any number of Oriental focus training techniques.

Training in rock climbing should begin slowly and cautiously, first in controlled environments such as gyms or climbing training schools, and then graduate to beginning and safe out of door environments. At first, the novice climber should climb with others whose goals are similar. This way a support system is established that allows uniform enjoyment and growth in the sport.

Learn more about this author, James Lynne.
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