Just because you’re stuck inside this time of year doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Try rockreaction, or indoor rock climbing. It’s adventurous, physically and mentally challenging and social. It’s also one of the fastest growing sports in the 21st century.
Citing a US government study of sports participation, Steve Lage, owner of IndoorClimbing.com, says that “indoor climbing has grown 18% a year from 2003 to 2009.” And no wonder—indoor roc climbing is a controlled and safe version of one of the most adrenaline pumping sports around. It’s also incredible exercise.
“Two government studies claim that climbing burns 500 to 700 calories an hour,” says Lage. “I don’t have the mental strength to make myself run on a treadmill at that kind of intensity, for 700 calories an hour, but with climbing you get there before you know it. It’s fun and exhilarating. You get a sense of accomplishment, so it keeps you going.”
Climbing is also cerebral in that problem solving is crucial to success. Once you get passed the beginner stage, route setters put holds on the walls in a way that you have to actually figure out the right sequence ahead of time. If you start out with the wrong hands, it’s not going to complete for you.”
If this sounds a bit daunting, don’t worry. Indoor gyms are a perfect place to start if you lack experience. “The climbing gyms will teach you the knots needed for belaying and anchoring, how to hook a harness up, how to belay, and what the commands and signals are,” says Lage. And it all takes place in a relaxed and friendly environment. “You can walk right up to somebody and start talking about a [climb] they’re working on, and before you know it, you’re climbing together.”.
Indoor rock climbing beats your monotonous treadmill routine hands-down. Check out Lage’s website to find a gym in your area (he has over 3,000 listed) and get the best workout of your life.
