Thousands of people begin exercise programs each year. Many of these quickly find their motivation waning, and their drive sputtering. Many failures can be traced to the manner in which they were exercising.

You have undoubtedly experienced the same. Perhaps you purchased a membership at a gym or bought a workout video, only to eventually lose interest. To most, these types of workouts are simply NOT FUN! This is why so many fail. They do not enjoy their exercise activity. The key to success is to find something you enjoy, but which also keeps you in shape.

One of the best sports to accomplish both is rock climbing!

A Whole Body Workout

You may be surprised to learn that rock climbing is one of the best all-around workouts. It develops lean, endurance muscles (the same muscles used by marathon runners).

Climbing is a dynamic muscle exercise, meaning your muscles are exercised because they are flexed for extremely long periods of time. This requires more blood to be pumped to them than the short repetitions used when lifting weights, which in turn causes your heart to work much harder to keep blood flowing. Your breathing rate increases to maintain oxygen levels in your blood.

The result? An amazing cardio workout! In fact, only long-distance running and ballet provide more intense cardiovascular workouts.

Rock climbing is a great sport for both guys and girls. A common misconception is that climbing requires a strong upper body. This idea often discourages girls from participating. If you have heard this, ignore it! An effective rock climber is one who understands that much of climbing is related to technique and leg strength.

However, just because leg strength is required does not mean rock climbing works only that area. With time it strengthens core muscles better than exercise routines designed to focus on that particular region. Your “core” is the area in the middle of your body consisting of stomach, lower back and hip muscles. This region stabilizes the body while walking. A strong core leads to a body less prone to injuries, especially those of the lower back.

Climbing also develops your forearms, shoulders, hands, neck, upper back and much more. Your entire body, including cardiovascular and muscular systems, benefits from rock climbing.

Many Other Benefits

Physical benefits are not all that is gained. If you are familiar with an indoor climbing wall (or even an outdoor rock face) you would be aware that it contains several hand and foot holds creating a route for your climb. Each route has a difficulty rating usually attributed to the size of the holds and the complexity of the path. As you climb, many mental obstacles and hurdles must be overcome.

Each climb is like a puzzle. Your ability to assess a problem, look for a solution and then execute a plan is required. Beginning climbers typically decide their route hold by hold, not looking ahead to see the larger picture in front of them. With experience, one begins to visualize a route before grabbing the first hold. Eventually, the climber is able to see the entire route in his mind.

But having a plan is only the first step! Once a strategy has been determined, it must be implemented to be successful. This is another benefit of rock climbing. With time you develop the concentration and determination—and drive!—to follow through with your plan.

The skills developed lend themselves to all areas of life. Nearly everything worthwhile requires planning, execution and drive.

Getting Started

When most think of climbing, they imagine being hundreds of feet high on a sheer rock face. Others picture a climber without ropes or equipment climbing a building or rock face like a human Spiderman. These mental pictures are why most assume climbing is dangerous. When properly understood, certain forms of climbing are just as safe as other sports.

There are three kinds of rock climbing: traditional, sport and top-down. The latter two can be done outside on rock and also at climbing gyms.

Climbing gyms are found in most cities and have all the facilities, staff and equipment needed to begin. Usually, such gyms will rent equipment, giving you a chance to try it firsthand. With a rental, most gyms will provide safety lessons and teach the basics.

After the “climbing bug” has bitten, it will be less expensive to purchase your own equipment than to rent. Since ropes and related items are already installed in most gyms, you will only need special shoes, a harness and a chalk bag. With your new equipment and gym membership, you have everything you need.

Now you are ready to climb!

Success—Physical and Spiritual

We have seen that rock climbing has an array of physical benefits. The body becomes more fit, your muscles are exercised and you are less prone to injury. The Bible reinforces the need to take care of your body.

Notice: “Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (I Cor. 6:19). As young people with access to God, you should not only be preparing your minds for baptism and to receive God’s Spirit, but you should also prepare your bodies! It will be a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells.

Rock climbing will make you a better planner and sharpen your problem solving skills. Also, the difficulties it presents will help you develop one of the seven laws of success—drive!

Search the Internet or telephone book for a rock climbing gym in your area and explore a form of exercise that is effective—and if you find it enjoyable you will stick with it!