Can you substitute weight training for rock climbing?
Written by climber on November 28th, 2009
Frank asked:
I am told that a strength component is necessary in a good exercise plan but I find weights and other resistance exercises boring.
I am told that a strength component is necessary in a good exercise plan but I find weights and other resistance exercises boring.
Will I get a proper strength workout by rock climbing in a rock climbing gym 2 or 3 times a week or would I be better of sucking it up and lifting weights?
Please note that I am only looking to get functionally fit and not muscle bound.
Thanks for your help.
Tags: Climbing Gym, Rock Climbing
6 Comments at "Can you substitute weight training for rock climbing?"
climbing is very good for fitness, but not for strength, as it is more positioning your body than brute strength.
so, yah! climbing is probably betrer fr fitness than weights=]
Definatly Climbing its a sport that dosent get you muscle bound, just builds your upper body and tones, also you can break a pint glass by squeesing it with your dirty climbing grip of doom.
N.B Climb on real rock ASAP indoor climbing is OK but not as good as that real tasty outside rock
I have done both for years and found lifting to build too much bulk and climbing to be more fun and social with better all-around fitness. In order to get the maximum benefits from climbing, you will have to spend a lot more time at it.
One thing that I do in the gym is climb the same route a couple of times in a row and even down climb each time I climb up - this gives more repetitions for strength and way more cardio workout.
As soon as you get strong enough to climb the overhanging routes you will soon realize that you are basically lifting and holding your entire body weight with your upper body the entire route - there is quite a bit of strength training involved.
Good Luck
I actually weight train so I can climb better - working on my forearms, legs, and shoulders/back.
Like you I do not enjoy any kind of weight or resistance training and find them very boring. If your not interested in bulking your muscles then most anything that involves a cardio exercise with stretching will give you the desired effects. I use as excuses for exercise, of course rock climbing (just getting to some of the crags I go to is exercise in the extreme way), Hiking, morning walks, lawn and garden work, remodeling jobs in my home, a little yoga, some evenings out dancing and watching my caloric intake. Exercise should not be boring for you. So yes, if you like Climbing then climb, you’ll get yourself in the shape you want if you put a little effort into it.
With Climbing, you will be working different muscle groups then you normally would with the weights. You will also be working your entire body, however there are few “bulky” climbers… it is counter productive. Too much muscle and you are just carrying more weight up the wall. It is a goal to get a balanced strength to weight ratio..
Climbing will help develop core muscles(abs, back, shoulders) which will translate into better balance and control, it will also develop hand strength (forearms), climbing will allow you to develop “lock off” strength that traditional weight training wont(grab and hold a position). Verticle climbing will help you develop stamina and endurance.
However, I rely on my legs when I climb. I dont have the best upper body strength but my footwork allows me to do climbs that my “stronger” co-horts cant.
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