Is rock climbing better than the gym. You may just learn about something you would not have .

Is rock climbing better than the gym. Bouldering routes are shorter but much more intense than rock climbing routes. Joining a gym can be daunting. Feb 14, 2022 · Can you do a one-arm (or ten) but only boulder V7? Here's what to do. Aug 30, 2016 · Rock climbing gyms have become the new workout centers for outdoor-minded millennials living in urban areas — and for good reason. Outdoor Rock Climbing In the 1960s, rock climbers ascended big cliff faces and scrambled up various rock features. It’s autumn time, and this means for many of my friends and me more time inside the bouldering and rock climbing gym. Full-body workouts are often hard to come by, even in regular gyms. Our members often talk about how much climbing has improved their lives. A session at the climbing gym provides a fun and complete full body workout. 2 days ago · Since 1970, Climbing Magazine has been the voice of the climbing world, publishing climbing news, interviews, features, opinions, and advice. Is climbing better than a normal gym though? The real truth is that it depends. What’s everyone’s opinions on rock climbing as an alternative to going to the regular gym, or just to a regular workout? Looking to challenge yourself rock climbing? Read our guide on the physical and mental benefits of climbing whether you're a beginner or experienced climber. The gym juggles the now-usual brand of offerings: birthday parties, youth camps, and adult classes, plus a multitude of top rope and lead routes alongside a small bouldering area. San Francisco is one of our favorite cities, but it wasn’t until recently that we started adding climbing gyms as part of our travel itinerary. Indoor rock climbing gym in Burlington Washington featuring bouldering, sport climbing (including top rope climbing, auto belay, lead rope climbing), hangboards, weights. However, rock climbing very much makes me want to lose weight and get ripped. Jul 21, 2025 · As more kids hit the climbing gym, we interview coaches, gym owners, and climber to find better solutions for sharing these spaces. I normally do full body at the gym, but I was thinking of going rock climbing along with working out at the gym there. In this article, I want to walk you through the different ways to improve your climbing abilities. Most gyms will offer introductory courses. My knuckles have gotten pretty burly, though. This means you might have to climb with slightly sore You get better at what you practice and worse at what you don't. 🙌 #TrainForLife". If you look at climbing through an athletic lens - the only thing that really matters is topping out the problem/route/whatever. Jun 20, 2023 · Looking for the best San Francisco climbing gyms? Start here. Our indoor climbing sessions help you and your family have a blast while staying active. Movement makes it easy with tours, intro classes, and chances to connect with the climbing staff before taking the plunge. Jul 2, 2025 · The growth of climbing is a worldwide phenomenon, with 636 climbing gyms in China by 2023—a rise of more than 30 percent in a single year, according to the Chinese Mountaineering Association. Lifting Weights for Better Climbing Climbers often ask me if lifting weights will make them better at climbing. Bouldering is a good power exercise, but because climbs are generally very short and explosive, you do not build a ton of endurance, sport climbing is much better for that. easy to around 5. Should be on the to-do list of anyone in Skagit County. Feb 21, 2025 · When it comes to indoor climbing gyms, Seattle’s Vertical World launched the concept in 1987, attaching holds with glue to vertical pieces of plywood. Dec 4, 2023 · What Is Rock Climbing Like? Rock climbing is a full-body workout that engages a variety of muscle groups, providing a comprehensive workout for your entire body. Mar 2, 2023 · Rock climbing, nowadays, is arguably more synonymous with indoor gyms filled with brightly colored bits of plastic than pristine outdoor granite, limestone, or sandstone walls where climbing first began. Aug 3, 2010 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Indoors you have bright, obvious holds, but limited choices for feet (This really changes how technical climbing works). Liquid chalk base to start a session 4. Climb consistently to build up a base level of forearm endurance and recovery. Plus I love rock climbing and always encourage my friends to try it. It also offers an excellent body-building workout that eliminates the need to work out at the gym. Rock climbing requires a firm grip, along with superhuman patience and focus. A climbing gym hosts a wide variety of routes and problems from 5. Climbing is a great total-body workout that challenges you not just physically, but also mentally. On real rock I love watching bulky gym rats come in with their girlfriends hoping to show off, then get completely shut down. Dec 14, 2023 · 17 Amazing Benefits of An Indoor Climbing Gym Here are the 17 benefits of an indoor climbing gym. Days get shorter, nights longer, the weather turns cold and wet. The answer is no. The movement gyms are a great place to bring a first time climber. Climbers also share a common passion for the great outdoors so you will instantly have things in common with everyone you meet. The main things you can do at the gym are There is a rock climbing gym by my house, that has tons of walls and stuff, along with tons of exercise equipment kinda like a gym area. Indoor climbing is fun, safe and supervised, and is one of the best ways to stay in shape, meet other active people, and enjoy a challenging and fun sport. training on July 30, 2025: "“In my 40s — and stronger than I’ve ever been. Read on to find out how it can be beneficial to you. I have decided to join a climbing gym as an alternate to lifting at my local PF. I have my own gym at home, but it is not the same. Lifting weights may require a certain level of drive and motivation, but Mar 1, 2024 · Rock Climbing: Climbing gym memberships often cost more than traditional gyms due to the specialized equipment and facilities. What’s everyone’s opinions on rock climbing as an alternative to going to the regular gym, or just to a regular workout? Nov 20, 2021 · Rock climbing and bouldering can help build muscle thanks to the dynamic muscle movement you experience when climbing off the wall. Sure, you’ll eventually need to employ climbing-specific training methods, but even those will still look a lot like climbing (hangboards Was ridiculously strong back then, until inflation hit and I was forced to abandon driving 50 miles from work just to go to the rock climbing gym. Climbing is a Great Full-Body Workout. Is Rock Climbing Better than Weight Lifting? Climbing trains the muscles that are required for the routes and problems you do, but climbing is not equivalent to a total body weight training workout. Oct 21, 2023 · If you are looking for a full-body workout to improve your overall fitness, you have likely considered rock climbing and weightlifting options but have found yourself with some questions. 5-3 hours on training days, 6-8 hours outside (but not a ton more actual climbing time) V6 short project, V7 occasionally, V8-V9 limit projects. But experts say it offers participants a wide variety of physical and mental health benefits that are not always found Jan 10, 2025 · Why a Rock Climbing Gym is the Ultimate Training Ground The modern rock climbing gym is more than just walls and ropes—it’s a hub of fitness, fun, and innovation. Indoor rock climbing is awesome! It's accessible, builds community, and hosts many programs for kids and adults. 2. Nov 16, 2022 · Rock climbing is a popular choice as an alternative to the gym. Whether you’re looking to tackle natural rock features, experience the beauty of climbing outdoors, or test your skills in a new environment, outdoor climbing is a significant step up from the controlled environment of Jul 8, 2024 · Indoor rock climbing features a more controlled environment than outdoor climbing. Dec 3, 2023 · What Is Rock Climbing Like? Rock climbing is a full-body workout that engages a variety of muscle groups, providing a comprehensive workout for your entire body. Initial costs also include purchasing climbing shoes, a harness, and possibly a belay device. As many Jan 21, 2025 · Ever wondered which is better for you? Rock climbing vs weightlifting? Let's get into the details and let you decide for yourself! Looking to kickstart climbing but not knowing the difference between bouldering versus rock climbing nor rope climbing and trad climbing? Check out this ultimate guide to all the definitions and jargons you need. Jul 25, 2025 · In the ’80s, ’90s, and much of the early aughts, rock climbing gyms were little more than training grounds where climbers honed their skills in preparation for objectives on real rock. Apr 4, 2022 · Climbing requires strength and technique, but it can be hard to figure out where to focus: Do you need to get stronger, or do you need better movement skills? I get so much more here than at other monthly gym memberships. NY is one of them. This question does not have a straightforward yes or no response. , you wear a harness and a belayer serves as your protection to catch falls) but this will be more endurance-focused. You may just learn about something you would not have Fairly simple question. If your goal is to have a body building physique, you won't achieve it just rock climbing. It not only improves strength, but flexibility, and endurance. Compare indoor vs. More than a climbing gym, we’re a path to growth—personally, with your partners, and as a greater community. If you have plenty of time at the climbing gym then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t finish with weights but you should avoid doing weights before climbing, Routines may take 30 to 90 minutes. If you just want to get better at climbing, all you need is enough general strength. Find an indoor climbing gym on the world-wide list, learn how to build a personal climbing wall, and read effective climbing training plan, and get hooked on indoor climbing. We’re here to settle the bouldering vs. rock climbing and discuss the implications in terms of difficulty, training safety, and equipment. So long story short it depends on what you want to do. population has climbed indoors at least once in the last year; a growing subset of regular climbers (as much as 30%, by some estimates) exclusively climb Apr 10, 2022 · With the rise of bouldering gyms worldwide, especially in big cities, it’s essential to look at what bouldering exactly is and how it relates to rock climbing. In my mind the biggest difference between indoor climbing and outdoor bouldering is that at the gym, all of the holds are obvious and stand out because they are different colors. More than 600 gyms are open across the US, with more on the way. Over the past few years, rock climbing has gained appeal as a sport, and as a result, more and more people are beginning to consider creating a rock climbing gym. 1. Oct 21, 2021 · Rock Climbing is an amazing form of exercise that incorporates strength training and cardio in a fun challenge. Rock Climbing: These are two distinct yet closely related disciplines within the world of climbing. Indoor gyms typically feature various walls with different angles and holds, while outdoor bouldering encourages a connection with nature. It tends to be more of a solitary activity than rock climbing, though it’s not uncommon to have a weight lifting buddy who can spot you. What Is Bouldering? Climbing with people that are better than me. When you Jan 23, 2024 · Welcome to Climbing’s yearlong training plan. Over 2% of the U. Dec 13, 2022 · A suitable time to train is on rest days between climbing sessions, possibly at the gym during your lunch break or at home in the evenings. Each rock climbing route is a puzzle that requires determination to figure out. Dec 16, 2023 · Have you been wanting to go outdoor rock climbing? Here's how to go from the climbing gym to the crag in 2024. The climbing community is generally very friendly and willing to share tips and advice with new climbers. Here are 5 reasons why we think climbing beats the regular gym. Reach new heights on a Better climbing or bouldering wall near you. But the matter of whether rock climbing gyms are profitable still exists. Physical Training For Rock Climbing There is a ton of information out there about how to rock climb better and it can be slightly overwhelming. Last but not least, climbing will always need a climbing buddy (except for auto-belays, which not every place has), bouldering can be done solo. Give bouldering (climbing) a try. This climbing sport requires special focus and strength of mind, and this awesome sport deserves more recognition. If you usually enjoy sports like running, hiking, biking, or weight lifting the repetitive nature of these activities can leave your muscles unbalanced. Feb 25, 2020 · If you love the results of HIIT, you’ll love what indoor rock climbing can do for you. When you climb outside you spend I always hear this, but I find outdoor footholds so much better normally, rock has actual texture unlike the smooth polished gym holds I'm used to climbing on in my normal gym. The downside is that there comes a point where it's really hard to find people better than you, but at this point you should be already experienced enough to make it on your own. Jan 18, 2023 · Bouldering is more strength-oriented than rock climbing All forms of climbing obviously require strength but this is especially noticeable in bouldering where the increase in difficulty from one grade to the next often lies in the amount of strength you can output. Lifting weights may require a certain level of drive and motivation, but Nov 14, 2024 · Whether climbing is better than going to the gym depends on your fitness goals, preferences, and the experience you’re looking for. Outdoor climbing shoes, on the other hand, are more rigid and have thicker soles to provide better protection on real rock surfaces. Learn how it serves as a full-body workout and get essential tips for beginners to start safely. But besides training to become a better climber, indoor rock climbing is actually a good workout if done right. Mar 15, 2024 · Bouldering vs. If you begin to rock climb even a few times a week, you’ll receive a full body workout every single time. Jul 1, 2025 · Looking for the best rock climbing gyms in New York City? We’ve been to over 25 climbing gyms all over the US, and some cities have better gyms. Pushing past that and putting too much muscle on can be detrimental. Here are our top picks. Our dedicated climbing testers have spent a lot of hours getting outside (and hitting the gym, too!) to find the best climbing harness, climbing shoes, and top-ranked climbing ropes. Aug 17, 2021 · Climbing (or bouldering) is better than a gym to maintian health and quality of life. Feb 13, 2025 · Rock climbing can be quite a tight-knit sport by nature. All you need to start rock climbing is your climbing equipment, some chalk, and a pair of shoes. She ‘Trains For Life’ and now, she moves stronger, feels better, and shares her joy with everyone around her. You don’t really need a lot of gear to take up weight training. Sep 8, 2023 · Bouldering and rock climbing are very similar. Full-Body Workout One of the first health benefits of rock climbing is the full-body workout that it offers. As a beginner, either discipline will be challenging and build strength. In fact, sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably – especially by folks new to the world of climbing. Reddit's rock climbing training community. Is Indoor Rock Climbing a Good Workout? Nov 22, 2021 · Is rock climbing better than gym? Rock Climbing Vs Gym Whether rock climbing helps more than a normal gym is really down to what you want from the gym or a workout. outdoor climbing to help you get started today! I recommend supplementing your climbing with general strength training and cardio if you want to get a well-rounded workout. Apr 22, 2022 · Stuck in a plateau? Break through with 14 steps to becoming a better rock climber, including tips to improve technique, fitness, and mindset. . At its core, rock climbing involves ascending natural or artificial rock formations using a combination of physical strength, mental focus, and technical skill. Climbing in NYC has changed so much since we lived here pre-pandemic. With so many options, we put together this list to help you decide which gym to go to whether How to Get Better at Climbing?. Mar 27, 2021 · Most rock climbing gyms nowadays also have a few auto-belays if you don’t have a climbing partner. The post Is Rock Climbing Better Tha Reddit's rock climbing training community. e. People consistently claim that climbing outdoors is harder. The skills don't perfectly translate. Jan 25, 2022 · Download the app. Today, you’ll find people who identify as rock climbers who have never touched natural rock and spend their days pulling on colorful plastic holds. Learn about gear, nutrition, hangboarding, on-the-wall workouts, and more! May 5, 2022 · Rock climbing may seem like a niche sport, possibly one fraught with danger. In terms of becoming ripped, going to the gym and performing a specific routine of exercises will help you a lot more than rock climbing. Discover some of the favorite reasons why it’s a good replacement for the gym. Dec 30, 2024 · Making the leap from indoor climbing to outdoor rock climbing is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a whole new set of challenges and considerations. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor climbing shoes are typically more flexible and have stickier rubber soles to provide better grip on the artificial holds found in climbing gyms. As Steve Bechtel reminds us, “Climbing is a skill sport,” and the only way to improve a skill is to practice the skill. The mental challenge required for rock climbing alone, demands more than a regular gym workout. S. Dry hands well 3. Jul 30, 2025 · 93 likes, 7 comments - defy. May 9, 2025 · The best vertical climbers offer an efficient, total body workout for people of all fitness levels. Learn more about the potential health and fitness benefits, types, and tips for beginners. With climbing gyms now offering monthly membership fee at around the same cost as a regular gym, more and more people are weighing up the options and looking at whether climbing might be a better option for them. Jul 17, 2024 · Rock climbing once required a trek to a mountain or a cliff. However, they are actually quite different and refer to two different spectrums of the climbing world and community. Both have unique benefits, and the “better” choice varies for each person. Can rock climbing replace the gym? Is rock climbing better than weight lifting? Is weightlifting better than rock climbing? Exercise and a fun, thrilling approach to raising your heart rate are rock climbing. While indoor climbing gyms provide a convenient and accessible introduction to the sport, many climbers find themselves drawn to the exhilarating Jan 15, 2023 · Contrary to popular belief, getting better at rock climbing is not just about developing finger strength. rock climbing debate once and for all! What is Bouldering? 3 times a week in the gym, one full day outside on weekends for a total of 4 days. Abs, obliques, delts, traps, biceps, lats, quads, calves – in fact, rock climbing even works your forearm muscles by strengthening a climber’s grip. Jun 27, 2024 · On any given evening, I can be found climbing alongside upwards of 200 others at my local gym, most of them better than me. While both involve scaling vertical surfaces, they differ in terms of equipment, techniques, and overall approach. But how is indoor climbing different from outdoor climbing? Many climbers still Sep 30, 2023 · Climbing is the same in many respects, and taking the time to develop good fitness may very well change your entire rock-climbing experience from here on out. You would have a really hard time finding that variety of routes in a single area anywhere in the world. Nov 22, 2021 · Is rock climbing better than weight lifting? Why do rock climbers scream? 1. Luckily, some of our local friends pointed us toward the best climbing gyms in SF bay area. Climbing also produces more lactate in your arms than standard gym exercises. All you need for bouldering is a pair of climbing shoes, a once-off purchase rather than a month’s expense. Patience. I first started climbing on the indoor bouldering wall. I have found that the higher end chalk (friction labs) feels nicer and coats better but doesn't last significantly longer then others. We’re assuming you go to the gym for a few reasons. There is a rock climbing gym by my house, that has tons of walls and stuff, along with tons of exercise equipment kinda like a gym area. Welcome to Climbing’s yearlong Training Bible. Feb 26, 2025 · Rock climbing can be done outdoors on natural rock faces or indoors at climbing gyms. Rock climbing is a test of resilience and strength for athletes, and it requires perfect equipment such as the best climbing chalk. Regardless of the location, the activity requires significant strength, endurance, and technical skills. Rock climbing can be a great alternative to traditional gym workouts. To that end, I am more motivated to eat a little better, do some cardio and yoga, and do strength training than I would otherwise be. Nov 22, 2021 · Will rock climbing give me abs? The upper body strength required for rock climbing is a given for pulling oneself up, while the legs and core build muscle as the body strives to find balance. Instead, there are various ways to stimulate progress and get better at climbing that climbers sometimes don’t consider. You'll become aware of how many different muscles are used on a route once you begin climbing. Front levers translate better - it's an isometric hold, and dragon flags are just an advanced core exercise. Pullups don't translate to climbing strength all that much, but they're great for just general strength. Great place to train, have a party including birthdays, great family activity, group fun, or workout. Many avid gym-goers will find themselves questioning a gym membership vs rock climbing after just one visit. Been climbing for almost 4 years. Depending on what type of climbing you do and your gym membership, rock climbing can be a cheaper option than the gym. 13. Mar 27, 2024 · Indoor Rock Climbing vs. But these days are long gone. If you want to build some upper body, core, and back strength as well as do some light cardio – climbing as an alternative to lifting can be excellent. Here are the cliff notes (pun intended). I went climbing last week and was blown away by the workout and loved the challenge of attempting different climbing routes. Thanks to indoor rock climbing gyms, this sport is now accessible to urbanites who may be hours away from the closest spot. Rock climbing is a thrilling and dynamic sport that has captured the imagination of many. And I say this from experience, having done both many times throughout my life. Whether bouldering in the gym or sport climbing high off the ground, this sport gives you an adrenaline rush. There are three types of physical exertion when climbing: Power, endurance and power endurance. Here’s how climbing will make you forget about HIIT! Outdoor rock may be covered in dirt or sand and can therefore be more slippery and confusing for the climber than holds that are used in a gym – climbing gyms don’t often replicate muck and dirt particles on their climbing holds. This complete eight-phase training series will coach you through specific workouts based on periodization, a proven approach to training that results in peak climbing performance on the rock and in the gym. Endurance is simply how long can you Nov 1, 2023 · Not only is rock climbing fun, it's also a great workout. Nov 23, 2024 · Weight lifting typically takes place in a fitness center or gym, or sometimes even in a home gym, basement or garage. More Climbing Health Articles – Rock Climbing For Exercise – Is Rock Climbing A Good Workout? – Rock Climbing Benefits Does Rock Climbing Burn Calories? Yes! You’ll find that holding yourself on to a wall is way sweatier than you might Is Rock Climbing Indoors or Outdoors a Better Workout? Excluding the long and strenuous approaches required to get to some crags, indoor climbing is a much better workout. Dec 5, 2024 · Bouldering can take place indoors at climbing gyms or outdoors on natural rock formations. For me I find the best situation for dry hands climbing is 1. Oct 29, 2021 · Every route is a unique puzzle! Feeds Your Craving for Adventure If you crave adventure or excitement, rock climbing is for you. A recent study out of University of Vienna and the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne notes concerns about air quality in rock climbing gym from climbing shoes creating rubber particulates. Nov 22, 2021 · Is rock climbing better than gym? Rock Climbing Vs Gym Whether rock climbing helps more than a normal gym is really down to what you want from the gym or a workout. A rock climbing gym’s success is influenced by a number of variables, including its As a fitness regime, I feel like rock climbing doesn't make me lose weight or get ripped. And you can boulder both indoors and outdoors. Feb 8, 2022 · Complete beginner's guide to bouldering training. Wash your hands well before climbing if you can to get any oils or grease off of your skin 2. ” -Emily “Best climbing gym around, plus all the classes and fitness equipment make Movement a great gym and community. I suspect what is more true is that climbing outside is different. If you're looking for a leaner more athletic physique, I definitely think rock climbing will work. Bouldering is very power- and strength-oriented, but you could also try top roping (I. Here’s a comparison to help you decide: Aug 5, 2020 · The main types of gyms you can choose from are: Big box gyms Boutique gyms Personal training gyms Women’s gyms CrossFit gyms Group fitness gyms or studios Powerlifting gyms Rock climbing gyms I’ll go over the various types of gyms available as well as what each one has to offer. While indoor bouldering is certainly more expensive than a gym, most experienced climbers believe the trade-off is well worth the price based on the results. Dedicated to increasing all our knowledge about how to better improve at our sport. ” From yoga to rock climbing, @healbyhuda trains to keep living fully — not just in the gym, but out in the world. In this article, we’ll define bouldering vs. Big powerful moves are also super common May 4, 2025 · Using chalk can inspire more confidence on the rock — and so can using the right gear. Power is defined as the single most challenging move you can successfully do. Should I join a rock climbing gym? A membership at a climbing gym is a great way to make friends and meet new people. Jun 4, 2025 · Indoor Rock Climbing vs Bouldering Indoor rock climbing is a great way to train for outdoor climbing. Will climbing provide a full enough workout that I can ditch PF and dedicate that time that to climbing? Would love some input here. etgfn mtt mknct kbmxzku xceoy aqep fpcfsdq xzs vgskyp del