Rock Climbing anyone?

[cyberghost]

I'm thinking once I get to my halfway goal, I'd start rock climbing - but I'm probably still going to be overweight. I heard somewhere that rock climbing (I'm talking indoor on fake walls, not the actual extreme stuff) is really good exercise for overweight folks - does anyone have any information on that? Google is not being helpful. Thanks in advance!

[MISSANNE]

I would think it would be good exercise because it is HARD! (for me)

You have to pull up your own weight up so it depends on how strong you are. I have tried it but have difficulty getting to the top.

Good Luck!!

[Allie]

ooo...ooo... I KNOW THIS ONE!!!! I have been rock climbing on and off for the past 2 years and am even thinking about entering some bouldering competitions. So nice to see someone that might possibly be interested!!!

It is a wonderful work out. It works all of your muscles if you do it right, and gets your heart pumping. It also really helps to tone. I have some tips for you...
1. the harness is THE most important equipment in indoor climbing. Make sure that the harness is comfortable because if it is not, you wont be!! My gym has rental ones, but I think that the "one size fits all" only fits waists upto 46 inches. If you will still be bigger than that, I would recommend buying your own. You can get cheap ones on ebay, and thay will list measurements.

2. MAKE SURE that you use your legs primarily. If you try to pull yourself up with your arms, you will get sore and tired and frusterated REALLY fast. Your legs are much stronger than your arms, after all, we walk on our legs so they support us all the time anyway.

3. Dont get tunnel vision. Look around for the best way to do something insted of the fastest, or what is right above you. I learned this the hard way by tearing a muscle in my shoulder.

4. Rainbow climb. The indoor gyms have rainbow colored rocks, and each color is one set path with a rating and rules, but use any color you want until you are comfortable. If you are going to do a color climb, look for one that is rated 5.6 or 5.7 to start off with and work your way up the number scale.

5. Climb with a partner. You will need someone to belay for you, and that person will usually help you realize where to put your feet. Also, when it is your turn to belay, it will be a nice break for your fingers. If you don't have a partner, you will be stuck to bouldering which is fun, but in my oppinion more difficult.

The most important thing is to have FUN. It is soo cool to see yourself improving each week and to see your muscles developing!!!

I hope I answered your question although I am not sure exactly what you were wanting to know. If not, you can PM me, of I'll try to check on here for any other ?s you might have. I would love to know when you go.

Allie

[MISSANNE]

The expert has spoken!

I didn't know any of that which is why I couldn't do it. I have only tried once but just wasn't my cup of tea. I would like to try again when I'm about 75lbs lighter.