Climbing is a natural desire. Why else would we have ladders, stairs, skyscrapers and climbing walls?
But improving your view isn’t the only benefit. Climbing can actually improve your body and your mind.
The physical benefits are likely obvious to most—your grip strength, upper body and lower body all get a workout when climbing. It also gets your heart-pumping, giving you cardio benefits as well, ultimately helping you build endurance.
But like most physical activities, there is a mental benefit that is often overlooked.
Strength and cardio exercises raise endorphin levels, the feel-good chemical produced in the brain. Elevating your heart-rate releases chemicals in the body that help reduce your stress levels. Additionally, regular exercise can help improve self-confidence and self-esteem, improve your sleep and, very prevalent in climbing, is an overall brain boost.
Climbing requires focus, planning, problem-solving, patience, judgement and a connection between mind and body. This is what helps you decide where to step, grab, and shift your weight, all while pushing your limits. You can even work through a fear of heights in a safe and controlled manner.
The great thing is, with an abundance of indoor facilities cropping up, climbing is no longer a niche sport for hardcore outdoorsy types. It’s super accessible, and no experience is required to get this mind and body workout. Interested in giving it a try? Check out the Sport and Wellness Learn 2 series, featuring Bouldering and Rock-Climbing. Both courses provide you the fundamentals required to be successful and have fun, with expert instruction and all safety gear and equipment.
So, if you want a different workout and an escape from the everyday, all while learning new skills, try Learn 2 Boulder and Learn 2 Rock Climb this fall.
