Rock climbing: The unexpected year-round workout

If you’re looking for a different and fun way to get moving this year, give rock climbing a try. In true Minnesota fashion, we’ve taken a traditionally warm weather sport, brought it indoors and made it work for us during all four seasons. This recreational sport has grown quickly in this region and is more accessible for people of different abilities than you may think.

Why people choose rock climbing

In the early days, rock climbing was a way to explore steep and challenging rock faces in an effort to summit peaks. Today, people climb for a variety of reasons that are more recreational in nature.

It's affordable to get started.

All you need to climb is a pair of climbing shoes and a harness—both of which can be rented at a gym.

It's an adventure.

Whether you're bouldering five feet off the ground or top rope climbing 60 feet off the ground, this sport will give you a rush of endorphins. Plus, it doesn't feel like exercise.

You don't need to be super-fit.

In fact, good technique is more important than physical strength, which makes this a great sport for all ability levels—including people with mental and physical impairments. Although, the more you climb, the stronger and fitter you will become.

It pairs people of different abilities.

Unlike many sports where you look for a partner with similar abilities (think running, tennis or basketball) this is not the case with rock climbing. A seasoned climber could partner with someone new to the sport and still be safe and challenged.

It's a year-round sport.

There are many great places to climb indoors and outdoors here in Minnesota.

There are many indoor climbing gyms in Minneapolis; a wall at REI in Bloomington; Minnesota Climbing Co-Op; Vertical Endeavors; Minneapolis Bouldering Project, and the University of Minnesota.

When the weather is right, outdoor climbing opportunities are all over the state: Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls, Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, Banning State Park in Sandstone, Temperance River State Park near Schroeder and Tettegouche State Park near Silver Bay.

Benefits of rock climbing 

The more rock climbing you do, the easier it will become and the more benefits you will experience. Hopefully the great days you have climbing will help you realize that with a bit of hard work you can take on just about anything.

It's a full body workout.

Rock climbing strengthens all 11 major muscles groups, even including the muscles in your fingers. It also combines strength, endurance and flexibility into one workout.

Your body and mind must work together.

Each climb represents a puzzle that you must solve mentally and physically. You need concentration, patience and analysis to plan your way to the top, while using your body strength and technique to complete your climbing route.

It builds trust.

Strong friendships tend to develop between climbing partners because of the level of trust needed to ensure each other's safety during a climb. As with many adrenaline-inducing experiences, you also create bonds simply by sharing and accomplishing challenges together.

It's a lifetime sport.

The climbing community is made up of kids as young as five learning to climb for the first time and adults into their 80s. You climb at your own pace and at the level of difficulty that is right for you physically.

It's a personal challenge.

With climbing, you are your own competition. The goals you set for yourself are limitless—as you master techniques you can increase the difficulty of your climbing route. Mastering techniques and achieving your personal goals is very rewarding.

It's a social activity.

While on one level rock climbing is an individual sport, it is also a social activity as it is often done in pairs or small groups. In between climbs there is often down time and lots of opportunity to network with others.

Why people love rock climbing

Climbing will give you a new way to see, experience and appreciate connecting with others over a workout—without it feeling like one. Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute even offers adaptive rock climbing for people with disabilities. 

Check us out if you're interested in participating! If you already love rock climbing and want to share your sport with others, consider volunteering for our program!