Get In Shape By Rock Climbing

Mind is All

Depending on where you live, there is probably somewhere nearby where you can rock climb. This climbing place might be a mountain with huge cliff faces. Maybe you have something a bit more tame nearby - a few natural rock faces, all about 15 to 20 feet tall. Perhaps you know of an indoor rock climbing place nearby, even though everything around you is flat. Regardless of the rock climbing options available to you, rock climbing can be both a great way to get in shape and a whole lot of fun! Before you can ever begin climbing, however, you need to make a few basic purchases.

While you might think that you need some climbing shoes before anything else, your first purchase should actually be a crash pad. Crash pads are small, soft pads that are easy to fold up and carry. These pads should be placed beneath you when you climb, and they will provide a soft landing should you lose your handle on the rock, or should you decide to jump down before you finish. Crash pads cost only about one hundred dollars, and they are well worth the price - they are absolutely vital to a climber's safety.

Secondly, you will need to purchase a chalk bag for climbing. These are small pouches that hang around your waist, which you can fill with climbing chalk to help your grip. Because of your hand's tendency to expel oils and sweat, climbing chalk is very important. Chalk bags cost only about fifteen dollars, as does climbing chalk itself. The cost of these two items is negligible, as a single purchase of chalk will last you for months of climbing.

And finally, you can purchase climbing shoes. Of course, many people think that their best bet is to purchase climbing shoes online, in order to get a good deal, but you must also understand how climbing shoes are supposed to fit. Don't just hop online and purchase a pair in your normal size; go to an outdoor store first, and get help from someone who knows how to size you for the shoes that will be right for you. While the price of climbing shoes ranges greatly (anywhere from sixty dollars to well over one hundred dollars), beginning climbers can find a good, new pair for under one hundred dollars.

Rock climbing is an excellent hobby, as it works out the whole body and allows you to enjoy the fresh air. You will be all set to begin climbing yourself once you have purchased these simple items.