Consider Rock Climbing To Get In Shape

There is probably a great place for rock climbing somewhere nearby you, regardless of where you live. This climbing place might be a mountain with huge cliff faces. Maybe this is in a tamer area, with a few natural rock faces that are 15 to 20 feet high. Perhaps you know of an indoor rock climbing place nearby, even though everything around you is flat. No matter what your options are for rock climbing, it can not only be a great way to get in shape, it can also be a lot of fun! You need to make a few basic purchases before you can begin climbing, and then you will be all set to go.

Although you might have thought that climbing shoes are the first purchase you should plan to make, you should actually plan to buy a crash pad first. Crash pads are generally small, soft pads that fold up and are easy to carry. These pads provide soft landing places for those times when your hands slip, or when you decide to jump down before you finish a wall. Crash pads are vital to a climber's safety, and they only cost around one hundred dollars.

Secondly, you will want to purchase a chalk bag. Chalk bags are small pouches that you can fill with climbing chalk (which helps your grip when climbing); these pouches hang around your waist. Climbing chalk is important because of your hand's tendency to expel oils and sweat. Chalk bags cost only about fifteen dollars, and climbing chalk costs about the same. The cost of these two items is negligible, as a single purchase of chalk will last you for months of climbing.

Finally, it is time to 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. Before you purchase a used pair online, first go to an outdoor store, and let the experts help you find a pair that fits right. Climbing shoes range from inexpensive (about sixty dollars) to expensive (well over one hundred dollars); for beginning climbers, you can find a good, brand new pair for under one hundred dollars.

Rock climbing is an excellent way to exercise your whole body, and to enjoy the fresh air. You will be all set to begin climbing yourself once you have purchased these simple items.