Campbell River, Vancouver Island, BC

FOR THE BODY
Individuals use climbing as a great workout alternative, or to enhance/supplement their existing forms of exercise. Bouldering, which is comprised of climbing short powerful sequences, without the use of ropes or harnesses, is especially great for the strengthening of limbs and development of core (abdominal) strength.

Gym Climbing offers you a “full body work out” as it requires you to use the full range of the muscles in your body. From fingers and forearms, to back, legs and shoulders, especially on longer, steeper routes.

Endurance and power can be increased by choosing the appropriate level of climb, for example, steep and sustained routes and also by doing laps on the “auto belay” device or gym traversing (climbing horizontally) without touching the ground for as long as possible.

Just as Yoga and Pilates corrects muscle imbalances and improves body alignment. Climbing improves your balance and flexibility which in turn encourages good posture and circulation.

FOR THE MIND
Climbing develops confidence and self reliance as climbers push the mental envelope and get outside of their comfort zones. The mind is a powerful tool and climbing gives you the opportunity to train yourself to tap into its amazing potential /resources.

Intelligent Exercise. We as climbers are constantly challenging ourselves to complete a route or finish a problem and you will often hear climbers coin the phrase “working on a project”. It’s a bit like playing chess on a 30ft vertical board. “What if I put my right hand here next time or place my left toe there”. Once the problem or route is completed, what a great feeling of success. This is what climbing is about. And if the climber is having trouble with the immediate problem, they will often go work on another “project”. Because they can always come back later and finish the first one.

Climbers use an exercise called visualization. This is when the climber mentally rehearses the moves of a climb. They picture themselves flowing up the climb, moving hands and feet in perfect unison, feeling the rocks between their fingers. They do this to help them have a better chance of completing the challenge they are working on. Visualization also helps to overcome bad climbing habits.

Combine the above and there is no better way than climbing to relive the stresses, tensions and anxieties caused during our everyway lives.

FOR THE SOUL
The combinations of who you climb with are limitless; you can climb with your friends, your family or on your own. The young can climb with the old, guys with the gals, the healthy with the not so healthy. (We have had some very brave individuals on the walls. Hearing and Sight impaired, also some amazing girls, both in wheel chairs.) Climbing is a great way to meet new, like minded individuals, who share similar interests, goals and philosophies.

Smiling and laughing helps relieve stress and brings you into a positive sense of being. So let’s not forget FUN. There are lots of games and challenges that climbers enjoy. Climbing is and should be lots of fun. The more relaxed you are, the more you will find your balance and your movements will flow as you climb.

Climbing helps you discover your limits and then pushes you beyond them. It renews a spirit of adventure and gives an opportunity for genuine excitement. It really can change your life! Are YOU up for the challenge?