Rock climbing is one of the most demanding sport that keeps you in great shape.  All your muscles are at work as soon as you step on a foothold.  Every climb utilizes all your limbs from your fingers down to your toes.  It’s the best possible exercise that quickly rose to popularity giving birth to indoor rock climbing for everyone to enjoy.  It is believed that the first artificial climbing wall was built as early as 1939 in Schurman Rock, Seattle.  Now the sport has grown globally with more than 30 million climbers worldwide.

Thinking Of Doing Some Indoor Rock Climbing? Remember These Fundamentals

The best rock climbers in the world did not become great overnight.  Like everybody else it all begins with a fascination of the sport.  Some are naturally athletic compared to others but the execution is never perfect the first time.  That is why we have to learn the basics first to gradually bring out the talent within.  Whether you engage in rock climbing for mere physical fitness, or you might be thinking of making a career out of it, you always have to go through these fundamentals.

1. Proper warm up

Warming up is really important to prevent injuries.  Do some light traversing on the wall or climb a couple of easy routes to keep your body warm.

2. Identify your center of Gravity

Knowing your center of gravity is important to keep your weight in balance.  Keep the weight over your feet so you’ll be pushing with your legs rather than pulling with your arms.

3. Climbing with straight arms

This position is much more favorable for ease of movement.  With your arms straight you’ll be able to conserve energy while resting or when you’re preparing for your next move.

4. Edging

Edging is when you’re using your climbing shoes to basically edge on a hold.  You can use both the inside and outside edge of your shoes.  This can be used to change your body position and help you move in balance.

5. Flagging

Flagging is a technique to help keep your balance.  This is very useful when all the holds are on the same side of your body.  You can flag either foot to keep your center of gravity better aligned.

6. Step with your toe

Stepping with the toe area of your shoe gives you extra inches when you’re trying to reach for a hold.  This also allows you to rotate your hips to one side for a more efficient body position.

7. Jug

This is basically what you want when you’re really exhausted.  It’s a type of hold where you can wrap your entire hand around to serve as a really good rest spot.

8. Pinch

This is a type of hold which can be a small or a wide open hand pinch.  It sounds literally like a real pinch using the power of your thumb pushing in to give that extra pressure with the hold.

9. Sloper

This is the least desirable hold to come across.  There are no edges to grab but relies solely on friction.  You’ll have to work with the angle of the hold by pushing directly against that angle.

10. Crimp

This hold basically has an edge plane on top and nothing else.  You’ll have to place your fingers on top while finding the edge and pull directly down.  You can do an open hand crimp as opposed to a full crimp which is more prone to injury.

11. Correct Way to Fall

Don’t land straight-legged on a fall.  This will shock or even break on your knee joints.  Land on your feet and compress your legs then roll back.

Watch this video about the best climbing shoes for edging by EpicTV Climbing Daily.

Indoor rock climbing is not just a physical sport but a mental puzzle as well.  Knowing the fundamentals will help you progress easily.  You’ll have to figure out your move and decide which is the most efficient climbing technique to use.  Rock climbing is an enjoyable sport for people of all ages.

Click here for tips in buying a rock climbing harness.