Why Do We Climb?
Photo: by Martin
Cathrae
Why are we so hooked on climbing?
Climbing can be a risky
sport - any climber knows that.
Sure, it can be dangerous, but
as long as the correct safety
measures are followed, there
should be nothing to worry about.
Some people just see the climbing
community as a bunch of psyched
up adrenaline junkies, searching
for our next kick. They think of
us as just grown up versions of
those adventurous kids that climb
on everything. They say we’re
reckless, careless, wild. Maybe we
are - some of us anyway. After all,
climbing is considered an extreme
sport. But most climbers will
agree climbing isn’t just a sport
or hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Climbing
opens up doors to all kinds of
other sports and hobbies, for
anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
So here’s the big question: why do
we climb?
Nothing comes close
to that feeling when you finally
send a route you’ve been
trying endlessly for weeks;
you can feel literally on top
of the world. Climbing gives
you an empowering feeling of
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accomplishment and a huge
mental boost. It allows you to
really test yourself - arguably
more than other sports - and
overcome all sorts of boundaries
like the fear of heights and
learning to fall. Need to boost
your self-confidence? Why not
set yourself some goals? Unlike
most sports, with climbing you
compete more against yourself
rather than other people. It doesn’t
matter if you’re climbing at a 5+
or an 8a, it’s all relative; anyone
can always find something to
improve. Also, climbing teaches
you all kinds of mental skills
which can be applied to everyday
life such as perseverance, goal
setting, visualization and problem
solving. There aren’t many other
sports with the same combination
of physical training, and mental
training. You have to teach
yourself the skill of solving the
moves of a route like a puzzle,
as well as the mental power
required to push through your
own boundaries. The strength
to keep climbing until you reach
the top, despite being terrified of
hitting the floor; that’s what gives
you the unbeatable feeling of
accomplishment when you send a
project.
But climbing isn’t just
great for your mind; it’s also an
excellent workout. The sport
requires you to use, pretty much,
your entire body, meaning you
get to work all of your muscles.
Whether it’s bouldering, trad,
or sport climbing, they are all a
brilliant for reducing your risk
of chronic diseases like heart
disease, type two diabetes
and high blood pressure or
cholesterol. And all while
improving your balance, flexibility,
strength and endurance. It doesn’t
matter what shape or size you
are; once your weight to strength
ratio is balanced, you’ll soon
be throwing yourself around on
almost anything.
Climbing can