Monday, October 5, 2009
Climbing my Way to Fitness
This weekend was exciting. I've been waiting to go to rock climbing at the Gainesville Rock Gym for, oh, EVER, and no one could ever go with me. Well, Saturday, no one could go with me, either, but I went on my own for a cool workout that definitely left me sore.
Because I didn't have a partner (which is required in typical rock climbing), I tried bouldering, a low-height, freestyle type of rock climbing without a harness/rope that requires strength, flexibility and a lot of mental work. You slip on your super-stylish rock climbing shoes and follow a trail of grips marked with different colored tape. The courses never go more than seven feet or so off the ground; the challenge is finding the best way to move your body from start to finish.
Rock climbing is a great workout; it works your strength, endurance and flexibility.
At GRG, they number the courses from level 0 on upward. I started with a level 0.. and couldn't even finish. It was HARD. I could swing from one grip to the next, but after a few feet I would lose my footing or fall down. The challenge was part of the fun, though; after half an hour of practicing I could get about halfway up one of the taller ones.
One problem I did have, though, was with my hands; they were really raw after the climb and I had a couple blisters. I should have taped my fingers and used chalk while I climbed.
It was a great workout! My arms felt crazy sore after I was done. (I stopped climbing after an hour or so; it was tiring!) It was really fun and I plan on going again soon with a partner so I can try vertical climbing.
What's the coolest thing you've tried for fitness lately?
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