Beware – once you try Indoor Rock Climbing you will not want to stop. I had the bruises to prove it!

I had always wanted to try rock climbing, but was too chicken to try.
I imagined gripping for life onto little plastic shapes on the wall and falling to my doom, or at least a very hard surface!
But that was then and this is now. Now I jump at trying new things.

I arrived at a large warehouse with the sound of laughter and rock music blaring from its entry. I was surprised by the variety of climbing walls and stood in awe of those hanging upside down without a harness.
I got ‘suited’ up into my harness (which is not flattering for anyone) complete with a bag of chalk and snug climbing shoes. I’m ready to go!

The instructor gave me a quick lesson on the do’s and don’ts and the up’s and down’s and used my climbing partner (trusty boyfriend Mark) as an example. I was in charge of belaying for him.
His life was in my hands… a bit dramatic but pretty true. I watched him sprint up the wall and then carefully let him down, a look of fear must have come across my face as I realised it was my turn “you’ll do fine don’t worry” the instructor said to me. I noticed a group of kids across the floor “if kids can do it, I can do it!”.

As I took my first step a quick thought popped into my head ‘am I afraid of heights?’ turns out I’m not.

When I got to the top I wondered what do I do now? My instinct was to climb down, be in control, when in actual fact you have to push off and walk your feet down or choose the lazy option and just hang.

When I finished my first wall I knew I was forming a new addiction. I was beaming from ear to ear “lets go!” I said and off we went to proceed along the walls.

Climbing is a great way of getting in shape…many people believe they need to get fit first before trying rock climbing, I know I certainly felt that way.

The great thing about it is it caters for all fitness levels and experience. It starts off with the easy walls and proceeds to get harder as you go along. The markers on the wall are also numbered and coloured, to make choices suited to you. Example, 1 is the easier option and 4 is the harder.

I was very impressed at the overall workout I experienced. I had always assumed it was all about the arms, when in fact if you do it correctly your legs are your powerhouse tools. I also experienced my heart rate jumping and sweat breaking out, especially on the more challenging walls. Having the bag of chalk helps you with your grip as your hands start to sweat. After 2 hours of climbing my forearms and grip had to reluctantly call it quits.

I felt a rush finishing my last wall (which is one I had perfected so went back to it 3 times to better my speed). I also nearly mastered the art of coming down, hanging in the air 7 metres above ground is now deemed as fun! Climbing is a great way of burning calories, improving strength flexibility and co-ordination. Not only does rock climbing use all of the body’s muscles, the brain receives a good workout as well!

Climbing has an inherent component of problem solving, unlocking the devious sequences of holds, moves and positions can often be the keys to success. I found this out when I got caught in a situation I like to refer to as ‘now what?’ where I was in a tricky position and did not know how to proceed.

Benefits of rock climbing:
• Lose weight / burn calories
• Develop muscle strength and tone
• Increase functional flexibility and joint range of motion
• Increase kineasthetic skill (learn to move freely and with confidence)
• Increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity and endurance
• Develop problem solving and analytical skills
• Develop emotional control focussing skills

The next day my forearms were still slightly stiff. I also discovered a range of bruises on my knees from my awkward start of not wanting to let go of the wall. Overall I was impressed that all my accident prone self managed to do was scrape my arm and bump my head slightly. All in all a good effort! I will definitely be going back.

The staff were friendly and always watching to see if someone was in trouble or needed a hand.

For more information visit  www.evolutionclimbing.com.au  (photo courtesy of ECAT)