Rock climbing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK — and the great thing is you don’t have to trek off to the Lake District or the Cairngorms to do it. These days you can enjoy the experience indoors on man-made rock faces.

Thirty years ago, climbing was something most people knew about only through adventure magazines and television documentaries, but the burgeoning number of indoor centres with artificial rock walls in Britain means adults and children can now give it a try.

Until relatively recently, few people had done any real climbing because of their perception that long treks to remote spots were necessary before they could even get started.

Indoor facilities have since brought the sport out of the extreme and into the mainstream, and are attracting a wide range of climbers, from the experienced mountaineer who just needs a little practice for the real thing, to modern health club users looking for a more stimulating way to work out.

The boom in popularity has been put down to two reasons other than simply the need to exercise. First, climbing has been used successfully in recent years to add drama in advertising campaigns and films such as Sylvester Stallone’s Cliffhanger. Second, the perhaps unique integration of physical and psychological challenge makes climbing an immensely satisfying experience.

Unlike the repetition inherent in many sports, and the boredom that some people suffer when taking part in conventional fitness training, every climbing experience offers something new. Moreover, technique and modern technology, as applied in most indoor climbing gyms, have virtually eliminated the element of danger. Apart from all that, it can be tremendous fun and is a great way to get your body in shape.

Rock climbing is a challenging, rewarding sport that appeals to people of all ages. Most indoor centres will cater for climbers of all abilities and offer classes with qualified instructors to teach safety and improve technique. Today’s wide variety of climbing walls and methods allows beginners and advanced climbers to enjoy an indoor facility side by side.

It is often said that strength is no substitute for technique, but it can improve climbing ability. Still, you do not need to be super-strong, so youngsters and the more mature can enjoy the excitement of climbing and benefit from the added self-confidence they get when they make it to the top. Parents also get a terrific buzz seeing their children grow in assurance along with their accomplishments on the rock face. The sport has become so popular that some parents have organised their child ’s birthday party around a climbing session.

Experts say women are especially attracted to the sport because it improves fitness, reduces stress and instils self- confidence. An added inducement is that climbing levels the playing field between men and women, because it does not depend on brute strength. The challenge is the same no matter who you are or how much upper-body strength you have. The sport can create a special bond between people who climb together because each has to depend so much on the other.

Top tips

It is a good idea to use duct tape to prevent blistered feet, but test it on a small area of skin first to be sure you do not have an allergy. To improve strength, weight training would be useful, and you should also include a balance-training aspect in your workout. While training, it is better not to overdo it, so try to avoid climbing on more than four days a week — just as with any other strength workouts.

If you travel further afield to try your hand at outdoor climbing, ensure that you study your proposed climbs in advance, and that your ability and experience are up to it. More importantly, never climb alone. Safety should always be your priority, so make sure that any facility you use is staffed with trained professionals using the best equipment. Seek assurances that safety precautions and methods of instruction are of an approved standard.

Fortunately, accidents are infrequent, but it is no use waiting until after you have been hurt to check out the climbing facility’s insurance schedule. Make sure you are fully insured. It is also crucial to know the function of all your equipment before you start, so don’t wait until you are halfway up the rock face to find out.

No experience necessary

You will find that most indoor climbing gyms are happy to take on total beginners. Even if you have never touched a rope in your life, they will teach you the skills needed to climb safely. They will also be able to hire all the equipment you need to have fun and get into shape. The basic gear needed for indoor climbing comprises a harness and a pair of climbing shoes, and these can usually be rented at most indoor centres. A belay device and a carabiner connector are also required, but you need only one pair between you and your climbing partner.

For advice and personal training with Paul Stephen Lubicz, e-mail getfit@psltraining.com or see his website, www.psltraining.com

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