| Rock climbing has become a very popular sport over | | | | move from one hold to the other just as if you |
| the past decade and has become a favorite choice | | | | moving from rung to rung. Always try to keep your |
| both indoors and out. Even though equipment and | | | | hands and feet in the right position for your next |
| technique have evolved tremendously, it is still | | | | move to avoid having to switch position with each |
| imperative that climbers, especially those new to the | | | | move. This will allow you to move easier and faster. |
| sport, take care to learn the fundamentals well, take | | | | 7. Try to avoid the tendency to rely solely on your |
| all necessary safety precautions and keep | | | | hands and arms, and learn to trust your feet. |
| themselves fit and strong before venturing out. | | | | Remember that you normally stand on your feet all |
| Here are 10 valuable rock climbing tips to consider if | | | | day, so they are used to holding your weight. When |
| you are just getting started. | | | | you feel tired, look for a place to lodge your feet to |
| | | | give your arms and hands a rest. |
| 1. Climbing is a dangerous sport. Be sure to enroll in a | | | | 8. It is normal to want to concentrate on the top of |
| course that offers expert instruction from qualified | | | | the climb because getting there is your goal. It is |
| professionals. Most climbing gyms offer these courses | | | | wiser, however, to concentrate on what is |
| at reasonable prices | | | | immediately within reach. Focus on climbing from the |
| 2. Keep yourself in the best possible physical | | | | bottom up instead of trying to work out a route |
| condition, concentrating on forearm, hand grip and | | | | from the top down. |
| finger strength. | | | | 9. Calf spasms are a common occurrence when |
| 3. Climb easy routes first until you can climb them | | | | hanging, especially if your heel is hanging down. If you |
| with ease and then move on to more difficult climbs. | | | | develop one, it can usually be dispelled by applying |
| 4. While a fear of heights is quite normal, as a climber | | | | extra weight to your toes for a few seconds. |
| it is something you should try to overcome. A good | | | | 10. Try to remain close in to the wall when you rest. |
| tip to remember is not to look any further down | | | | Leaning too far away will require you to use a lot |
| than your feet. | | | | more strength to pull yourself back in to the rock |
| 5. Try to picture each move in your mind before | | | | face. This is especially important when you are |
| executing it. Make your movements as deliberate and | | | | completing a shorter climb when your rest stops are |
| fluid as possible, and take your time with each step. | | | | brief. |
| 6. Imagine your climb as if you were on a ladder and | | | | |