| I would like to take this opportunity to talk about | | | | upper body strength). Position your feet to achieve a |
| core rock climbing techniques. Essential for any rock | | | | balanced platform, before moving your hands, your |
| climber wanting to have a rounded game. | | | | climbing will definitely improve. It's surprising how |
| I'll never forget watching experienced climbers | | | | much you can use your feet, even on the toughest |
| rocketing up routes that I couldn't dream of climbing, | | | | overhangs. If you're feeling huge pressure on your |
| on seemingly impossibly small holds. I recall thinking | | | | fingers, try pushing up through your feet and hips, |
| they must have incredible grip strength. I now | | | | you will feel the relief in your fingers. |
| understand that their strength contributed to their | | | | Climb on straight arms |
| success, but it was their technique which was the | | | | Hanging your weight on bent arms will stress your |
| key. | | | | arm muscles. Your arms will pump and you'll struggle |
| Find your centre of gravity | | | | to hold on. Instead, try hanging on your skeleton. If |
| Once you start to climb steep routes, you will | | | | you find yourself stood on a hold that places the |
| discover the importance of finding your body's centre | | | | hand holds too low to keep your arm straight, bend |
| of gravity. If you can get your centre of gravity | | | | your legs. Your leg muscles are strong much stronger |
| closer to the wall, you'll find holding on much easier. If | | | | than your arms and less likely to become fatigued. |
| you're hanging on with one hand, turn your opposite | | | | Breathe |
| shoulder and hip into the wall, you'll feel your grip | | | | Rock climbing in situations where you're under |
| much stronger. You can also use your legs as | | | | pressure (all climbers have experienced fear at some |
| counterweights,when you're stood on one foot and | | | | point). Many hold their breath when they get |
| you feel unbalanced, you can point your other foot in | | | | stressed. This is the worst thing to do. Breathe |
| the opposite direction to the direction that you feel | | | | deeply to control your anxiety. Take a deep breathe |
| you're going to fall. This is called 'flagging'. | | | | then exhale forcefully when you move. |
| | | | If you ever find yourself struggling to climb a route, |
| Focus on your feet | | | | take a deep breath and focus on these core climbing |
| Many people new to climbing tend to climb almost | | | | techniques. In most cases this will help you through |
| entirely on their hands (especially those with good | | | | the problem. |