Rock Climbing: The Three Elements

From sports enthusiast to extreme sport participants to amateurs, rock climbing is an adventure many seek to experience, at least, once in a lifetime. Offering not only a physical challenge but also an emotional and spiritual awakening, rock climbing is, for many, a challenge of a lifetime coupled with a euphoric awakening.

Physically, rock climbing is a sport of extreme endurance. As a derivative of mountain climbing, rock climbing requires not only lower extremity endurance but also upper extremity endurance. As the rock climbing hand tools and shoes provide the basic tools to secure to rocks and mountains, there are times when the lower body may become unstable resulting in the need for strong upper body skills. As part of a rock climbing experience, it is highly recommended the rock climber also prepare from an aerobic level of endurance through proper cardiovascular training. With temperature variations on a mountain, and thin air, climbing through various climate extremes can prove tedious for the lungs and even skin. As a result, it is imperative the rock climber train to require as little oxygen as necessary.

Beyond physical challenges, rock climbing also provides for an emotional experience beyond any other. With the extreme conditions presented by the mountain terrain, rock climbing commonly results in the rock climber experiencing an adrenaline rush as never before, leading to an emotional melt down of sorts, both during the climbing expeience as well as upon achievement of the climb. To prepare for this emotional experience, it is recommended that the rock climber meet and exchange thoughts and details with fellow rock climbers who have achieved the climbing experience. Through this connection, the rock climber can better prepare for the rock climbing experiece. While the adventure requires all of the natural senses, the rock climber can never be 100 percent prepared for the emotional toll of the rock climbing experience.