Rock climbing grew in popularity to an incredible degree as more and more people find the activity a distinctive form of exercise. The physical movement supports cardiovascular and endurance training, while the repeated motions of pulling oneself up to reach the top have effects on muscles and strength building. And those who develop the reflexes to rock climb with precision and speed might choose to participate in competitive rock climbing. Some may see rock climbing events and become inspired to take up the activity. Exercise and fitness might be on their mind and not competition. However, competition training could help with developing enhanced skills and fitness levels.

Starting Out with the Basics

Persons new to rock climbing may or may not have competition on the mind, but newbies may benefit from a rock climbing program that focuses on the basics. Starting with the basics provides everyone with a chance to focus on core movements that focus on safety. A slow and steady pace could allow the body to attain the physical benefits commonly derived from this type of exercise. With a consistent focus on improvement, a rock climbing enthusiast may find strength and conditioning improve. These improvements could motivate someone to try more challenging sessions.

Signing Up for Competitive Training

Upon reaching the appropriate level of conditioning and after conferring with a coach, an intermediate rock climbing fan could move onto competition training. Competitive training takes things to the next level and pushes an athlete a bit harder. With competition training, a participant's focus centers on winning. "Taking it easy" might not fit into the mindset for such training, making the process appealing to those wanting to get a little more out of their chosen activity.

Think About Improvements

Competition training and hard work go together. A climber who can't reach the top within a specific time may wonder why results fall short. Maybe supplementary reflex or strength training would help. Or, the climber could be a bit too tense when climbing. Ultimately, a competitive mindset may lead to focusing on improvements. A competition training program might develop that helpful mindset.

No Competing Necessary

What happens when a climbing enthusiast wants a challenge but is not interested in competing? Training for competition doesn't necessarily mean the participant has to compete often, if at all. Competition training and competing allow someone to shake things up. 

Look into a facility that offers rock climbing to get started.