Has anyone done any indoor rock climbing?
I am thinking about trying to take it up as something to do and was just curious what someone's impression of it was.

Any pros, cons.... let me hear about it.... http://discussanything.com/Ubb/biggrin.gif
Chris...

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I do what ever my Rice Krispys tell me to...

Lets wait for Tam to find this one...

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Manu Narayan

Actually he replied to this post over on Stangnet....

I'm kind of looking forward to going and giving this a try though...

Check out the place http://www.atlantarocks.com

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I do what ever my Rice Krispys tell me to...

Oh that lokos rad! On campus we have a mini indoor one. I wanna get in shape before I tackle that. (and I got a ways to go..)

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Manu Narayan

Well, I'm in pretty poor shape from where I was a year ago myself (lost 30-40 lbs, use to be able to military press 90lb dumbbells, bench over 300 lbs, leg press 700+), now I smoke a pack and a half a day, sit on my butt, don't eat right (if I eat).... So, I figure that this will give me a start and motivation to get the ball rolling and get back into shape. But honestly, it just looks like fun....and a physical/mental challenge...I like that... http://discussanything.com/Ubb/biggrin.gif

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I do what ever my Rice Krispys tell me to...

Chris, that link you posted looks pretty ok. Top-rope is definitely the way to go if you're just starting AND have a fear of heights. Don't forget you need a buddy to climb with though!!

Also, when you go out to buy the gear, be sure to get a PETZL GRI-GRI. it's something like an ATC which you use to secure the line. It works like a seatbelt. When the other falls or so, it automatically locks. It's a LOT safer than conventional equipment and will make you feel a LOT more safe. It's about $60 but its worth it.

Also, check out this website, it has a list of gyms in your area:
http://www.onlineclimbing.com/

The main muscles you'll be working with are lower arms, legs, and shoulders. Its not the kind of workout where you get buff and muscly, but instead you become very lean, and strong. You'll be a wolf in sheeps clothing....


Any more questions, feel free to ask


[This message has been edited by tam (edited 07-30-2001).]

This is where I climb, twice a week. It's about 50ft, both toprope and lead. Over a 100 routes, and usually not too crowded.

http://www.tamir.nl/stuff/fabriek.jpg
http://www.defabriek.nl

I tried a "Mini" http://discussanything.com/Ubb/wink.gif version of that type of climbing recently. It was about 20 feet climb and the harness is automated so the climber can't reverse direction (go down) at all unless the operator unlocks it. I found that finger and toe power are also important, with lat pull down power being extremely important. You have to be able to do pull ups.

Originally posted by Snouter:
I found that finger and toe power are also important

very true, but think about it. Where do your finger muscles go? I believe they're either attached to your shoulder, of your elbow, thus the lower arms/shoulder theory I mentioned above http://discussanything.com/Ubb/smile.gif
You use muscles on both sides of your hands too....front and back. And its not actually the toes you use. If you use good climbing shoes, you wont be able to move your toes. Its more your heel you use.

And about the pulling power. It's partly true. If you climb right, you're mostly using your arms to keep yourself against the wall, but most of the climbing power should come from your legs...

moved from the Lounge to this place.

[This message has been edited by tam (edited 07-31-2001).]