Arm Importance

Beginning climbers are often hesitant and unsure of themselves. Not only because they are hundreds (maybe even thousands) of feet off the ground, but because they do not have the physical strength to cope with the demands of climbing. Being able to lift your body weight is a task that most people cannot easily accomplish, but being able to pull yourself up a steep and fairly flat wall or cliff seems like a task for superheroes only. Author Zach Orenczak (“Devils Tower Climbing”) believes that the lack of physical endurance stems from weak forearms.

Climbers use their forearms more than any other sport demands. Therefore, forearms strength must be top notch. However, beginning climbers have most likely never used their forearms in this manner before, so it is crucial that they learn to develop these muscles. There are certain tools available to first time climbers that isolate the forearm and allow beginners to quickly gain strength, which in the end, means gained confidence on the face of a cliff. Although there are many other parts of the body involved in rock climbing, the forearm is the one that takes the most abuse. Climbing involves both physical and mental strength, but these two assets cannot function separately from each other, so they must both be at their peak. Remember to keep your body and mind in tune with each other and never to climb if one or the other seems to be lacking. If you are just starting your rock climbing experience, but you are not quite able to lift yourself up, try building up your forearms for maximum strength and durability.