Rock Climbing can Lower Stress and Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Participants.
Have you seen those crazy gyms popping up where they use terms like "belay on" and "crux"? They are places where people rent shoes that are too tight, slip into harnesses that squish the body and then proceed to tie some crazy knots and trust another person to keep them safe as they attempt to scale walls placing their hands and feet on colorful plastic holds?
“ They call it rock climbing and it's an activity anyone can do. All shapes, sizes and athletic abilities are able to rock climb. It is very physical, but also beneficial to all fitness levels. .”
Indoor rock climbing gyms started popping up in the U.S. in the '80s. They were originally created to assist climbers training for outdoor climbing, but now the industry is flourishing with thousands of people climbing in gyms every day. Climbing gyms have evolved quickly in the past decade and with rock climbing making a debut in the 2020 Olympics, the industry will continue to grow.
Northeast Ohio is no stranger to climbing gyms. Since climbing fosters a sense of community, it makes sense that several began as co-ops started by groups of friends. The sport is unique in that it is truly a family. Friendships of all ages just happen in climbing gyms. All walls are knocked down. There are no barriers; differences are set aside. People find support and encouragement even amongst strangers.
There is an addictive piece that plays into the climbing gym junkie. It doesn't take much for a new climber to quickly develop a longing to conquer more challenges on the wall.
Climbing also has been found to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help keep stressful lives in check. People in high stress level careers use climbing as a means to relax and lower stress. The Baldwin Wallace University "Outdoor Adventure Program," which encourages students to participate in weekly climbing outings, finds that students return from the climbing gyms refreshed, renewed and ready to study and take on the demands of college.
Rock climbing takes a focus that is all about the individual and the problem or route that is set on the wall to be climbed. Because of this, the climber is forced to leave the rest of the world behind. When climbing there is no room to think about life's problems, it sets a person free for a few hours.
The accomplishment found in climbing is personal. It's between the individual and the wall with an added layer of universal support. Climbing makes it easy to create a sense of mindfulness. The feeling of your hands on a hold while climbing cultivates an awareness engaging all five senses.
There are several gyms in Northeast Ohio to climb at that cater to all levels of climbing. And, in case anyone is still wondering what a crux is, it's the hardest part of the climbing route or problem.
A crux is that part you have to overcome, much like difficulties in life.
Christine Cancian is the "Outdoor Adventure Program" coordinator and aquatics and fitness director at Baldwin Wallace University. She has been with BW's Recreation Department since 1996 and continues to inspire students, faculty, staff and the community to engage in high adventure activities. Christine teaches kayaking and standup paddle boarding, and shares her passion of the outdoors through opportunities such as climbing, camping, hiking and skiing. She is the co-founder of Inner Drive Adventures.
"Confidence and Strength are Built through Adventures with Us. Come PLAY, LEARN & GROW Your MIND, BODY & SOUL while Developing Friendships & Having Fun. We've put Climbing at Your Fingertips." - Inner Drive Adventures, LLC.
Kommentare