Climbing for beginners

In short: Climbing trains strength, coordination, and mental focus all at once. Climbing gyms with top-rope or bouldering areas offer a safe way to start without owning equipment.

In more detail: In rope sport climbing, a partner belays, while in bouldering you climb without a rope at a lower height over mats.

In detail

• Basic equipment: Climbing shoes, a harness, and for rope climbing a belay device are the most important pieces of equipment.
• Belaying technique: An introductory course on correct belaying is essential before climbing independently with a partner for the first time.
• Bouldering: Without a rope but with thick mats as fall protection, bouldering is especially well suited for an easy start.
• Difficulty grades: Coloured markings on the holds indicate the difficulty of a route or a boulder.
• Hold technique: Different hold types such as crimps, jugs, or pockets require different hand techniques.
• Body tension: Not just arm strength but especially core tension and leg technique are crucial in climbing.
• Injury prevention: Warming up fingers and shoulders significantly reduces the risk of tendon injuries (krafttraining-fuer-anfaenger, dehnen-und-beweglichkeit).