Losing weight for rock climbing Losing weight will come with a clean diet, trying to speed it up by adding a run will eat in your recovery time and does not help your climbing. com all the time. Made for climbers. Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor Climbing for Weight Loss: Shedding Pounds and Building Muscle Are you looking for a fun and effective way to lose weight and build muscle? Look no further than indoor climbing! This high-intensity workout not only burns calories but also helps tone and strengthen your muscles. Historically, when climbers have posted here questioning whether they should lose weight they were already at a pretty healthy/low BMI. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with Sep 2, 2024 · Emily, a college student tired of yo-yo dieting, found rock climbing to be a sustainable weight loss method. If you want to lose weight, look into exercises that are good for burning calories. See full list on thewanderingclimber. Apr 1, 2012 · Extreme weight loss: While strength to weight is a crucial part of rock climbing, losing a ton of weight or starving your muscles will decrease your long term performance and increase the likelihood for injury and exhaustion. Rock climbing is an awesome workout to complement any weight loss plan, it combines cardio and strength for a great way to burn calories. Every gram or ounce that makes up our being, we must drag up the wall, and thus many climbers seek to be as light as possible. Dec 9, 2023 · Losing weight to climb better isn't always necessary, but here are some tips from a climbing instructor on how to become a great climber. What’s your average? If you track that. Jul 29, 2015 · Ready to get back into climbing shape? Get back on the send train with these 5 Tips to Lose Weight for Climbing! Sep 9, 2020 · Is rock climbing a good workout? It's cardio and strength training, so your body will change as you start to do more climbs. Let me take you through The weight loss made the finger strength differential come in a little more even. Find out the best nutrition and diet advice for climbers. Further, climbers have many sport-specific outlets for training their muscular strength, including campus boards and tread walls, so why does a climber need to add lifting into their routine? Sep 2, 2023 · Weight Loss For those trying to lose weight, rock climbing can be a good exercise that burns calories. It is feasible to use rock climbing as part of a healthy lifestyle to weight loss. Dec 28, 2023 · Others debated whether losing weight will really help performance, while still more questioned the health of competitive climbers that appear as “living skeletons,” and other similar language. Rock climbing and bouldering can be great for losing weight in a healthy and fun way. When you start seeing how much easier some problems get as you get lighter (without going overboard, of course), it will be easier to do what you need to keep your weight down. Rock climbing can be a great workout to help you improve your fitness, get in shape, and lose some weight by burning calories and fat. How fast do you lose weight rock climbing? You can burn up to 500 calories in an hour of rock climbing. This complete eight-phase training series will coach you through specific workouts based on periodization, a proven approach to training that results in peak climbing performance on the rock and in the gym. Rock climbing is great for those looking for weight loss, aerobic or muscle-building workouts. While there is no research to prove that rock climbing can help with belly fat, it may burn as many calories as running at a moderate pace (8 to 11 The Rock Climber's Training Manual is now available order yours here! Controlling body weight is critical to maximizing climbing performance. I definitely agree with u/icantsurf about finding something you can enjoy regularly. Jul 5, 2024 · Rock climbing, an exhilarating and adventurous sport, has captivated the hearts of thrill-seekers worldwide. Here are some of the best workouts for climbers and boulderers. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first Rock climbing is a good exercise to complement any weight loss plan, it combines cardio and strength for a great workout. Explore more in our blog. The more pounds that you pack on your frame, the more weight you have to hoist up so you will reach real limits in what you will be able to climb. Feb 13, 2025 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. While technically there is no “defined” weight limit for climbers If you want to lose weight, try to eat less and exercise more. Reality: With proper instruction, safety measures, and gradual progression, rock climbing is a safe and effective way to lose weight. I've even had staff members at my gym comment on my weight loss and my rapid improvement in my climbing. Addendum (not directly relevant to the question): Can Big Guys and Girls Climb? Best Ways to Lose Weight for Rock Climbing While Staying Strong How to Increase Climbing Strength The Importance of Strength to Weight Ratio of Rock Climbers What is the strength to weight ratio? In simple terms, it’s the number you get after dividing your strength by your weight. How to Lose Weight for Climbing by Neely Quinn I've been sort of dreading writing this blog post, even though I know it needs to be done. In almost all of those situations I recommend looking at their training and their climbing before considering weight loss. I think overall, she is on point with her advice, but her long article may … This week Louis sits down with nutritionist Tom Herbert to discuss all things nutrition for climbing. Reply reply Feb 19, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. Dec 9, 2013 · As high-end sport climbing emerged in the 1980s, another climbing trend also surfaced—and no, we don’t mean the bright pink, tiger-print Lycra that littered the pages of Climbing mags of yesteryear. Backed by science. For weight loss, you want to be focusing on cardio, and climbing is not really cardio. Getting shredded might gain you a grade or 2, but that it, that the end of those gains. Aug 9, 2023 · In the world of bouldering, conversations about weight can often be fraught with misconceptions. As someone who's got a small pot belly and on the higher end of fat% among climbers, I find it way better to train on low bouldering walls and high wall auto belay first for both technique and cardio. At my peak last summer, I was at the bouldering gym daily, hangboarding sessions Designed by a registered dietitian for rock climbers. Apr 10, 2024 · Want to dip your toes into structured climbing training! You’re in the right place! Below are several training programs that are available for free, inspired by Coach Eric Hörst’s two bestselling books on climbing training: Training for Climbing (3rd edition) and The Rock Climber’s Exercise Guide. Can I rock climb if I’m fat? It’s a common fear for beginning climbers to wonder if they’re too heavy to start Nov 22, 2021 · Rock climbing is an excellent workout, but it can be rough if your body isn’t up for it. But is that bad beta? A high strength-to-weight ratio is needed in climbing. I prefer to be around 6-7 pounds lighter than I am now, but I am super prone to gaining muscle really quickly (especially in my back/arms) as opposed to loosing weight. These success stories illustrate the transformative power of rock climbing. Sep 10, 2024 · Myth: Rock climbing is too dangerous for weight loss. Of course, experience and climbing several times a week has something to do with that but I think the weight loss has a considerable effect on it as well. So, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to shed pounds, rock climbing is a perfect choice. This has led to a lot of disordered eating in the community which is why it's a sensitive topic. May 30, 2025 · The coach’s reply: “Lose weight. The safest way to lose weight is to count calories so that you lose 1 pound a week. This can be difficult, depending on your strength-to-weight ratio. I have fully shifted my workout routine to climbing gym Jan 30, 2024 · In conclusion, rock climbing offers numerous benefits for weight loss. Add in healthy eating and you can start losing some weight. These programs are supplements to the material included in these books. At 85kg OP has a lot more to potentially lose than your 9a climber, so it is probably not as necessary. This adaptability makes rock climbing a perfect fit for anyone looking to improve their health and lose weight, regardless of their current fitness level. At 5’7” and 158 pounds, the upper end of a healthy BMI, I’d need to drop 28 pounds, or roughly 18 percent of my body weight, to get close to a 20 BMI. It’s a challenging and fun activity that can help you burn calories, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness. Rock climbing for weight loss as part of a healthy Jun 19, 2023 · Don’t worry about losing your climbing muscles; they’ll stick around as long as you continue to climb regularly and consume 1. If you are a beginning climber you likely won’t burn as many calories while rock climbing, but any type of exercise will still be beneficial to your weight loss goals. Jul 24, 2023 · Why Is Rock Climbing at the Gym Good for Losing Weight? An exercise program thrives when it engages various muscles throughout the body, from the pumping heart to the flexing biceps and quads, demanding them to perform their best. There is a very common misconception among beginners that a Oct 21, 2022 · While you can lose weight rock climbing, your rock climb workouts should be supplementary to an appropriate calorie deficit to achieve your weight loss. Oct 22, 2024 · Rock climbing is an excellent workout for weight loss, as it combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. I'm 5'10 230 and I can climb well. For me, I gain 5 lbs and I go down a grade on overhung problems. This is what my Apple Watch reported. Here's how to approach weight loss in a sensible, science-backed manner. You can burn about 400-500 calories per hour of rock climbing. Soon after I discovered bouldering and it really changed my life at 34 years old. Is this amount of calories burned common? It seems pretty high. Read nutrition labels. Apr 12, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. 2 – 1. Jun 28, 2023 · If you’re interested in trying rock climbing or bouldering to lose weight and get fit, download the Fitpaa app today. Recommended Approximate Weight Limit: 250 lbs. How Bouldering for Weight Loss Outperforms Traditional Cardio Benefits: A Deep Dive into Rock Climbing Weight Loss Have you ever wondered if bouldering for weight loss could outshine the usual suspects like running or cycling? It’s a question more people are asking as their fitness goals get sharper and the hunt for effective weight loss exercises gets more intense. How should Jul 7, 2025 · Rock climbing is a comprehensive exercise that combines strength training and cardio training, making it a viable option for those looking to lose weight. Now, to the question of losing weight without losing strength. Bouldering is awesome motivation for losing weight. However, concerns often arise regarding weight limits, leaving many wondering, “Does rock climbing have a weight limit?” This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of weight and rock climbing, addressing the misconceptions and presenting the facts to empower climbers of Oct 12, 2018 · Many climbers struggle with picking a weight training routine that works for them, and in the popular world of bodybuilding, many misleading sources can lead climbers astray. Welcome to Climbing’s yearlong Training Bible. I’m assuming as I get comfortable with climbing it will get lower. By incorporating the techniques and tips outlined in this guide, you can harness the power of rock climbing to achieve your weight loss goals. I was the nutritionist/blogger over there, and every single Aug 25, 2020 · In climbing, using our body weight for training, all of these are more or less affected by how much and what we eat: Training loads in climbing is our body weight and is heavily dependent on what we eat. However, though weight loss can improve climbing performance, not all weight loss is good weight loss with respect to climbing and overall well-being. Because climbing is a strength to weight ratio sport, a lot of climbers will focus losing weight to send higher grades. “Rock climbing and bouldering are excellent for building muscle, particularly in the upper body and core. How many climbers actually suffer from eating disorders? Mar 13, 2020 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. I was wondering if anyone has lost weight climbing or just generally gotten fitter and toned? My rock gym does have a little workout area also. For more detailed We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 12 in a day or two with just a little coaching and picking the right route. Dehydration: Athletes lose a huge amount of performance potential while dehydrated. Swimming or fast hiking are good alternatives if you can’t run. Jan 25, 2022 · Download the app. Unfortunately, weight loss is not a gimme for most people. Climbing requires engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which helps to build overall muscle mass. However, let me reassure you that regardless of the specific discipline, climbing is completely possible and enjoyable at any weight and for any body type. Sep 5, 2023 · Weight limits in rock climbing can be a common concern for beginners and individuals with larger body types. The actual data of competitive climbers: Rock climbing is an excellent comprehensive, full-body workout. Aug 19, 2020 · Are you looking to lose a couple pounds in the hope to climb stronger? Here's five tips to help you lose weight for climbing. Training intensity is depending on how much fuel you have in the tank and how hard you are able to push yourself while training. A person can expend up to 500 calories climbing for an hour, depending on the difficulty of the ascent. 158 votes, 128 comments. . But with your current finger strength, you can see gains while just training. Clearly, many climbers have thoughts about body weight, eating disorders, and performance. Climbers go to great lengths to develop finger and upper-body strength, with the aim of improving their strength-to-weight ratio in order to resist the pull of gravity. The only way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories than you burn, every diet is just an attempt to trick yourself into eating fewer calories, but it's a crapshoot. Here's what you need to know. A significant factor why we tend to be heavier in modern society is our everyday lives and that we always have food available. Nov 1, 2023 · Rock climbing may also help with weight loss by building muscle. Losing too much weight If you’re trying to lose weight to make yourself lighter on the climbing wall, make sure you don’t lose so much that it’s unhealthy. With that said, I am looking into losing some weight myself, which is going to be difficult, and I might have to do some tracking after all to get the consistency you mention. You also want to make sure you’re still strong when you’re on the wall. Losing too much weight too fast can affect your overall climbing performance and your recovery times. Many climbers—particularly competitive climbers—try to optimize that by losing weight. ” Climber weight loss is bad beta Most climbers think that the simple act of losing weight will help them climb better. If you’re new to rock climbing, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. Jun 7, 2024 · In The Rock Climber’s Training Manual, the Anderson brothers recommend that climbers be generally fit, with 10 percent body fat for men and 20 percent for women. Nov 22, 2021 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. I canceled my gym membership and got a rock climbing gym membership. Body weight became a huge factor in the sport; some climbers were unhealthy about it and developed serious eating disorders. That is a good rate for long-term sustainable weight loss. Jan 20, 2019 · Start by Climbing Slabs When the rock surface steepens to vertical, you do have to use your arms and shoulders to help lift your body upward. This time last year I started my weight-loss journey. It's funny because I used to write about how to lose weight on paleoplan. Fall in love with running to make effective changes to body composition. While some can stay effortlessly lean, many struggle to change their habits to a […] Nov 8, 2023 · Would you like to know whether bouldering is suitable for weight loss? Well, the article contains everything about bouldering and how it can help. Tips On How To Effectively Lose Weight With Rock Climbing Take part in the rock climbing activity weekly, at least two or three times per week. Nov 22, 2021 · Losing Fat without Losing Strength Unless you’re a naturally strong, ultra-thin climber, you’ve probably considered dropping weight for rock climbing. It's best to stick with climbing cliffs Oct 30, 2017 · No matter if you are perfectly fine with your weight and just want to climb, or if you want to climb and lose some weight, climbing is a great activity to do it - don't let yourself be talked out of it by obviously badly informed peers. com Mar 27, 2021 · More and more people are finding that indoor rock climbing and bouldering are great forms of exercise. Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. Lets lose the question of "should you lose weight for rock climbing" and just commit to the statement that rock climbing in any form is awesome for everyone. Ready to Elevate Your Fitness? Assuming you're relatively muscular, climbing trips (at least 7 days) are a good way to lose weight. Rock climbing will give you some amazing workouts that will be exciting, challenging, and tons of fun, not to mention addicting. Both can be done outdoors but nowadays most people will start at a climbing gym. Placing MY ideal climbing weight around 20 BMI but ideal training weight around 22. Limiting refined carbs, such as white rice, white bread, baked goods and sweets, pasta, and sugar-packed snacks will help with climbing weight, performance, and health. This article aims to demystify the relationship between a climber's weight and their bouldering abilities, providing a balanced perspective for Jun 7, 2024 · In The Rock Climber’s Training Manual, the Anderson brothers recommend that climbers be generally fit, with 10 percent body fat for men and 20 percent for women. Discover the physical demands, required fitness, and tips for getting in shape. A lot of people are wondering what weight would be best for climbing or if they need to adjust their calories, so here it is. That said, climbing is not a good weight-loss sport. As a Paraclimber, Craig DeMartino has some advice for the rest of us. If weight loss is the primary goal, then cardio may be the best option over climbing which is both strength and cardio. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of indoor climbing for weight loss and how you can Indoor climbing for fitness and weight-loss. Many climbers, especially beginners, wonder if there's an "ideal" weight for bouldering and how their own body weight might impact their performance. Whether you are working out indoors or climbing real rock surfaces outdoors, your muscles, heart, and mind will thank you. It provides a full-body workout, effectively burns calories, and improves cardiovascular health. Definitely, I would even say cleaning up the diet and skipping the running will benefit you more for quality climbing sessions. Losing weight to gain climbing performance is one of the most short sighted ways to progress in climbing. Regular climbing and a balanced diet helped Emily lose over 20 pounds and develop a passion for fitness and adventure. With various physical and mental benefits, it’s worth exploring whether rock climbing is a better sport for weight loss compared to other forms of exercise. as for weight restricting Climbing it's a little more difficult then that. Here’s how to lose weight the right way. Learn how rock climbing can help you lose weight while offering a fun and challenging workout experience. It can burn calories and build muscle mass, which burns more calories at rest than fat. It can help you reach your goal faster and provide consistency. I am also a climber, who, when he decided 4 years ago to get serious about sport climbing, lost 20 lbs. Let’s delve into the details, using key aspects of fitness, nutrition, and climbing-specific factors. trueI'm surprised by the lack of people suggesting rope climbing first. Focusing on losing weight to increase your strength/weight ratio would make more sense once you have trained your strength extensively, so any additional gains will be hard to come by. Make sure you drink regularly. Aug 12, 2024 · Rock climbing has gained popularity as an exhilarating sport and an effective way to stay fit. Tom supports world-class rock climbers with nutrition coaching and mindset training, so it was Today I am answering the question is rock climbing good for weight loss? Rock climbing is excellent for weight loss because it works multiple muscle groups, promotes calorie burn, muscle development, cardiovascular health and enhances overall fitness. In writing this post I was thinking of the older archtype of climbharder posters. Jun 27, 2022 · Climbing requires good cardio, strength, and endurance. If you're going to climb, climb because you like doing it. 8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Lower body weight is more helpful for sport/route climbing than bouldering, and that is typically reflected in pro climbers as well. Indoor rock climbing and bouldering are becoming more and more popular as fantastic forms of burning fat. You can use a calorie calculator such as the one linked below. If you eat 200 calories less per day and rock climb a few days per week, you could easily lose 1-2 pounds per week. Feb 8, 2022 · How to Lose Weight for Climbing Climbing Nutrition: How Much Protein Does a Climber Need? Let’s Talk E Numbers: Climbing Nutrition Optimizing Post Exercise Recovery Video: How to Use Food to Heal and Climb Better (It’s Easier Than You Think) The Real-Life Diet of a Badass Rock Climber… Who’s Vegetarian and Lives in a Van Here is a chart of the most popular professional climbers, their height and weight. With the popularity of rock climbing as a sport and a form of exercise, understanding the potential weight limits and the associated risks is crucial for all climbers and even more so for beginners to avoid injury. May 25, 2016 · Weight loss doesn’t need its own dedicated phase in your yearly training cycle, but you do need to be smart about where you mix it in. Jan 14, 2020 · Foxys/Creative Market You wouldn’t be wrong if you believed it’s advantageous to be light for performance rock climbing—we all know it’s helpful to feel like you’ve slipped through gravity’s fingers. Jul 3, 2023 · Think beyond cardio equipment or weights and consider rock climbing for weight loss. Our Realtime Guidance technology can help you stay on track and motivated throughout your fitness journey. Nov 20, 2025 · Is rock climbing good for weight loss? Absolutely, as it offers a full-body workout that can burn 500-900 calories per hour while building strength and Tried out bouldering this past Friday as I’m looking for something fun for weightloss. Aug 9, 2024 · Rock climbing is an exceptional activity that combines fitness, adventure, and weight loss. Climbing is a ridiculous sport in general. How do rock climbers get so lean? The weight can take a massive toll on your arms and even hinder effective gripping. Lace up your climbing shoes, harness up, and embark on an exciting journey towards a fitter and healthier you. I (23F) recently got back into competitive climbing, but I’ve noticed it’s a lot harder for me to get back to my ideal weight for climbing. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first and get the OK. Jul 24, 2021 · Is There a Weight Limit for Rock Climbing? While being lightweight intuitively helps in having a good performance, weight affects climbers of different disciplines differently. Nov 22, 2021 · What is the weight limit for indoor rock climbing? However, we like to encourage everyone to try rock climbing regardless of physical shape and size. Rock climbers’ weight is generally lower because they look skinny. They work very hard (and proud) on Aug 17, 2024 · Is Rock Climbing a Good Workout for Weight Loss? Yes, rock climbing is a great workout for weight loss. But I honestly think I could get someone capable of OAP's climbing 5. Oct 5, 2004 · I've read a good deal of the research on weight loss and am currently working on a paper on the effects of certain diets on body weight for eventual publication. Yes, weight matters in climbing performance (especially hypertrophy outside of finger flexors and pulling muscles). Without hard evidence, but i think weight managment in boulderers or sportclimbers plays a slightly different role. With the right amount of cardio worked in to lose weight, falling from height would become way Nov 8, 2023 · Learn how fit you need to be to start rock climbing. Sep 27, 2016 · Optimal Weight Achieving an optimal climbing weight can be difficult, but straightforward, healthy methods exist. While you might not get the same calorie burn from indoor rock climbing off the bat, you have a clear progressive element that most weight loss plans can’t match. They don’t have to strain their arms to carry their lightweight body. But is there a hidden cost to rapidly losing weight? Moreover, is there a more advantageous and sustainable way to change body composition? Physiological effects of rapid weight loss With rock climbing, you’ll probably start indoors using top-roping and eventually advance to climbing outdoors. More mentally engaging than stationary equipment, you’ll have fun while getting in a great workout. Reply reply more repliesMore replies Groghnash • been climbing for two months, and i'm really enjoying it - but what i've noticed is every single good climber literally weighs almost half my weight (and i dont see anyone climbing near my weight) I weigh 284 lbs, 6'1. Looking at finding new sports to lose weight and burn fat? Rock climbing exercises and bouldering can help with toning your body and to get in shape. Losing weight if your over is always a good thing. But it's definitely not what limits beginner performance or something you should worry about at this point, especially for you with your low bf%. I think dropping weight comes really into play when you want youre endurance climbing to improve. That's because, typically, boulders require more raw power and you aren't really worried about pumping out. I'm a little out of shape, trying to lose weight now and drop to maybe 250 ~ Apr 7, 2023 · Balance is crucial for rock climbing and mountain sports. Climbing – for both strength, and fitness Feb 15, 2022 · 7 Steps to Lose weight for Climbing Came across an article called “ How to Lose Weight for Climbing” by Neely Quinn. qywal azebj tecdy tgwl kxeda qqoucpz kqrqgp prekrf jswns vff hcodw svleag phjbhi zvejdx rapvd