The workout and expert insight to help you reach great heights
The rock climber’s workout
While there’s nothing quite like digging your fingers into real rock, you can develop many of the strengths needed to climb outdoors without ever setting foot on a wall. Mischke created a workout that builds total-body power, the ability to transfer that power through the core, and finger and grip strength to help you transition from indoor to outdoor climbing.
Try the rock climber’s workout >>>
Interested in hiking and other outdoor activities this summer? Join Equinox Explore for upcoming Day Trips in Upstate New York.
Find climbing near you
“You can find some good climbing in every state,” Drinkwater says. Mountain Project features a route-finder that can help you locate both bouldering and top-rope routes by location, difficulty, and other factors.
However, to get outside, the easiest way can be to go through your local climbing gym and community, checking the bulletin board for upcoming outings. For example, Brooklyn Boulders’ BKB Wild program offers one-day and multi-day climbing trips with instruction throughout the country. REI also hosts introduction to outdoor rock-climbing courses and day-long sessions in local parks. Many cities have climbing clubs as well as Facebook and Meetup groups.
Stay safe
A degree of risk is inherent to all climbing, but outdoors, added challenges such as finding routes, setting anchors, and potential rock falling from above, raise that risk.
For that reason, for your first outing, you should go with a trusted guide, accredited through an organization such as the American Mountain Guides Association or International Federation Mountain Guides Association. While optional in bouldering surfaces lower than 10 feet, it’s vital with top-roping. “I generally recommend people go out once or twice with a guide before letting more experienced friends lead, and to climb 50 to 100 pitches before leading,” Drinkwater says, explaining that you can ask your guide to teach you how to set anchors and more.
Safe outdoor climbing also involves the use of helmets, crash-pads, and protective clothing. “It’s much easier to get scratched up outside than it is in the gym,” she says. “Do not wear shorts, make sure knees are covered, and stick with durable fabrics.” Always bring first-aid supplies with you, sunscreen, bug repellant, food, and water.
“Climbing should be fun and enjoyable,” Drinkwater says. “Take the ego out of it, and focus on the experience, not the numbers.”
Photography by Luke Schneider
Images: Top: Eric Mischke, Middle left: Emilie Drinkwater and Mischke, Middle right: Drinkwater, Bottom: Mischke