The Retort

Fitness in the Vertical World

October 23rd, 2009 by Kalan Horton For The Retort

Are you tired of counting calories, vegetable diets, and jump squats? In the age of power juicers, protein shakes, and ten minute workouts, exercisers are seeking an alternative means to get fit while having fun. Some MSU Billings students are dropping their gym memberships and taking flight in the vertical world for a fun way to get a great workout.

Granite Health and Fitness personal trainer and avid rock climber Lindsay Robinson says, “Rock climbing is one of the best ways a college student can get fit, have fun, and connect. It is a full body workout that challenges not only the body, but the mind as well.”

For a fitness plan to be successful, it needs to be done constantly over a period of time. Many gym-goers see fitness as a chore, not a hobby. Climbing offers exercisers a unique, exhilarating way to get fit without focusing on counting reps or moving weights.

Local climbing gym SteepWorld has been open since 2005 and has established itself as the only climbing gym in the Billings area. Jim Rott, owner and climbing veteran, teaches the Health and Human Performance beginning and advanced rock climbing classes here at MSUB. Rott says, “Many students take my rock climbing classes for elective credits, but some discover and pursue it as a lifelong hobby.”

SteepWorld offers recreational climbing for beginning and advanced climbers. Gym climbing is a great way to learn the fundamentals of the sport in a safe environment. The gym floor consists of 5 inch foam cushioning for safety. The gym has space designated for top rope climbing, a beginner level of climbing that applies basic rope skills, and bouldering, the climbing of shorter routes, called problems, that uses no ropes.

“We just want people to get people excited about climbing. It doesn’t matter what fitness level you are currently at. Climbing fulfills the requirements for a good workout on all levels,” says Rott. So if you are currently choking down the last drop of your creatine supplement, or wondering what happened to your summer six pack, climbing is a great way to mix up your fall fitness routine.