Five fun facts about indoor climbing

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Although it’s increasing in popularity as one of the biggest growth sports in the world, indoor climbing actually has a pretty rich and long history. Home to record-breaking experiences, including the region’s tallest climbing wall, The SUMMYT, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is sharing five little-known facts about climbing to encourage you to take a step towards trying an adventurous new hobby.

Indoor climbing is a full-body workout: It is safe to say your forearms will get a real workout from indoor climbing, this challenging sport will put to the test almost every muscle you have. Core strength, legs, and glute strength are crucial to propel yourself upward. Your back muscles will also be working overtime to help keep you stable as you scale new heights.

The Italians did it first! Indoor climbing gyms can be found all over the world nowadays, yet the first one is said to have popped up in Bolzano, Italy, in 1974, by acclaimed mountaineer Erich Abram. A passionate and accomplished climber, he inaugurated the centre to allow climbers the chance to continue their training and hone their skills during the cold winter months.

Just what the doctor ordered: Typically regarded as a form of physical recreation, indoor climbing has also been used therapeutically. In recent years, it has become a popular form of rehabilitative therapy for children with autism and adults with brain and spinal injuries. The act of climbing supports the reconnection of neuropathways, enhances socialisation and improves concentration and focus.

Indoor climbing contributes to bigger hands! As bizarre as it sounds, research shows that there is a larger cross-sectional area on the bones in a climbers’ hands in addition to a greater total width than the average person.

Climbing made its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Climbing first started as a sport in 1800s England, but it didn’t become an Olympic sport until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! 18-year-old Spaniard Gines Lopez hit the top of the 15-metre wall in just 6.42 seconds and took home the world’s first gold Olympic medal for climbing.

Whether you are an athlete or a complete beginner, a kid or an adult, indoor climbing is a sport that can be experienced by almost everyone. With five climbing walls of varying height and difficulty, a visit to the UAE’s ultimate indoor adventure hub CLYMB Abu Dhabi will give you the adventure of a lifetime.