Is bouldering a good way to lose weight. As others have said, climbing isn't really a weight loss activity. It's funny because I used to write about how to lose weight on paleoplan. I go bouldering twice per week and running 3-5 times a week usually running 5k. I think overall, she is on point with her advice, but her long article may deter some from reading, which in People here will be cautious with giving you advice on losing weight to get better. Rock is great for burning calories, and is a great way to get a whole body resistance workout in and burn some fat without feeling like a slave to the gym. Aside from the obvious muscles such as the back, shoulders, and arms, bouldering also targets the core and legs. That said, I always found cardio to be good for weight loss. There are a few general tips that can help the majority of climbers lose weight, but before I get into that, I want to clarify a few things about body weight. ” Climber weight loss is bad beta Most climbers think that the simple act of losing weight will help them climb better. The best advice is to build foundational strength, get diet in check, learn basics and foundations of training including recovery, and extremely light bouldering/top roping. Not a great lower body muscle builder. Mar 1, 2024 · The following exercises are a sample strength training workout created by Rob for one of his rock climbing clients. I actually gained a little weight and lost my cardiovascular fitness when I dropped weight lifting and running for climbing because I loved it so much and had limited free time. Like any fitness endeavor, climbing burns calories, so it does contribute to weight loss. Apr 12, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. 13 I could get my hands on) or so. I feel best/healthiest around 145/140. Reply reply TheSunflowerSeeds • Reply reply Assuming you're relatively muscular, climbing trips (at least 7 days) are a good way to lose weight. com Jan 12, 2024 · Share This Post Table of Contents Is rock climbing a good way to lose weight? It’s a tricky question. Jun 22, 2024 · Hundreds of fad diets, weight-loss programs and outright scams promise quick and easy weight loss. Engaging in activities like biking, jogging, swimming, rowing, and hiking on weekends complements bouldering well. What is the “real” way to lose weight, what actually works? What are the best meals and exercises for weight loss? Jun 19, 2025 · Do you want to lose weight as quickly as possible? When it comes to fast weight loss, it’s important to take a healthy approach. there are far more effective ways to train climbing technique and strength so doing 10 lb weight bulk and cuts just to train so your body can climb at a heavier weight is just extremely…. Feb 15, 2022 · Came across an article called “ How to Lose Weight for Climbing” by Neely Quinn. If you can not do 8 reps you need to decrease the weight. Read on to learn what makes rock climbing a workout, the potential health benefits, and Building muscle will help burn fat, and indoor rock climbing burns off calories too. Most elite level climbers sit at around 135lb-165lb (from what I can tell). Overweight people who lose pounds with regular bouldering find themselves with a strength and technique advantage. And it is a good use of time, it is specific, and it helps with weight loss. Nov 10, 2017 · Is rock climbing a good workout? We asked one of our lead trainers about the physical health benefits of rock climbing. It is especially good at strengthening the arms, shoulders, and back, but also requires good leg and core strength. From talking about why it’s good for weight loss to discussing the importance of your diet when it comes to bouldering, we’ll cover it all. Learn how to lose fat and shed pounds safely and effectively. Your body composition will start to shift naturally. Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. Its unique blend of physical challenges engages multiple muscle groups and burns calories efficiently. Feb 23, 2020 · Many people look to climbing as a fun and effective way to exercise with the goal to lose weight and improve their appearance. My Recommendation OK, so we have heard some compelling reasons for and against running. A significant factor why we tend to be heavier in modern society is our everyday lives and that we always have food available. Strength training to build muscle also boosts your metabolism and makes those insulin receptors more sensitive, helping you to lose weight. However, rock climbing very much makes me want to lose weight and get ripped. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first Hey all, I'm interested in whether I can use bouldering as a way to get fit / exercise method or whether I'm going to have to lose weight and gain muscle before I start. I mostly boulder out of convenience but I also sport, trad, freesolo, and mountaineer. Bouldering is a high intensity exercise that targets most major muscle groups of the body. It’s easy to track, and doesn’t require any additional testing for new holds. Add in healthy eating and you can start losing some weight. If your weight loss efforts have hit a wall, why not climb it? Rock climbing is becoming an increasingly popular activity, and for good reason: rock climbing is a challenge for both the body and the mind, an invigorating workout that can boost your metabolism, strengthen your muscles and, of course, be a lot of fun. 5 to 2. In a way Nov 1, 2023 · Rock climbing offers a way to relive those childhood moments while getting an incredible full-body workout. Learn one way to increase this ratio via optimizing body composition. Weight loss is 90% dietary. com all the time. If you’re new to rock climbing, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. 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. Exercise is always the first thought in mind when it comes to losing weight, but not all people are born with the drive to do it. But at what point does body weight really start to matter? Is it v7? v10? v13? At what point does "being strong" hit its limit and the only way to climb harder is to weigh less? This means it’s time to up the difficulty. Ever notice how men tend to lose weight more easily than women? It’s because they have more lean muscle mass. My plan was to basically maintain my gym split but to climb on back days instead. This isn’t a bad goal to have, but bear in mind that rock climbing is a sport that takes a certain level of investment before you’ll start to see physical results. Oct 22, 2024 · Rock climbing is an effective way to lose weight, but how does it compare to other forms of exercise? In terms of caloric expenditure, rock climbing can burn similar calories to other high-intensity activities like running, cycling, or swimming. Now you've got zero excuses to lose the last five pounds! Besides building a good base level of forearm strength before you engage in more intense off-the-wall training, bouldering also trains core and upper body strength in a very sport specific way. Your medical weight loss program is the perfect time to try new things Jun 27, 2022 · Climbing requires good cardio, strength, and endurance. Feb 27, 2025 · The good news is you can do something about insulin resistance. Ready to Elevate Your Fitness? Avoid low fat versions of things because typically they taste less good and they have more sugar. Sep 5, 2023 · Weight limits in rock climbing can be a common concern for beginners and individuals with larger body types. So I'd lift weights for chest May 22, 2025 · Bouldering is a sub-category of rock climbing that involves climbing small, artificial rock formations called boulders. Go bouldering, or do some resistance training FOR climbing. Dec 14, 2024 · Bouldering encourages you to stretch, reach, and move your body in different ways. This training will workout the forearms to improve strength. The best way to do this is by increasing the weight you’re holding. It also connects to lots of really good weight loss activities such as hiking. Mar 16, 2024 · Fontainebleau sunshine: the best way to train for bouldering is to go bouldering (Image credit: Getty Images) As we stated in our guide on how to train for climbing, the best way to train for any form of climbing is… to go climbing. Sep 9, 2020 · climbing, exercise, rock climbing, weight loss, workout - September 09, 2020 Climbing for Weight Loss: Is Rock Climbing a Good Workout? It's pretty obvious that climbing is a good work out. Doesn't mean you have to lose 16kg "to get good" but perhaps you could see this as a good motivator to lose some weight. Especially so if you do some harder routes. Many climbers, especially beginners, wonder if there's an "ideal" weight for bouldering and how their own body weight might impact their performance. Unless you are super skinny and can't gain muscle very well- you aren't trying to gain as much muscle mass, all over your body, as you can. All repetitions should be high enough that you can just do 8 - 10. Placing MY ideal climbing weight around 20 BMI but ideal training weight around 22. See full list on outuro. Nov 8, 2023 · But what can bouldering be used for? Is bouldering a good form of exercise? Will it help you lose weight? In this article, we’ll discuss why bouldering is a great addition to your exercise routine. You did that indirectly, by cutting on carbs, eating high protein (which is usually satiating), and doing daily exercise. I think this is the right answer here in this thread…. Probably wouldn't recommend doing both on the same day unless your eating well. Without hard evidence, but i think weight managment in boulderers or sportclimbers plays a slightly different role. Rock climbing offers a dynamic and effective way to lose weight while building strength and endurance. Body Composition First of all, body weight alone is not a good indication of your body composition. Here are the 25 best diet tips, which you can start implementing now. Apr 1, 2025 · Lose weight quickly: Fad and stringent diets are not sustainable in the long run. Burning calories - If you want to lose weight, rock climbing is your game. These are the best science-backed diets recommended by nutritionists. Apr 29, 2025 · To lose weight, a person must take in fewer calories than the body burns. 5 pounds (lighter climbers try lighter weight; if that feels too easy, go for 2 or 2. Jun 9, 2025 · Bouldering is an effective way to lose weight and increase muscular mass, which ultimately boosts metabolism and aids in fat burning. Like others have said Aug 9, 2023 · In the world of bouldering, conversations about weight can often be fraught with misconceptions. Jul 3, 2023 · Think beyond cardio equipment or weights and consider rock climbing for weight loss. However, it's great motivation to try to lose weight. Jun 28, 2023 · In fact, a 155-pound person can burn up to 500 calories in just one hour of rock climbing or bouldering. That being said, you should pair good diet with exercise, and climbing can be that exercise. 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 When you lose weight, you lose mass. Depending on the type of rock-climbing you do, rock-climbing can replace HIIT workouts, cardio, and resistance training. . 12's/working any . You should increase climbing time and decrease weight lifting time. It’s thought that it could be one of the best full body workouts around. So yes it will help you lose some weight, provided that you keep rest at a minimum and don’t just chat your way around the gym. Although it looks easy and fun, many people fail to appreciate the degree of physical exertion required to master this sport. Climbing Magazine | Bouldering, Trad, Alpine, and Sport Climbing Redirecting The only way to lose weight is to ingest less calories than your body uses. In terms of cardio, honestly, don’t over do it with tons of heavy cardio. In this article, learn how to lose weight safely by making long-term lifestyle changes. Jun 27, 2024 · With climbing centres popping up around the country, bouldering – a form of climbing which involves scaling low walls without ropes or harnesses – is blowing up. Jan 2, 2018 · There are many things you can do to lose weight and improve health. And yes, bouldering does work out the entire body. And by filling up on a massive breakfast, I found it much easier to eat less throughout the day. But can you really lose weight by practicing rock climbing or bouldering? The answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. May 30, 2025 · The coach’s reply: “Lose weight. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Aug 3, 2010 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. 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. Rock climbing in particular is pretty biased toward pulling, although if you're a good climber you'll push and use your legs quite a bit as well. Practicing portion control is a quick way to do this. There are probably faster ways to burn calories than climbing, chiefly aerobic activities such as running and swimming. But how is rock climbing a good sport to lose weight? Read […] Aug 17, 2024 · Is Rock Climbing a Good Workout for Weight Loss? Yes, rock climbing is a great workout for weight loss. If you think about the work required to burn 500 calories (whether that's running, climbing, whatever), that's more effort than reducing your intake. Our writer (a bouldering Another good way to improve forearm strength is using a dumbbell. More mentally engaging than stationary equipment, you’ll have fun while getting in a great workout. Many climbers—particularly competitive climbers—try to optimize that by losing weight. However, bouldering and climbing is literally the best, but I wouldn't do it to help you lose weight. Dec 13, 2024 · The best diets for weight loss are safe, sustainable, and healthy. Body mass can block view of footholds and interfere with movement along against the wall. To that end, I am more motivated to eat a little better, do some cardio and yoga, and do strength training than I would otherwise be. Losing weight is the fastest way to go up grades imho whether or not you have technique down (though technique is the most important for successful long-term climbing). Regular rock-climbing, combined with a healthy diet, should be able to help you lose weight. Unfortunately, weight loss is not a gimme for most people. Once I realised that fat is fine but sugars and carbs are the problem I started to lose the weight. Aug 11, 2021 · Is rock climbing a good way to lose weight? And how does it compare to other exercises? A look at all things weight loss for rock climbing and bouldering. If you can easily do 10 reps you need to add weight. Jan 25, 2016 · With these creative diet and exercise ideas, you'll have fun while you lose weight. I find that your rate of improvement is fastest when you're climbing for at least an hour (closer to two is ideal), three times a week. Remember, these are just samples, you may need to adjust the weight or number of sets and repetitions. The safest way to lose weight is to count calories so that you lose 1 pound a week. Most gyms have a bit of both and it’s worth trying each one. If you kept a good steady HR for, say, 3 sets of 10 minutes each, it would be good fat burning cardio and have better specificity since it’s actually climbing. Here are some of the best workouts for climbers and boulderers. Mar 27, 2021 · Is Bouldering Good For Weight Loss? We’re talking about both bouldering and rock climbing for weight loss in this article as they’re very similar. Feb 8, 2022 · Complete beginner's guide to bouldering training. Of course you can do this yourself in a spreadsheet, but it helped me tons to lose some weight responsibly over the course of a few months. Cutting back on what you eat is a far easier and more effective way to lose weight than exercise. I think dropping weight comes really into play when you want youre endurance climbing to improve. Jul 29, 2015 · Answer: I can’t. I find this a great way to compliment different muscle groups as well as improving fitness. How you do that, in a sustainable way, while maintaining power and performance is another question and something I'm terrible at myself :- ( Can an overweight person do bouldering? Many heavy people have successfully taken up the sport and find themselves enjoying it enormously. Is Rock Climbing Good for Weight Loss? Rock climbing is a comprehensive and dynamic workout that combines stretching, cardio and the use of your muscles, making this type of workout great for weight loss. Bouldering will build muscle in upper body and core. Learn more here. Your body contains 4 basic components: muscle, fat, water, and bone. As an alternative, you can do other ways to burn fat, including sports such as rock climbing. As a fellow 5'8. Jan 14, 2020 · performance rock climbing—we all know it’s helpful to feel like you’ve slipped through gravity’s fingers. Feb 13, 2025 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. Rock climbing is excellent for weight loss because it works multiple muscle groups, promotes calorie burn, muscle development, cardiovascular health and enhances overall fitness. 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. Learn about gear, nutrition, hangboarding, on-the-wall workouts, and more! Oct 21, 2022 · Why is rock climbing good for losing weight? Does rock climbing burn fat? Resistance training is an important part of weight loss as you want to build and preserve calorically expensive muscle tissue. But is that bad beta? A high strength-to-weight ratio is needed in climbing. You can use a calorie calculator such as the one linked below. Distance running is a great way for me to burn a large number of calories. Roll the dumbbell up your fingers to a fist. An hour of climbing can burn up to 600 calories, depending on the intensity and duration of the climb. In terms of diet and weight loss, I highly recommend this calorie tracking app called MacroFactor. Rock climbing is also an excellent form of exercise for a variety of reasons, which we’ll dive into below. 5 pounds) to every set in your next workout. I’ve seen so many ways to “lose weight” certain drinks, pills, keto, fasting, putting trash bags over you to sweat more, certain exercises, etc. Add 1. You should also try to limit refined sugars where possible as they cause inflammation throughout the body. Rock climbing is a good exercise to complement any weight loss plan, it combines cardio and strength for a great workout. 80-90% of weight loss is diet. Every pound matters and if you fall in love with climbing, you will almost certainly want to fall back into good habits. Best way to lose weight is through diet. 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. inefficient? Hi, I recently started bouldering and I'm loving it! I've been going to the gym for quite a while now aswell and built a pretty good physique. Either way, it’s one of the most effective ways to burn calories and lose weight. 12 around 155. If you type "climbers" into any search engine and click images, you'll see pictures of strong-looking folks ascending impossible-looking mountain faces. We believe that a healthy lifestyle encompasses more than just physical Feb 28, 2025 · Fad diets and rapid weight loss can be unsafe and often lead to regaining weight later on. Given your description of your build, I don't think you have anything to gain via weight loss until you're climbing harder than V7. This article aims to demystify the relationship between a climber's weight and their bouldering abilities, providing a balanced perspective for Dec 9, 2024 · Highly effective, well-researched ways lose weight include limiting processed foods, drinking more green tea, and taking probiotics. Additional benefits of bouldering include helping improve balance, increase body awareness, and encourage mental Sep 27, 2016 · Nutrition is highly individualistic, but following these simple guidelines will put you on a path to optimal performance. But you need to also have a healthy diet and nutrition to lose weight! Feb 19, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. Training methods There are four popular methods of training grip strength. The muscle group you use most when climbing is your back, particular your lats. My knuckles have gotten pretty burly, though. So, is climbing a good workout? Whether you’re bouldering, rock climbing, indoor climbing, or lead climbing, it’s safe to say that climbing is a good workout. That means consuming fewer calories than you burn. Since I've been getting kinda bored in the gym I thought about going climbing more instead, however I don't really want to lose my muscles. Aug 9, 2024 · What To Know In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of rock climbing for weight loss, exploring its benefits, techniques, and tips to help you achieve your goals. good way to stay active, but if you’re goal is to lose weight or get stronger you should just be running/weights/tracking food and boulder because it’s fun. But the best way to lose weight and keep it off is to make lasting lifestyle changes. Obesity, however, can be an issue for technical reasons. My goal is weight loss (especially around the belly) and general fitness. These healthy changes include eating a balanced diet and moving more each day. Here I go into each only briefly but include a link to a separate article on Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, our general fitness tips page provides information on a range of topics, including workout plans, the best gear available now and tips for staying motivated. 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. Jun 19, 2023 · Strength-to-weight ratios are key performance indicators for climbers. Experts estimate that you can lose around 400 to 800 calories per hour and this depends on your weight and the amount of energy that you spend. This adaptability makes rock climbing a perfect fit for anyone looking to improve their health and lose weight, regardless of their current fitness level. This is called a calorie deficit. For optimal weight loss, it's advisable to incorporate bouldering workouts 3-4 times a week. Because rock climbing is such an intense aerobic activity and it requires a healthy body weight to be So, what is a good diet for rock climbing? Rock climbing requires fresh vegetables, healthy fats such as omega 3 and omega 6, unprocessed foods and lean proteins. Climbing is a strength-weight ratio dependent sport afterall so it makes sense to lose weight to perform better but I think you need to make sure you don’t get carried away with this logic. I can still climb 5. A good way to lose weight would be rope climbing once a week, ideally up down up like on an autobelay. After reading our new guide, you’ll be on your way to losing weight quickly in five simple steps. We’ll get to the ultimate take away in a second, but here is my recommendation. While technically there is no “defined” weight limit for climbers We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. But even then you can slowly build up as you train. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first and get the OK. Lower body weight is more helpful for sport/route climbing than bouldering, and that Supplementing with creatine monohydrate (5g/day, no need to load) can help build muscle faster and help speed in muscle recovery, you will gain a little water weight until you stop taking it but that'll just aid in the strength training aspect of climbing by giving you more to lift (and I think the strength gains will outweigh the water weight). I've been climbing for ~8 years now and I cut weight every season for my projects outdoors. Read his insights here. It’s a challenging and fun activity that can help you burn calories, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness. First, you need to make sure you are practicing these activities regularly and consistently. Seems like a good way to gain a bunch of weight that's just going to be hard to lose later. In fact, bouldering uses the same muscles groups used in weightlifting. Sep 1, 2020 · (APA Westcott) BAM! So, there you go. Bouldering offers a fun way to improve your body, while also improving your mind, confidence, and reducing stress levels. Mar 17, 2023 · Being the most powerful and dynamic form of rock climbing, bouldering is the ideal full-body workout. If you plateau and want to loose weight at some point, go for it. While some can stay effortlessly lean, many struggle to change their habits to a […] Dec 8, 2023 · Is Rock Climbing an Effective Way to Lose Weight? Losing weight requires hitting a calorie deficit. It’s essentially the same technique and goals over different heights. May 14, 2025 · Fast weight loss is rarely easy, but it is possible to lose weight safely and efficiently with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Nov 14, 2023 · Rachel MacPherson, CPT, breaks down the 10 best weight loss exercises to help you melt stubborn body fat for good. Nov 22, 2021 · Rock climbing is an excellent workout, but it can be rough if your body isn’t up for it. 11+/5. yeah, in terms of “getting fit” I think bouldering isn’t that great of a workout. Many climbs require you to step high, twist, or stretch to grab holds, which naturally improves flexibility and range of motion over time. 5" climber, My peak climbing weight WAS 130/135 (onsighting or flashing all 5. Here are six tips to help you start your weight-loss journey. I also really love bouldering/climbing so I've got both a membership at a climbing place and one in a "regular" g I'd never tell someone to lose weight to improve their climbing unless they are overweight but if you are, one of the best things you can do to improve not only your climbing but your general health is to get to a more manageable weight. As a fitness regime, I feel like rock climbing doesn't make me lose weight or get ripped. Check out r/loseit for a lot of good information. Here's how to approach weight loss in a sensible, science-backed manner. I'm currently 91kg (186cm) and have a mainly sedentary lifestyle (which is what I'm trying to change). lbjfbkay mcwydkp xljk dknusjy iexruzh qpp byjxph perl xnzgg lbxsew
26th Apr 2024