What is Rock Climbing? Rock climbing is a sport in which people climb natural rock or indoor, artificial rock walls. The goal of the sport is to reach the top of the rock formation, rock wall, or end of a rock climbing route without falling. Competitions don't only involve finishing the route or reaching the top; they can also include time constraints and route difficulty. Rock climbing can also be done as a recreational activity, where climbers help each other reach the summit rather than compete against each other. Whether performed as a sport or as a recreational activity, rock climbing is difficult, both physically and mentally. It doesn't just take strength and endurance; it also takes a lot of mental effort. Rock climbers use their hands to support and balance their bodies and their mental acuity to find hand and footholds along the path. Rock climbing can be very dangerous, and climbers use special equipment and techniques. There are many different rock climbing styles that vary all over the world. Rock climbing is recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee, although it's not an Olympic sport. The sport can be separated into two categories. The first category is aid climbing, which means that you use something as a hand or foothold. This form of rock climbing was more popular in the mid-twentieth century. The second category is free climbing, or rock climbing without artificial foot and hand holds. Free climbing is very popular today, especially amongst daredevils. Due to the increase in rock climbing as a sport, grading systems have been created so that climb difficulties could be measured. Some see rock climbing as harmful to the environment, as most human activity is. Rock climbers can introduce new species of plants to different areas, cause erosion, littering, and other harmful effects. Many rock climbers try their best to cause as little damage as possible, but some damage is usually unavoidable. Outdoor rock climbing is often done during good weather conditions. Many try to climb when it is dark our stormy outside because it offers more of a challenge, but this is not recommended. Rock Climbing as a Workout One of the best ways to get better at rock climbing is to practice. If you want to get into rock climbing, it is important to seriously consider what level at which you can perform. If you perform at a higher level that is appropriate for your skill set, you could become seriously injured. The best, and safest, way to get into rock climbing is to find a local gym with an indoor, artificial rock wall. Begin on the beginner side, the side with more hand and foot holds, and work your way up to the more advanced side. Most gyms will have a limit to how difficult their indoor walls will be, so once you master the most difficult side of your gym's wall, you might be ready for natural rock climbing. Just make sure that you have the proper equipment for the type of rock formation you want to climb, and for the weather condition in which you will be climbing. The same rules apply for outdoor rock climbing as for indoor climbing. Make sure you only climb to your level. Don't try to do too difficult a climb if you aren't ready. Rock climbing can be fun and challenging if done safely. If rock climbing sounds like something you would like to do, make sure that you take the proper precautions and get started climbing!