Bouldering weight loss ” Climber weight loss is bad beta Most climbers think that the simple act of losing weight will help them climb better. It provides a full-body workout, effectively burns calories, and improves cardiovascular health. [Long post with progress pictures and videos] Aug 12, 2024 · Rock climbing can help you build strength and endurance, and it’s excellent for mental health. If you can hang 20 mm edge for 7 seconds at 190 lbs, you could hang it with 16 lbs added assuming no strength loss. Designed for all fitness levels, our program focuses on building strength, burning calories, and improving overall health through fun and challenging bouldering My goal is weight loss (especially around the belly) and general fitness. Every kilogram that I lost was immediately noticed on the walls. 1. At 5’10 and 175 your BMI is 25. If you eat 200 calories less per day and rock climb a few days per week, you could easily lose 1-2 pounds per week. 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. I'm fairly certain I was burning at least 500 calories a visit when I was climbing more. However, concerns often arise regarding weight limits, leaving many wondering, “Does rock climbing have a weight limit?” This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of weight and rock climbing, addressing the misconceptions and presenting the facts to empower climbers of Here is a chart of the most popular professional climbers, their height and weight. If you plateau and want to loose weight at some point, go for it. Muscles get toned the more you climb and practice and as they adjust to the demands of the bouldering. I was also lifting weights 2 times per week, walking for an hour every day and maintaining a sustainable caloric deficit that was enough to lose weight at a rate of about 1 lb per week Rock climbing burns between 400 to 600 calories per hour, depending on your weight and the exertion level of your climbing. I don’t think you calculated your BMI correctly. Since then i have been climbing 2-3 Times a week, mostly indoors bouldering with some occasional top rope. The actual data of competitive climbers: We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Bouldering is a high intensity exercise that targets most major muscle groups of the body. Being big isn't the only "in shape" there is - and if you read, so many of the posters have terrible flexibility. If you’ve never considered rock climbing, think of it as a personal challenge to try something new. 158 votes, 128 comments. The Rock Climber's Training Manual is now available order yours here! Controlling body weight is critical to maximizing climbing performance. That is a good rate for long-term sustainable weight loss. For me, I gain 5 lbs and I go down a grade on overhung problems. It’s a challenging and fun activity that can help you burn calories, build muscle, and improve your overall fitness. 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 5 10 190 lbs. Nov 18, 2025 · Weight loss for performance purposes has always been seen as taboo, particularly in the world of lead climbing and bouldering competitions. 10 instead of 1. If you type "climbers" into any search engine and click images, you'll see pictures of strong-looking folks ascending impossible-looking mountain faces. Climbers often feel stronger, more capable, and energized, with noticeable changes in their physique and confidence. Aug 9, 2024 · Are you looking for an effective and enjoyable way to lose weight? Rock climbing might be the perfect solution for you. 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. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first and get the OK. trueI'm surprised by the lack of people suggesting rope climbing first. If it puts you at calorie deficit, you will lose weight. Unfortunately, weight loss is not a gimme for most people. It is feasible to use rock climbing as part of a healthy lifestyle to weight loss. Nov 29, 2021 · Whether you choose to climb at an indoor rock climbing gym or out in nature, here are some of the benefits and results you might experience after a month (and beyond) of workouts: Muscle toning/sculpting Cardio and endurance improvements Improved mood and confidence Motivational boost Fewer injuries, aches & pains Let’s take a closer look at each and how rock climbing exercise changes your body. In fact, bouldering uses the same muscles groups used in weightlifting. But can you really lose weight by practicing rock climbing or bouldering? The answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. Nov 9, 2025 · Weight loss for performance purposes has always been seen as taboo, particularly in the world of lead climbing and bouldering competitions. If you’re new to rock climbing, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. But what I can promise is that you’ll get a balanced, nutritional diet that will benefit your body for rock climbing. Rock climbing can be a great workout to help you improve your fitness, get in shape, and lose some weight by burning calories and fat. This adaptability makes rock climbing a perfect fit for anyone looking to improve their health and lose weight, regardless of their current fitness level. Engaging in activities like biking, jogging, swimming, rowing, and hiking on weekends complements bouldering well. I saw some improvement with at home workouts, but my dog makes it tough lol. Just started bouldering this week for weight loss at a little over 300lbs! Trying my hardest on these V0s Climbing changed my life [clickbait off]. Mar 26, 2021 · This article lists down some of the best and fun exercises that you can consider for weight loss. Jul 3, 2023 · Think beyond cardio equipment or weights and consider rock climbing for weight loss. You can burn about 400-500 calories per hour of rock climbing. See full list on climbingfacts. Sep 30, 2025 · Bouldering is an effective way to lose weight and increase muscular mass, which ultimately boosts metabolism and aids in fat burning. Rock climbing and bouldering can be great for losing weight in a healthy and fun way, but the best way for a climber to lose weight is through a combination of diet and Jun 20, 2006 · Get that Belly Off! Check out this rock-climbing weight loss success story, from the fitness experts at Men's Health. Gaining bouldering strength vs weight? This article explores the better option for bouldering and also focuses on raising awareness of eating disorders and performing pressure. If you are a beginning climber you likely won’t burn as many calories while rock climbing, but any type of exercise will still be beneficial to your weight loss goals. Rock climbing will give you some amazing workouts that will be exciting, challenging, and tons of fun, not to mention addicting. This thrilling activity not only provides a full-body workout but also helps burn calories and improve overall fitness. Jun 23, 2024 · Calorie Burning Bouldering is a high-intensity exercise that can burn a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time. Jul 7, 2025 · Rock climbing is a full body workout that can burn a significant number of calories, depending on your weight. Oct 21, 2022 · Rock climbing really is a whole body workout, you’ll work your grip strength, back, shoulders, arms, leg muscles, and your core muscles will be lit up! Why is rock climbing good for losing weight? Does rock climbing burn fat? Weight loss or Strength gains? Hey r/bouldering! I started bouldering about 4 months ago and i am really enjoying it. Nov 1, 2023 · Rock climbing may also help with weight loss by building muscle. Bouldering targets the whole upper body (forearms, arms, back), core, back and lower body (glutes and legs). 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. However, if finding a climbing gym is tricky and you have access to a regular gym, they do have access to a variety of activities from cardio to classes to weights, and can be a great option. First, you need to make sure you are practicing these activities regularly and consistently. Nov 22, 2021 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. Yes, people lose weight bouldering, and people do so intentionally to climb better because it's just simply easier to climb up a wall with less weight dragging you down. 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. Weight Loss 101 What’s a Calorie? Aug 11, 2025 · Transform your body and mind with our Certified Specialist Programme in Bouldering for Weight Loss. Effective Climbing Techniques for Weight Loss When it comes to indoor climbing for weight loss, using effective climbing techniques can make a big difference in shedding pounds and building muscle. If weight loss is the primary goal, then cardio may be the best option over climbing which is both strength and cardio. (rock climbing, calories burned) 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. com Aug 17, 2024 · Is Rock Climbing a Good Workout for Weight Loss? Yes, rock climbing is a great workout for weight loss. That's because, typically, boulders require more raw power and you aren't really worried about pumping out. Imagine Sarah, a 35-year-old office worker, struggling with weight gain. Many climbers, especially beginners, wonder if there's an "ideal" weight for bouldering and how their own body weight might impact their performance. May 15, 2022 · You may be surprised that rock climbing can burn more calories than you think. I was the nutritionist/blogger over there, and every single Does bouldering make you lose weight? Is Rock Climbing Good For Weight Loss? Rock climbing and bouldering can be great for losing weight in a healthy and fun way. Jan 17, 2024 · Due to the established importance of nutritional intake on athlete health and performance, educational support should be employed to improve knowledge in climbers and address shortcomings. Soon after I discovered bouldering and it really changed my life at 34 years old. Jun 28, 2023 · In fact, a 155-pound person can burn up to 500 calories in just one hour of rock climbing or bouldering. The answer is probably yes, as long as that weight loss is accompanied by preservation or increased strength. That would mean losing 16 lbs. While rock climbing can contribute to a caloric deficit and increase muscle mass, a balanced diet is crucial for effective weight loss. 0. Rock climbing especially as it increases grip strength and you're working with your own body weight. Here's how to approach weight loss in a sensible, science-backed manner. Climbing is a ridiculous sport in general. Climbing requires engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which helps to build overall muscle mass. Bouldering as a workout is indeed mediocre however bouldering as motivation was the best for me. Related: Climbing Nutrition—The Sports Nutrition Pyramid Bouldering athletes typically possess a lean physique, similar to the characteristics of sport climbers with reported body fat values of 6-12%. A lot of people are wondering what weight would be best for climbing or if they need to adjust their calories, so here it is. The combination of strength and cardio involved in climbing can help you burn calories both during and after your bouldering session, making it an efficient way to support weight loss goals. Here are some key techniques to focus on: Proper Footwork 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. Spend time learning to move deliberately and learning to weight and trust your feet. Mar 27, 2021 · More and more people are finding that indoor rock climbing and bouldering are great forms of exercise. Aug 12, 2024 · Rock climbing has gained popularity as an exhilarating sport and an effective way to stay fit. 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. Many climbers—particularly competitive climbers—try to optimize that by losing weight. You can definitely burn more with exercise, but in practice, it's easier to track the input side and titrate up or down based on actual weight loss than it is to titrate exercise up and down. I’ve tried to go to the gym so many times - but due to some pretty intense gym anxiety I can never stay consistent for more than a month or so at a time. Lost 25+ kg, progressed far beyond my wildest hopes and expectations. Let me take you through Apr 12, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. Bouldering can absolutely help you lose weight. I'm currently 91kg (186cm) and have a mainly sedentary lifestyle (which is what I'm trying to change). I definitely agree with u/icantsurf about finding something you can enjoy regularly. Bouldering routes are shorter but much more intense than rock climbing routes. 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. I also really love bouldering/climbing so I've got both a membership at a climbing place and one in a "regular" g Nov 20, 2025 · Besides weight loss, rock climbing can provide benefits like improved strength, endurance, and mental toughness. When you prefer indoors, you can consider bouldering, which is also sometimes referred to as a more challenging version of wall climbing. More mentally engaging than stationary equipment, you’ll have fun while getting in a great workout. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, check with your doctor first Those activities will make you extremely well rounded (strength, flexibility, endurance, etc) as they are total body workouts. Jan 30, 2024 · In conclusion, rock climbing offers numerous benefits for weight loss. If you incorporate rock climbing, and eat the same amount as previously, you will probably lose weight. Your body composition will start to shift naturally. trueI have had periods of time where I've lost significant weight, and climbing is a great workout which definitely helps a lot. The real way to lose weight is to ensure that you’re consuming fewer calories than you’re burning, not trying to burn calories as much as possible. Climbers go to great lengths to develop finger and upper-body strength, with the aim of improving their strength-to-weight ratio in order to resist the pull of gravity. I was wondering if anyone here had any success bouldering (rock climbing no harness) for weight loss. I kept losing weight because I wanted to climb longer and harder routes. My Fitbit would say close to 100 kcal, so I think it's safe to assume you at least burn half of that. They work very hard (and proud) on This time last year I started my weight-loss journey. While some can stay effortlessly lean, many struggle to change their habits to a […] Nov 10, 2023 · Bouldering has swiftly climbed the ranks as everyone's new favorite sport, and for good reason! Here are 10 surprising benefits of bouldering, backed by real academic research. This article aims to demystify the relationship between a climber's weight and their bouldering abilities, providing a balanced perspective for How Bouldering for Weight Loss Outperforms Traditional Cardio Benefits: A Deep Dive into Rock Climbing Weight Loss Have you ever wondered if bouldering for weight loss could outshine the usual suspects like running or cycling? It’s a question more people are asking as their fitness goals get sharper and the hunt for effective weight loss exercises gets more intense. For weight loss, you want to be focusing on cardio, and climbing is not really cardio. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. So, if you’re looking for a fun and challenging way to shed pounds, rock climbing is a perfect choice. Feb 13, 2025 · Weight loss helps many medical conditions, and rock climbing is an excellent way to drop a few pounds. Lower body weight is more helpful for sport/route climbing than bouldering, and that is typically reflected in pro climbers as well. If you Jun 23, 2024 · This makes indoor climbing an effective way to support weight loss goals. Placing MY ideal climbing weight around 20 BMI but ideal training weight around 22. Incorporating rock climbing into a regular exercise routine and pairing it with a healthy diet can promote weight loss and overall fitness. If you want to lose weight, look into exercises that are good for burning calories. Ready to Elevate Your Fitness? How fast do you lose weight rock climbing? You can burn up to 500 calories in an hour of rock climbing. Let’s delve into the details, using key aspects of fitness, nutrition, and climbing-specific factors. As someone who's got a small pot belly and on the higher end of fat% among climbers, I find it way better to train on low bouldering walls and high wall auto belay first for both technique and cardio. Athletes strive for a low body weight to improve power to weight ratio and limit the load on the extremities. And def get more toned. Our comprehensive course combines the exhilarating sport of bouldering with expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, and mental wellness. What’s your average? If you track that. That said, climbing is not a good weight-loss sport. Your main inputs are food, and your main output is weight and leanness. Body mass can block view of footholds and interfere with movement along against the wall. It's funny because I used to write about how to lose weight on paleoplan. Add in healthy eating and you can start losing some weight. Lace up your climbing shoes, harness up, and embark on an exciting journey towards a fitter and healthier you. When you start seeing how much easier some problems get as you get lighter (without going overboard, of course), it will be easier to do what you need to keep your weight down. How much weight did you lose? And what was the corresponding increase in your max grade? Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open comment sort options [deleted] • Comment deleted by user Reply reply Duhh_kotah • Rock climbing is a great way to help you burn some calories and excess fat to lose weight, as long as you are in an overall calorie deficit. People here will be cautious with giving you advice on losing weight to get better. I’m assuming as I get comfortable with climbing it will get lower. Initially, she's frustrated by her lack of strength and endurance. Rock climbing for weight loss as part of a healthy 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. com all the time. Even normal weight people drop pounds to climb higher grades, and yes it can be effective. Starting a sport in order to lose weight can be good but will more shape the body than automatically cause weightloss. Both can be done outdoors but nowadays most people will start at a climbing gym. Nov 8, 2023 · Would you like to know whether bouldering is suitable for weight loss? Well, the article contains everything about bouldering and how it can help. However, bouldering and climbing is literally the best, but I wouldn't do it to help you lose weight. Feb 19, 2016 · Rock climbing is a weight-intensive sport. Losing weight before going all in in a very high-joint-impact-sport (such as somewhat serious running and more serious running?) Can be a good thing. However, over several Can an overweight person do bouldering? Many heavy people have successfully taken up the sport and find themselves enjoying it enormously. Rock climbing is an awesome workout to complement any weight loss plan, it combines cardio and strength for a great way to burn calories. Jan 14, 2020 · performance rock climbing—we all know it’s helpful to feel like you’ve slipped through gravity’s fingers. Aug 9, 2023 · In the world of bouldering, conversations about weight can often be fraught with misconceptions. This is what my Apple Watch reported. If you're going to climb, climb because you like doing it. Sep 5, 2023 · Rock climbing can be an effective workout for weight loss, as it engages various muscle groups and helps burn calories. My climbing at the time was 3 three sessions a week for 3 ish hours per session. Indoor rock climbing and bouldering are becoming more and more popular as fantastic forms of burning fat. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 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. With the right amount of cardio worked in to lose weight, falling from height would become way Tried out bouldering this past Friday as I’m looking for something fun for weightloss. 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. Thus, this sport is a great way to shed a few pounds or if you want to increase your fitness level. Learn more about the benefits of rock climbing in this guide. Overweight people who lose pounds with regular bouldering find themselves with a strength and technique advantage. Supplementing regular cardio helps to tone the body and make the strength to weight ratio increase. Dec 14, 2024 · Supports healthy weight maintenance or weight loss goals. Jan 18, 2023 · Bouldering is more strength-oriented than rock climbing All forms of climbing obviously require strength but this is especially noticeable in bouldering where the increase in difficulty from one grade to the next often lies in the amount of strength you can output. May 30, 2025 · The coach’s reply: “Lose weight. “Rock climbing and bouldering are excellent for building muscle, particularly in the upper body and core. Additional benefits of bouldering include helping improve balance, increase body awareness, and encourage mental Bouldering is awesome motivation for losing weight. Your strength to weight ratio would be 1. The question is, how many calories can rock climbing burn? Let’s explore the science behind calories, calorie deficits, and the fitness and exercise implications of rock climbing. To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Rock climbing is excellent for weight loss because it works multiple muscle groups, promotes calorie burn, muscle development, cardiovascular health and enhances overall fitness. Oct 22, 2024 · Rock climbing is an excellent workout for weight loss, as it combines strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Dec 3, 2023 · Bottom Line: Is Rock Climbing Better Than a Gym? Rock climbing can be better than a gym if you want to go outside, meet new people, and workout without really feeling like you’re working out. Can I rock climb if I’m fat? It’s a common fear for beginning climbers to wonder if they’re too heavy to start Jan 17, 2024 · Keywords: climbing, nutrition, bouldering, sport climbing, weight loss, competition, supplements Citation: Gibson-Smith E, Storey R, Michael M and Ranchordas M (2024) Nutrition knowledge, weight loss practices, and supplement use in senior competition climbers. I have fully shifted my workout routine to climbing gym Summary Rock climbing is a great option if you’re looking to lose weight. That’s on the fence of being overweight and normal according to most websites. It also provides a sense of achievement and can bring diversity to your workout routine. That’s what we’d recommend for beginners as it means can learn in a safe environment. . Our writer (a bouldering Jun 7, 2024 · But sustained weight loss can be more challenging than the latest Eva Lopez contrasting deadhangs program because strength building comes through changing your exercise program, while long-term weight loss requires changing your life. Jul 5, 2024 · Rock climbing, an exhilarating and adventurous sport, has captivated the hearts of thrill-seekers worldwide. Generally bouldering is a good way to both stay/get fit, but done without care you can also injure yourself very easily. But is that bad beta? A high strength-to-weight ratio is needed in climbing. For an average person weighing 185 lbs, they burn about 920 calories per hour of climbing. With various physical and mental benefits, it’s worth exploring whether rock climbing is a better sport for weight loss compared to other forms of exercise. The only reason to exercise more than climbing for weight loss is so that you can have a caloric deficit of at least 500 calories per day (if you want to lose 1 pound of body fat per week) without falling below your basal metabolic rate (falling below this for prolonged periods of time will lower your metabolism and when you return to 'normal You should increase climbing time and decrease weight lifting time. 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 Aug 9, 2021 · If you’re looking for a better understanding on the particular muscles you use in rock climbing, or rock climbing for weight loss. Lets assume you reach a bmi of 25. Obesity, however, can be an issue for technical reasons. According to lattice 20 mm hang data that would probably translate to around one V -grade improvement in finger strength. Rock Climbing Rock climbing is a fun sport regardless of whether you do it indoors or outdoors. Additionally, bouldering also improves flexibility, strength, endurance, and Sep 10, 2024 · Rock Climbing for Weight Loss: Benefits, Tips & Workout Plans – NutriphyPart 1: The Microcosm – Individual Climbing Experiences Let's start with specific examples. It is especially good at strengthening the arms, shoulders, and back, but also requires good leg and core strength. Moreover, intentional weight loss for climbing competition is common, with most athletes achieving ~3-8% body w … Rock climbing is a good exercise to complement any weight loss plan, it combines cardio and strength for a great workout. She begins indoor bouldering, focusing on short, intense climbs. It’s a fun yet challenging weight-loss activity regardless of your body type and weight. 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. Is this amount of calories burned common? It seems pretty high. kkns zrodvsv jeznm zoye ycd cjssq qzqfvce zyqcd owhrtx tnneegt llgizvsna ayfvnqz fkfwlp roqzczta eznlkc