(1096 words)
It is clear that each person's needs a certain leisure activity or hobby in one’s life. Thus, it can help one to get away from everyday routine and to experience something new. It is always nice to do something that brings one pleasure and positive emotions. For each person it could be different activity. Some enjoy watching TV, others are fond of reading. Many people prefer collecting various objects. As for me, the best leisure activity is rock climbing. It is an activity that is beneficial for both: physical health and emotional state.
First of all, it is important to mention the general aspects of climbing. Thus, rock climbing may be practiced both indoors and outdoors, depending on the people's opportunities and possibilities. For instance, those people who have just taken this sport prefer to go to indoor climbing gyms. They consider them to be much safer and easier. Such gyms are mainly useful due to the fact that they may help people to understand whether they are really into climbing. However, outdoor climbing is extremely popular as well. It is very spectacular and may be described as a great challenge for people. Many people who choose this kind of climbing are risk taking and adventurous. They are always fascinated by the beauty of nature and want to test their strength. Indeed, a lot of people would surely agree that climbing is truly a fulfilling experience.
As for me, I have started to show interest in climbing since childhood. For instance, I did a lot of tree climbing with my friends. We always had a lot fun doing it. Later I learned about climbing gyms. I realized that I wanted to give it a try. I spent the whole day at the gym practicing and I enjoyed it a lot. I learned how to work with gear and how not to be afraid of height. Since that time rock climbing became one of my favorite recreational activities. Moreover, I not only practice it indoors but outdoors as well. For instance, in summer I went camping and participated in rock climbing with other people who are interested in this activity. I truly enjoyed that event and learned a lot during it. I also got acquainted with many interesting people. Of course, I still cannot call myself a professional climber and I am not able to do it without the assistance of professional trainers. However, I really enjoy doing it and I will do my best to succeed in this field.
In general, it is possible to talk about two major benefits of rock climbing. First, it can improve people's physical health. Thus, many people hardly realize that climbing is a professional sport. Moreover, climbing requires a lot of muscle groups. In fact, it requires the work of both upper and lower body. Any type of climbing requires the work of back and legs. Shoulders, arms and fingers are exercised as well. If a person does the climbing on a regular basis, one’s muscles become more flexible. Indeed, the more you climb, the more stronger and fitter you become. Of course, it is very hard do to it at the beginning. When you just start climbing it seems that all your muscles are aching. The main thing here is not to give up and continue practicing. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Nevertheless, despite some difficulties, climbing positively affects people's physical health.
It should be also noted that rock climbing has a positive influence on people's emotional state. When you do climbing, you always feel a great adrenalin rush. This activity is rather rewarding. Of course, it requires a lot of control and concentration and may be called a certain challenge. However, when you finally climb the wall, you are totally proud of yourself and experience a sense of achievement. Climbing may surely improve one’s self-esteem and can help people to realize that they are capable of doing incredible things. It can help people to concentrate more on their strong sides rather than weak ones. It is also worth of note that climbing may teach people to be aware of their bodies and to trust themselves. Thus, while climbing people should be aware of all their movements. During the process of climbing people should understand where to put their feet and arms. They should understand how their body reacts to this or that movement. As soon as the person starts to feel one's own body, climbing doesn't seem to be so difficult any longer. All in all, it is clear that climbing teaches people useful skills and attitudes that could be applied to real life as well. It teaches people concentration, patience, problem solving and other essential skills.
It should be also noted that there are some misconceptions regarding rock climbing. For instance, some people believe that only athletes can take up this kind of sport. It has nothing to do with truth at all. In fact, practically any person can start climbing. This kind of activity is perfect for people of all ages, regardless of their physical abilities. So, at the beginner level, each person is capable of climbing the wall. Physical training is not number one concern as it will be improved after constant trainings. The main task here is to learn the techniques and to have the desire to climb. Indeed, while visiting climbing gym, it is possible to see there not only young people, but also children and elderly people. It surely proves that climbing is the kind of sport which is available for all kinds of people.
It is also worth of note that some people consider rock climbing to be too risky. It is not exactly true. Of course, as any kind of sport, it requires certain risks. However, it is a person who can choose whether one wants it to be risky or safe. For example, climbing indoors with a professional trainer cannot be described as risky at all. If you use all the necessary equipment correctly, there are low chances that you would get injured while climbing.
