5 tips for preventing climbing injuries

Below is an excerpt of an article that wrote for the REI Climbing Blog on how to prevent rock climbing injuries. To read the entire article, please visit:

Click Here to View the Full Article on Preventing Climbing Injuries at the REI Climbing Blog

Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. With the number of climbers at nine million and growing, overuse injuries are occurring at an alarming rate. It’s always better to prevent injury than to deal with the painful consequences. That’s why if you’re a climber, learning these five concepts of prevention can help you climb injury free.

1. Have a Daily Prevention Program

Perform Static Stretches

Due to the repetitive nature of climbing, your muscles can become overdeveloped and tight. Tight muscles can pull and strain the tendons where they attach to the bone, and can increase resistance to movement. This makes it more challenging to reach distant holds with your arms and legs. Static stretching on a daily basis is an effective way to lengthen your muscles and increase your overall flexibility. Static stretches are typically held for up to 30 seconds. Make sure to stretch your hips, shoulders, wrists and fingers.

Perform Antagonist Exercises

Antagonist muscles oppose the muscles that you primarily use to climb. They create movement in the opposite direction. Weak antagonist muscles can leave you highly susceptible to overuse injury. Strengthening your antagonist muscles daily balances your body and can decrease the likelihood of getting hurt. Exercises such as rowing, triceps presses, and wrist and finger extensions help develop your antagonist muscles.

Read an in-depth discussion on antagonist muscle exercises.

2. Warm Up Properly

Do Dynamic Stretches Before Climbing

Dynamic stretching is the most effective method of stretching prior to an activity. The stretch is performed by taking the muscle through a full range of motion lasting 2-3 seconds and then returning to the starting position. It is important to perform dynamic stretching for ten minutes prior to climbing on the wall. Dynamic stretching will increase the blood flow to your muscles, tendons and joints, and can help prevent injury.

Start with a dynamic warm-up routine.