How to Avoid Climbing Injuries

Climbing can be a very interesting and rewarding pastime. However, the same hobby you take so much pride in can also be very dangerous. Whether you are new to the world of climbing, or an old pro, the following steps will help you to prevent climbing injuries.

Instructions

    • 1

      Warm your body up by stretching and lightly jogging prior to your climb. You never want to start a climb of any height of length without properly warming the muscles in your body. Without doing so, you are more likely to experience muscle cramps, strains and sprains.

    • 2

      Practice your balance. This is one of the most important characteristics of successful and safe climbing. Balance can be improved in a variety of ways. Kickboxing and Yoga classes stress balance and having strong legs will also increase your ability to balance yourself better.

    • 3

      Train on a climbing apparatus or wall no more than 4 times a week. If you exceed this recommended time, you are increasing your chances of receiving injury. There is such a thing as over training. You can cause tiny stress fractures throughout your body from excess training.

    • 4

      Rest. This could be one of the most important rules a climber should live by. You demand a great deal of your body as a climber and you must let it rest so it will remain in top notch shape.

    • 5

      Climb safely. Do not ever take for granted that your equipment is safe to use. Check every piece of your equipment prior to every climb. Also, never take chances with climbing. If you feel uncomfortable about a climb, chances are you should not continue with it.

    • 6

      Prepare. No matter what kind of climb you are going to participate in, make sure you are completely prepared for anything the climb may throw at you. Good preparation will eliminate accidents and injury.

    • 7

      Maintain strength in your hands and fingers. This can be done by exercising you hands and fingers on a daily basis.