A new way of exploring the wilderness, the goal of rock climbing is simple enough: to reach the summit or endpoint of a wall or route without falling down. It is an extreme sport, full of adrenaline, but a popular and social hobby that can appeal to everyone.
Pros:
- Gets you outdoors: fresh air and vitamin D
- It’s a very social hobby
- Known for its friendly community
- Fitness: good for building muscle endurance & strength
- Good anaerobic exercise (short bursts of energy)
- Decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Enhances memory, learning and performance skills
Cons:
- Requires specialist equipment (ropes and harnesses)
- You’ll usually need a group of people
- Requires patience and determination
- Slight risk of injuries
- Reliant on the weather
Find your nearest climbing community via the British Mountaineering Council