fitness tone in her arms and legs has increased and her stamina has improved substantially. “I used to get tired after a couple of minutes,” she says. “I would be hanging there and my arms would be giving out and I’d have to come down. Now I can move back off the rope and keep going.” As with almost any effective workout, climbing can be tough at the onset. Most people should aim for 30 minutes of activity, says Horan. “If you’re having trouble getting started, work your way up to it,” she says. “Start with five minutes, then continue adding on an extra five minutes until you make it to 30.” And, once you get there, you will see even more improvement in your overall physical health, as Derdzinski learned. Her balance, coordination and core strength have also improved.
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omen looking to intensify their workout have plenty of options in the climbing gym. The downclimb is a big one, says Morgan Boswell, assistant manager at The Edge. Unlike rappelling, where the climber leans backward at 90 degrees and bounces down the side of the wall or rockface, downclimbing literally involves climbing down. “When you downclimb, you are constantly moving and constantly working,” she says. “You are toning different muscles and building your strength up.” Bouldering, with its lower walls, can be especially attractive to people interested in strength training, thanks to shorter distances but harder moves and no safety rope. Whether you opt for climbing or bouldering, the sport is different for women than it is for men, says Boswell, who not only sees men and women climb at her gym but regularly climbs with her boyfriend. Thanks to height and strength, men can typically do climbs in fewer moves, while women tend to be more technical, says the gym manger. Men will jump or lunge for the next little crimper, while a woman’s moves are often smaller and rooted in thoughts of “what’s my next move, and my move after that?” INTERESTED IN But no matter your gender, age, physical fitINDOOR CLIMBING? ness level or body type, climbers often say this Check out these area gyms. is one of the more entertaining ways to lose weight or work out, and a way to work your A.I.R. - Albany’s mind and your body. Indoor Rockgym “When it comes to fitness … there’s no sense 4C Vatrano Road, Albany in forcing yourself through a workout that 459-7625 you’re dreading,” says Horan. “Have fun and airrockgym.com get a great workout in at the same time. Cardio plus muscle toning plus rock climbing equals The Edge quick, effective and fun.” HL 1544 Route 9, Halfmoon 982-5545 theedgehalfmoon.com Visit timesunion.com/healthylife for our exclusive online video demonstrating grips and tips on the indoor rock wall.
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RockSport 138 Quaker Road, Queensbury 793-4626 rocksportny.com
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