| People visiting an indoor climbing gym for the first | | | | The outdoor rock climber will answer the question a |
| time or wandering into one by accident are often | | | | bit differently. Rock climbing is a sport that requires a |
| heard to ask a question. Why climb indoor instead of | | | | great deal of skill and the ability to use special |
| outside? | | | | equipment and techniques to do it safely. The indoor |
| You might get a different answer depending on who | | | | gym gives the opportunity to practice and learn |
| you ask. The physical fitness advocate will tell you | | | | these skills in a safe manner before tackling the |
| the purpose is to enhance physical fitness. Rock | | | | outdoor climbs that are the true purpose of the |
| climbing, indoor and outdoor, is a sport that involves | | | | sport. They might also point out that the major |
| excellent physical conditioning. It also requires | | | | advantage of the indoor gym is the fact that it is |
| strength, especially upper body strength. It requires a | | | | indoors. This allows practice and conditioning during |
| sense of balance and also a great deal of self | | | | winter months and during adverse weather |
| confidence. One purpose of indoor climbing is to | | | | conditions. |
| increase the levels of all of these areas. | | | | |