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European Vacation Tour
Europe has always been a popular travel destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, there are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation: 1. Time of...
Here's why you should ride a bicycle!
Here's why you should ride a bicycle! The world is an open road when you’re riding a bicycle! Bicycle riding for recreation is becoming more popular than ever. More main roads are being designed with bicycle lanes, and bicycle trails can be...
Las Vegas skydiving and other extreme sports
The number of extreme sports in Las Vegas, including skydiving
has exploded in recent years. While they offer all of the
standard extreme sports, skateboarding, BMX biking, and things
like skydiving, they also have a chance to offer great...
Snowcat Skiing: What Is It?
Backcountry skiers near Golden, British Columbia travel high into the Rocky Mountains in the warm comfort of snowcats . Traveling in groups of 12, lead by two qualified guides, skiers and snowboarders are carried to elevations of almost 10,000...
Who Needs a Coach?
The athletes that are most hesitant to obtain a coach could often benefit the most. A common perception is that coaching is for "serious" athletes only. In actuality, anyone who wants to work toward a physical goal, or reach their true potential can...
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Indoor Rock Climbing - How Rock Climbing Can Help You Chisel Your Physique
It was a humbling moment, indeed.
At the time, I felt like I was higher than a mountain. I was
running five miles every morning, laboring through a hard day of
strenuous work every day, then hitting the gym every night. I
could rip out pushups in three-digit sets, grind through a set
of 60 dips without cracking a single sweat gland.
Meanwhile, my strength remained in tact. I was benching,
curling, pressing, pulling, and squatting more than ever before.
The higher my gains had soared, the lower my body fat percentage
would drop. Yes, I was in the best shape of my life.
I bounced off my 15-minute warm-up session on the stepper and
was ready to take over this new gym by storm. I had never worked
out at this particular facility before but it didn't matter. At
the time, I felt invincible.
On my way over to the Smith machine, I noticed a small gathering
in the far corner of the gym. All eyes were focused on the wall
where something new, something intriguing had to be whirling up
this fuss.
I strutted over to check this out for myself just as a
middle-aged man came crashing to the floor, his face purple with
exhaustion, his breath caught deep in his gut. He looked like a
soldier returning from battle, as he was instantly consoled by
his awaiting love.
I peered up at the enemy. Hovering above was the most bizarre
piece of fitness equipment I'd ever seen. It was big, it was
strange, it was awkward, it was ugly.
It was awesome.
One look at it and I knew exactly what it was. It was a
rock-climbing machine. It rested on the floor and nearly
extended to the height of the ceiling, a large conveyor belt
that rotated on a metal frame. Along the belt was a series of
synthetic rocks and grooves, designed to simulate an actual
cliff. Along the side was a lever that regulated the speed in
which the belt would rotate.
It was aptly named "The Rock."
Nobody else made a move to tackle this endeavor. Nobody dared.
Nobody except me.
The movie
"Cliffhanger", the Sylvester Stallone flick that
brought the action genre to new heights, was buzzing across
everyone's lips at the time and no doubt had inspired the gym to
purchase such a workout device.
I was feeling a little bit like "Rocky" myself so I emerged from
the crowd like the heavyweight champ and bolstered myself atop
this machine.
What happened next, I'd rather not divulge.
Let's just say that three minutes later, the ego, the self
esteem, the soaring confidence, it all came crashing down off
the wall with me. I sat on the gym in a heap of defeat, my arms
and legs completely shot, my heart racing like a Nissan. "The
Rock" had knocked me out.
The morale of the story (besides keeping your ego in check) is
that rock climbing is one of the most physically challenging
exercises you could possible take on. After all, there has to be
a reason why professional rock climbers are so lean and healthy.
Rock climbing is an exercise that not only strengthens your legs
and upper torso, but it may also be the best method for
improving range of motion.
As imposing as my three-minute bout with "The Rock" may sound,
the apparatus is actually the ideal way to begin this activity.
The resistance of the machine can be set at a very low level for
beginners to accustom themselves to the form and motion needed
in rock climbing.
You can eventually work your way up to a faster pace, which
provides for a sensational workout. I remember feeling a
resounding pump throughout my entire body after just a few
fast-paced minutes on the machine.
Your battles don't necessarily end after you've conquered the
"Rock." Hundreds of rock climbing gyms have been cropping up
across the country and offer the most challenging of programs.
About the author:
Visit our extensive article library at http://www.hsfvitamins.com
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