How strong are rock climbers?

Question

How strong are rock climbers?

Answer 1

most of them look scrawny but have very dense muscles bones and tendons, particularly in the arms, so they can do things like 1 arm pull ups and pretty much poke a hole in you with their finger.



like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAkqIG2Zbn4

Answer 2

It depends on the level of the rock climber, the amount of strength they use as compared to technique, and their training routines. In general, rock climbers are stronger overall that a normal, sport-free, person. Although the biggest gains are in hands and forearms, legs are used to push yourself in, and the core is used, especially on steeper routes. Rock climbers normally don't develop big muscles. Instead, their muscles are denser. With rock climbers, it's also about the strength to weight ratio instead of brute strength. Top rock climbers can do pinky-finger pullups. However, they only pull their body weight up instead of a fixed amount. Naturally, a 150-pound guy and a 300-pound guy would have a large difference in ability, even with the same strength and technique. Another thing about rock climbing is that technique normally matters more than strength, since you can't do 50 pull-ups on bad holds up the wall. (Well, someone might be able to, but...) Rock climbers are also normally tall and thin instead of thick and muscular.

Answer 3

Joey, just like any sport, the level of strength will depend upon the level on which one participates. Professionals will be the most developed in not only strength but also technique and skill. While recreational participants will understand the concepts but of course wont hold a candle to the pros.

Also, it depends on how one measures "strength". For rock climbers it isnt about brute strength or how much one can bench press. It is more about strength in relation to personal weight. Professional rock climbers have amazing strength to weight ratios. Straight up strength is of little value. Compare a power lifter to a rock climber and the power lifter will be able to max out more on bench or squat, but a climber will excel at holding ones weight with just their hands or even a few fingers. The power lifter will be at a horrible disadvantage due to poor strength to weight ratio. That is what is important in rock climbing. It is about the strength and endurance to move ones bodyweight and gear over some amazing stretches of rock face. It isn't about how much they can power lift. The top men boulders can do single finger pullups. Look up Men's World Champion Bouldering on youtube to get a sense of what these guys are capable of. The ability to completely lock off all the muscles in their bodies to move through amazing sequences. But it isn't about brute force. There is a significant amount of techinque, finese, flexibility and mental problem solving involved.

So when you say "how strong is a rock climber", they are appropriately strong for the activity they are performing, but may not be for an anctivity that requires brute strength like the Touch Man competitions.

-Good luck

Answer 4

All is relative. I was very strong when I was younger, but my friends with better technique could out climb me. So it is a combination of strength and skill. The more you simply go out and rock climb the more skill AND strength you will gain. Even if I was never particularly good I still had tons of fun and enjoyed my friends and getting up things I never thought I would be able to do (with a little help from my friends). So just do it and have fun.