How to Improve Balance for Climbing

A good sense of balance is essential for climbing. When you first begin climbing, you may find that you have difficulty keeping your body close to the wall or controlling your center of gravity. Improved balance will develop naturally the more you climb, but there are also some exercises you can do to help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Practice "quiet climbing." Choose an easy route on a slab wall and practice climbing up and down the wall smoothly and quietly. Notice how your weight shifts as you place your feet on the holds.

Step 2

Watch your feet as you climb. Place your feet precisely on the holds.

Step 3

Practice traversing. Find a long stretch of slab wall and practice traversing back and forth, low to the ground. Use your hands for balance, but try not to grip any hand holds. Traverse the wall one way, keeping your right side to the wall, and switch to your left as you come back. Try to keep your center of gravity over your feet.

Step 4

Find a wall at a low angle and practice traversing or climbing without using your hands. Maintain downward pressure on your toes and notice how the holds feel under your foot.

Step 5

Off the wall, practice standing on one leg, while slowly moving your other leg forward, backward and to the side. Try to squat and raise yourself back up without letting your other foot touch the ground.

Step 6

Cross-train with yoga, pilates or martial arts to develop a greater sense of balance and control.

Resources

Article Written By Karen Eisenbraun

Karen Eisenbraun has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Knox College and has been writing professionally since 2004. She is the editor of a weight-loss surgery support website and is currently studying to become a certified holistic nutrition consultant.

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