As a relatively new climber how much of a break should I take between climbing days? I was bouldering most days but my hands were worse for wear.
It's important for new climbers to take breaks between climbing days to allow their bodies to recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries, such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and finger pulley injuries. The amount of rest you need will depend on your individual fitness level and how hard you are climbing.
A good rule of thumb is to take at least one day off per week, and more if you are feeling sore or injured. If you are just starting out, you may want to take two or three days off per week. As you get stronger, you will be able to climb more often.
Here are some tips for taking rest days:
- Complete rest: On rest days, it is important to completely rest your fingers. This means no climbing, no hand exercises, and no heavy lifting.
- Light activity: If you are feeling restless, you can do some light activity, such as walking, swimming, cycling or yoga to help speed recovery.
- Massage: Gentle massage, either self-massage or professional massage, can help reduce soreness and promote blood flow.
- Stretching: Stretching can help keep your muscles and tendons flexible and prevent injuries.
- Listen to your body: It is important to listen to your body and take rest days when you need them. If you are feeling sore or injured, don't push yourself too hard.
Related Questions and Answers:
- How long should I climb on my first day of climbing? For beginners 1-2 hours is a great amount of time for an initial session.
- What kind of climbing shoes should I buy as a beginner? For beginners, a good choice is a neutral shoe with a flat last, and medium stiffness.
- How often should I wash my climbing shoes? Climbing shoes should be washed every 2-3 weeks, more often if you sweat heavily or use a lot of chalk.
- How do I prevent injuries while climbing? To prevent injuries while climbing, warm up properly, listen to your body, and rest when needed.
- What is the best way to recover from a climbing injury? The best way to recover from a climbing injury is to rest, ice, compress and elevate (RICE).
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