READ: Why rock-climbing is more than just a sport

Rock-climbing is a sport where participants climb rock faces - natural or artificial - with the aid of ropes or other special equipment. It is a physically taxing activity that requires the combination of strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.

But, there is more to rock-climbing than being just a calorie-burner.

It's true, rock-climbing has a lot of benefits beyond improving one's physical health.

Rock-climbing makes you travel

We bet, the natural high rock-climbing provides can easily make you head out to the nearest indoor climbing gym. And when you've developed some level of addiction, you are sure to be traveling to the crags outside the metro and even abroad.

Needless to say, traveling introduces you to new experiences, new culture, and new people.

On a high: Where to go rock-climbing in the metro

Charm Bartolay, an avid rock-climber for two years, has travelled overseas to satisfy her climbing cravings.

She shares, “Four months after getting into rock-climbing, I cycled to Chiang Mai, Thailand and climbed there for two weeks. The first person who taught me to lead climb was a guy desperate for a lead belayer. From 6bs, I jumped to climbing 7as in Ton Sai because one new climbing partner told me I was stronger than I thought I was. He let me put up my own draws even on my first 7a.

“It was those simple words and show of confidence that made me trust myself to do hard stuff. I started climbing 7bs in Vietnam because my climbing partner climbs 7s and I ended up trying the ones he does,” she continues.

For the uninitiated, the "7as" and "7bs" that Charm is referring to are part of the French numerical grading system that rock climbers use to describe the technical difficulty of a specific climb or route. The 7a is for "advanced" climbers, while the 7b is in the "expert" skill category.

The belayer, according to Collins Dictionary, is "a person who controls the safety rope for a climber."

Rock-climbing relieves stress

This sport can consume you and we mean it in a good way.

A study from Indiana University associates getting lost in climbing with creating euphoria. It gets you absorbed in a goal and it also provides a different sense of accomplishment.

Rock-climbing helps relieves stress especially when done outdoors because you get to absorb more vitamin D and breathe in fresh air.

Ajina Carampel destresses from med school by becoming part of the Philippine National Climbing Team.

She claims, "Climbing is such an engrossing experience that it takes my entire focus and helps clear my mind of worries and stresses. Moving on the rock provides a unique sense of freedom."

Rock-climbing builds relationships

Rock-climbing has social benefits too as it helps build relationships. Climbers identify with a tight-knit community. Moreover, it fosters friendships, good communication, team work, and trust.

For couple Dexon and Kristine Fullero, rock-climbing has provided good bonding moments and dates in their 9-year relationship. According to them, they get to apply the lessons they learn up on the walls in their relationship as husband and wife.

Kristine says, “Patience, team work. We need to be a team. Hindi ka makaka-climb kung wala kang belayer. And ano'ng use mo as a belayer kung wala kang climber, 'di ba. Trust. Kailangan tiwala ka na 'wag kang ihuhulog.”

They also admit that rock-climbing has been their outlet during arguments, and that the activity has been helpful in making them reconcile.

Dexon adds, “Bine-break 'yung galit, alam mo 'yun. May magic siya na pag mag-climb kami, maya-maya magkakabati na kami.”

Rock-climbing opens the path to self-discovery

Rock-climbing appears to be an intimidating task and getting involved in the sport helps you to learn more about yourself.

From doing little progress to reaching the top, rock-climbing can develop confidence, fortitude, and character. You get to challenge your limits and face your fears.

Charm relates, “You are in the now, with your arms, your foot, and your movement. You realize that whatever this route problem you have in front of you, you are the biggest variable in solving it.

"I give my hands inspirational talks to hold on for dear life, that it is not yet as tired as it thinks it is. I learn to convince my foot that it's stepping on something solid to stop it from shaking, they listen, you know.

“As with everyday life, our brain is actually pretty strong. You can educate it and teach it to achieve what it has to: holding on, letting go, trusting, committing to a goal,” she concludes.