Swimming or Indoor Rock Climbing?

[The Colonel]

So lately I've been wanting to do something different beyond lifting (MWF), grappling (Tue, Thur-Sat) and the occasional run or bike ride. I live very close to an olympic style swimming center and could bike there no problem, or I could drive across town to a really nice indoor rock climbing center.

I really suck at swimming but it is a great workout, good for the arms, provides some cross training and is a relief on the legs from running/cycling, plus it can be done aerobically, you just get in the lane and go. But since I really suck at swimming it'd be like expecting a couch potato to get some benefit out of running when they get gassed two minutes into it. It'd probably be a little while till I'd get skilled enough to really swim and make a difference in my heart rate.

On the other hand in door rock climbing looks really fun, I'd get stupid strong pulling my own bodyweight around, would probably get even more of a kung fu grip, plus I could come closer to doing a one armed pull-up (stupid feat of strength I've always wanted to accomplish). But since I'd kind of have to climb, look for a hold, climb, look for a route or hold, my heart rate would probably never really get that high.

Both have their merits but swimming is easier on the joints and after grappling for years that's something that is always on my mind. Thoughts?

 

[hudday48]

You've laid out your options pretty nicely. It sounds like a decision you should make on your own but here's some input.

Do you have goals? Which one of those activities will bring you closer to your goals?

If you want to compete then I would say excellent cardio is far more important then the ability to do one-arm pullups. Even though rock climbing would help with your grip strength immensely.

Swimming is probably a healthier long-term option too.

You can get an intense workout swimming even if your technique sucks. You'll just look like a spaz.

If you have no goals then do what you would enjoy the most.

I would choose both.
I usually go swimming to be social or to get extra conditioning in without any high impact on the joints just like you mentioned and rock climbing kicks ass.
If you enjoy swimming do it, likewise with rock climbing. Life is too short for me to do things that I dislike.

 

[Bathwater]

Depends on what you want to do. Swimming is obviously much better cardio and much easier on the body. I've climbed for 7 years now (primarily boudlering) and I can tell you it's hard on your joints and doesn't do much for conditioning. But, like you said it will give you insane grip strength and help build your back.

If you just want to supplement grappling then I would swim. But climbing is a ton of fun and a great way to meet people. Every indoor gym I've been to has been filled with cool, relaxed people. You meet someone new, shoot the shit and work on problems together. It's just a great environment. Also, you almost always see cute chicks who are in good shape.

 

[Shizzx]

try doing this..

YouTube - BJ Jumps out of the Pool

 

[gfxprotege]

why do one or the other? do both, just mix it up.

For swimming, you should probably see what the WSI instructors are charging for a half hour lesson, and take one or two just to work on stroke technique for freestyle and breast stroke. with swimming its so easy to just stop and say you're tired, even if you had perfect stroke you'd still be getting gassed. just set up a routine and try your best to complete it.

To start, you really need to focus around what you're capable of doing. but having something along the lines of 100m freestyle warmup, 8x50m alternating freestyle and breast stroke with 20s rest. take 5 and rinse and repeat for now.

If you doubt climbings effect on a steady high HR, then wear a monitor. If you're going to turn a fun challenging (both physically and mentally) activity and turn it into a workout, then you have to think about it as a workout. Do easier routes (5.6-5.7) and push your tempo. Keep it consistent, keep it smooth. Build speed. This is your cardio. Once you're warmed up, push harder climbs (5.8+) to improve grip strength and muscle. The longer you stay on one section and think about your next move, the quicker your forearms and hands will get gassed (dont worry about your HR dropping because as you feel more fatigued, the more itll climb).