Rope Climbing Techniques

Ready to have a crack at some rope climbing techniques for fun or fitness? Here are six popular climbing methods to challenge you, ranging from basic beginner to intermediate and advanced techniques.

Not only is rope climbing a fun and challenging activity, it also makes for a great physical workout. The following techniques will work muscles in your whole body. Vary your climbing speed and techniques based on your personal fitness goals. Remember to use tension techniques during rope climbing exercises. For example, flex your abdominal and glute muscles as you grip the rope and pull yourself up.

1. P.E. method (basic). Grab the rope above your head, placing one hand over the other. With the rope between your thighs, wrap your legs around it. Use your arms to pull your body up the rope. Holding the rope with your legs and feet, grab the rope above your head again. Repeat this process to climb the rope.
2. P.E. method (intermediate). This climbing method is an intermediate technique that is slightly harder than the first one. The hand-over-hand method is similar to the first description but without the use of your legs. Raise your legs parallel to the ground to work your abdominal muscles at the same time.
3. Brake and squat method. This method, another basic technique, is from a Marine fitness guide. Wrap the rope around your leg from the inner thigh to the knee and calf, then around the foot of one leg. Place the foot of the free leg on the top of the opposite foot to “brake” and give your arms a rest. Loosen the top foot’s grip, bend into a “squat,” pull up with your arms, brake, then straighten your legs again to move further up the rope.
4. Two rope method. This intermediate climbing technique uses arms and hands on two ropes, hanging side-by-side. With each hand holding a rope, lean toward one rope, release your grip on the other rope and quickly re-grasp the rope at a higher point. Repeat this technique with your legs dangling or lifted parallel to the ground.
5. Ballistic method. This advanced climbing method is similar to ballistic pull-ups. Grab two ropes at the same height. Pull yourself up to chest level, release your grip on the ropes and quickly grab the ropes at a higher point while your body is suspended in the air. Be careful with this technique, as it can cause elbow and shoulder injury or rope burn.
6. One arm method. This advanced technique is very challenging. Grab a rope above your head and pull yourself off the ground. Reach up with one arm and let go of the other arm. Pull yourself up to head, neck or chest level. Repeat the process with the opposite arm. If necessary, use the brake and squat technique until you work up to this challenge.