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FitDeck Blog with founder Phil Black

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Rope Climbing secrets from Navy SEAL Phil Black

  
  
  

I'm a big fan of rope climbing. Not only is it a killer upper body exercise that works your back and shoulders, but it does wonders for your forearms and grip strength. It's far better than a traditional pull up, as you must squeeze and pull at the same time. It's one of the most effective full body exercises you can do. 

As a Navy SEAL, we had to get up and down ropes quickly and efficiently - almost always while loaded down with gear.  When you're forced to climb ropes with heavy gear - and your life is on the line - you learn quickly how to do it safely and with proper form.

With all that said, rope climbing is not easy. I know it can be intimidating for some people. I'd like to share a tip that will make it a little easier to get up and down the rope. Putting this tip into action will improve your rope climbing skills by leaps and bounds. Not only will you impress all of your friends, but you'll have a new workout routine that will leave you exhausted.

If you've never climbed a rope before, make it a goal to do so in 2011.

Happy Climbing,

Phil Black

Comments

Loved rope climbing in basic!
Posted @ Saturday, January 08, 2011 12:58 AM by Phil Knowles
Great stuff! I can't wait to hear more of what you have to offer in the coming weeks.
Posted @ Saturday, January 08, 2011 3:02 PM by Greg McGraime
I have tried your technique but have trouble establishing a foot lock. What specific boots do you recommend ? Thanks, 
Jack O'D
Posted @ Tuesday, January 18, 2011 11:03 AM by Jack
Hi, Jack. Good question. Unfortunately, there isn't any magic "boot" that will make the technique work better. Some of it has to do with the texture of the rope itself. Is it dry, oily, worked-in, brand new, slippery? Some ropes work better than others. Sometimes trying it first with sneakers helps because of the "gription" on the bottom of the sneaker sole. It's often easier to maintain the friction on the rope with a pliable sneaker with rubber soles than with a boot with rigid bottoms. Eventually, when you get the technique down, you can do it with most footwear and most types of rope. Give these tips a try and let me know if it works any better.
Posted @ Tuesday, January 18, 2011 11:30 AM by Phil Black
Thank you Phil. That makes a lot of sense. My rope and boots are both brand new and very stiff. I will try it with sneakers.  
 
Thanks, 
Jack O'D
Posted @ Tuesday, January 18, 2011 11:47 AM by Jack
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