Usually when we mention the word “balance”, we think of staying on our feet and just maintaining an upright position. However, not many would think of the balance of the muscles in the body; To quote from a previous article “Climbing is all about balance, not just the actual balance, but balance within the body and mind.

” Why is balance important? Simply because our bodies are not meant to be imbalance, you may have seen cases of muscle imbalances already, you may even be experiencing one. A common example of a muscle imbalance which many climbers face is the Climber’s Back/Hunchback.

Having proper muscle balance is key to having and maintaining good posture. This involves training the opposing muscles. Climbers normally develop very strong pull muscles, but this results in a weaker pushing muscle, by training the push muscles to a similar level as the pull muscles, muscle balance can be achieved.

Two basic exercises that can be performed are the push-up and the chin-up(not to be confused with the pull-up)

The difference of push up between Girls and Boy.

The difference of chin up & pull up.(not to be confused with the pull-up)

pull up

chin up

Pull Ups (palms facing OUT) will use more of your back muscles to pull yourself up. Chin Ups (palms facing IN) will use more of the biceps muscles to pull yourself up.