Free Sample
The Purple Guide to Learning Basic Rock Climbing in 10 Days
A 10-day starter plan to try climbing at a gym, learn the core moves, and decide if it's your next hobby
by Alumigogo Books
Chapter 1: First Day
You've decided to try rock climbing. That's the whole requirement for today. Not fitness, not flexibility, not a "climber's body" — just showing up. Today is about getting you into a climbing gym, getting your hands on the wall, and showing you what this sport actually feels like from the ground. So here's what's coming and how to not waste your first hour.
The single most important thing to know before you walk in: climbing is a legs-first sport, no matter what your arms are screaming at you. It feels backwards at first. You jump on a wall covered in colorful plastic holds, and your instinct says, "Grab stuff and pull up." Every beginner does this. Within two minutes your forearms feel like they're filled with concrete, and you assume you're just weak. You're not. You're using the wrong muscles. But we'll get to that on day four. Today, you just need to survive long enough to realize climbing is more interesting than it looks from outside.
Before today's session, you don't need to buy anything. Do not buy shoes. Do not buy chalk. Do not buy a chalk bag. Climbing gyms rent shoes for a few dollars — usually $3 to $6 — and they have chalk available at the front desk or in the rental area. Your only real task is to show up in clothes that allow you to move. Wear comfortable athletic pants or shorts — not jeans, unless they're stretchy, and