Gym Climbing Ropes

The game of rope climbing, though not played in its standard form today, has been incorporated in different sports that come under gymnastics. Rope climbing is not included in the Olympics, but is a part of the World Police and Fire Games. The ropes used for climbing are generally 1.5 inch in diameter and 20 feet in length.

Gym Climbing Ropes

The ropes used for climbing are made of both natural and synthetic fibers. The synthetic ropes manufactured for climbing are made from polypus, polypro or manila. These ropes are safe and durable, and they pass through rigorous checks and safety inspections before use.

Climbing ropes are of two types: static and dynamic. The dynamic ropes are stretchable and at every 80 kg, these can stretch up to 6.5% of the original size. The ropes are specially manufactured in order to absorb the fall-impact of a climber. Unlike dynamic ropes, the static ones can't stretch, and bear the weight only up to a certain limit.

Manila Ropes
These ropes are made from a plant called agave, which is found in the Philippines. The fibers obtained from the agave plant are one of the strongest natural fibers. The rope can be used for carrying out various tasks other than climbing and is multipurpose. The manila rope is also known as the hemp-rope. The strength and durability, that the fibers of the agave exhibit, is the specialty of manila ropes. Many companies manufacture manila ropes in different forms. According to the specifications of customers, different forms such as the 1200 feet form, assemblies, cut-length, etc. are manufactured. The ropes are generally available in 3-strand forms. Mildew resistant manila ropes are useful when the level of moisture in the atmosphere rises. Manila ropes even absorb the perspiration i.e. prevent a climber from slipping and are durable in nature.

Rope Climbing

It is a type of workout considered very challenging and it helps build endurance. The exercise is suitable for people from all age groups. Rope climbing is performed by utilizing body weight and the gravitational force.

Length of the Rope

The rope length can vary from 18 ft. to 24 ft. The important thing one should consider while buying a rope, is that it should 'slack' at least four feet on the floor. This extra length provides the climbers the necessary support before they start climbing and prevents the climber from swinging or swaying.

Attaching the Rope Indoors

The ropes could be attached indoors with the help of a number of available accessories. The different accessories for rope attachment include pipe hangers, wood beam hangers, rope hoists and tambourines or the 'L'-link.

Climbing Rope Knots

The knots that are placed on the ropes are either the 'big knot' or the 'ball stop'. The big knot is the one tied by twisting the rope itself. The ball stop is a type of knot that is placed on a rope by means of rubber balls. These knots are placed at a distance of 18 inches from each other.

The activity of gym rope climbing builds up endurance and strengthens the muscles. Regularly practicing rope climbing at home or in the gym, prepares us for hard and strenuous sporting activities like rappelling, rock climbing and many more.