Whether scaling sandstone in Chattanooga or faux rock at Climb Nashville, the Southeast’s largest indoor climbing gym, rock climbing offers an excellent exercise alternative. It’s the art of literally climbing either natural or man-made rock with the goal to summit or reach an elevation target. The task is not pulling yourself up with your arms but rather pushing with your legs, feeling hand holds, making move decisions and balancing. The first time you climb, you’ll notice soreness primarily in your back and arms, but as you grow more confident in your strength, you’ll recognize the important role the leg muscles play in pushing you to your summit.

Rock climbing is excellent for increasing your fitness level as it works with strength, endurance, body composition and flexibility. But the best thing is the adrenaline rush that is unachievable in most other adventure sports. Many climbers report a heightened sense of self-confidence and independence as a result of gaining new skills and successfully completing challenging climbs, even if it is just a 10-foot summit.

Most beginners will start with top rope climbing, in which a rope runs from a person at the foot of a route (the belayer) through one or more carabiners connected to an anchor system at the top of the route and back down to the climber through a harness. The best place to test your beginner skills is Climb Nashville, a 12,000 square foot gym in Sylvan Park. Open seven days a week until 10 p.m., Climb Nashville has top instructors, endless climbing with routes up to 400 vertical feet and rental gear. Rent a harness and climbing shoes, which are recommended for better grip.

Once you’re comfortable on man-made rock, test your skills on the real stuff. One of the closest areas for outdoor rock climbing is King’s Bluff in Clarksville. Mostly limestone, King’s Bluff offers many beginner routes up to more challenging ones. If you don’t have your own gear, meet up with the Southeast Climber’s Coalition or check out local guide company Becknology, a certified guiding service for all ages and ability levels. Owner Adam Beck will customize a trip for you near Nashville or up in Kentucky.

As you feel more confident in your climbing skills, be sure to check out some other areas in Tennessee: Tennessee Wall, Foster Falls, Sunset Rock, Starr Mountain, or Stone Door. The climb options are endless, and the rewards are invigorating!