Resident climbs to the top

It can just be a hobby or it can be a competitive sport in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Founder of Rockfit Functional Training, Troy Sender comes from an athletic background and was a professional gymnast. When he opened Rockfit a year-and-a-half ago, he aimed to “create a philosophy that examined training as a functional type of thing”.

“Our indoor environment is utilised as a training facility to [enhance the outdoor experience],” said Sender.

He also encourages members to run on the roads, and do compound exercises during their sessions.

Sender explained that beginner climbers need a couple of months to train in rock climbing, learn safety tips and what equipment to use.

There are two types of rock climbing practised at the facility. Sport climbing, also known as top roping, is done with the help of a climbing partner. The climber clips themselves to a harness attached to their partner at the bottom of the wall. The partner’s responsibility is to hold on to the rope and keep the climber steady so that the climber will not fall far.

The second type of rock climbing is known as bouldering. This form does not involve ropes; however the climber is always protected by a safety mat below.

“Rockfit does not allow climbers to rise all the way to the top because it is too high; they will reach roughly about two thirds of the way up,” said Sender.

Sender believes “the more you practise the sport, the more you enjoy it”.

“Once a month we take climbers outdoors to climb real rocks,” added Sender.

He said that people interested in the sport but who have previous injuries can also benefit from climbing – the programmes are adjusted according to the person’s level of fitness.

“It is important to strengthen weaknesses and these functional movements improve one’s body strength,” explained Sender.

As well as rock climbing, Rockfit offers training in Kettlebell which increases endurance, and CrossFit which is a full-body workout.