some doctors say that mountain climbing is harmful for heart over 40.
2007-08-29 09:57:57 · 6 answers · asked by paul 1 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Climbing
I'm 63. I climb, bicycle (hard - just did sprints an hour ago), inline skate and several other activities. Most doctors don't know s...t about activity. Take your time, work up your overall condition, and you can do anything you want. Most of what people think they know about aging is wrong. Age is pretty much not a factor - only your fitness and activity level. The more you do the more you can do. Check out Geezerjock magazine on the web. The research they and others have done indicates there is minimal dropoff in ability until age 64-65 - if you keep training.
I asked a friend of mine who was a heart specialist if it was possible for me to overtax my heart at my age (about 58 at the time). He clearly didn't want to commit to a "no," but said he didn't think it was possible to overtax a healthy heart.
Go for it.
2007-08-30 07:18:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking about rock climbing or mountain climbing? (Some people often mistaken one for the other.) Anyway, if you're looking at rock climbing, it isn't necessarily strenuous on the heart -- perhaps the hike up to the route might be if you're climbing outdoors. As for mountain climbing, yes, I'd say that might be tougher on the heart because you're essentially hiking up a mountain and, depending on the terrain and route, you might be pushing yourself over the limit.
Yet, I know of many fortysomething year olds who run marathons, participate in the Iron Man Triathlon, and who scale Mt. Everest. Walking is safer than mountain climbing but it's like comparing apples to oranges -- one can get mundane while the other affords you the view of the world (almost).
As with any sport, start out slow and, if necessary, take lessons and learn as much about it. Talk to your doctor if you want to pursue mountain climbing to make sure that your heart is for to the adventure. Good luck!
2007-08-29 16:00:31 · answer #2 · answered by JC 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why do you have to choose beween walking and mountain climbing? I don't get it.
Some years back, I read about a 103 year old guy who died in his sleep. Want to know what he did on the day before? He had guided a party up the Matterhorn! He had been a swiss guide all his life. So, you judge. Lots of mountaineers are healthier than most people, even the old mountaineers.
2007-08-30 03:20:09 · answer #3 · answered by Scythian1950 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
exercise is way better for the heart than sitting around. walk, hike, climb mountains- if you are beginning- just take it easy at first. i'm in my late 50's and still going strong- i keep up with partners in their 20's.
2007-08-30 04:07:59 · answer #4 · answered by gary h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should ask your doctor. I am 51 and wild cave 12hours at a time . This weekend I am planing a 12hr trip upstream and then the next day a 12hr trip downstream. believe me my body will scream my back will hurt my left leg will limp the following week. My heart will sing and the memory's will last a life time. To me the pain is worth it. It's good muddy fun.
Happy Caving Carroll
2007-08-29 11:31:54 · answer #5 · answered by Carroll 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go see your doctor and see how physically fit you are. You may have to start an exercise program to become fit enough to climb.
I'm 45 and I still climb.
2007-08-30 11:15:03 · answer #6 · answered by Wayner 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋