Rope Climb! Get a Grip and Hold On

This is a great exercise and after you learn the correct technique anyone can do it. Rope Climb will test you mentally and physically.  I just picked up on this workout recently and I feel I was missing out. You will come across the rope climb often in your CrossFit workouts and even if you're not currently in CrossFit you should mix this into your workout regimen. SO FIND A ROPE AND GET YOUR CLIMB ON.

So why should you climb rope? First of all, if you’re not including rope climbing in your workout routines, you’re missing out on one of the best forearm and grip workouts around.

Climbing rope is also a core component of building functional strength. Every man should be able to physically save himself, and rope climbing trains many of the same muscles you’d need to pull or lift yourself to safety. (artofmanliness.com) There are 3 or 4 techniques you can use to climb. I'll just focus on 2 of them. The kipping rope climb is a more advanced technique style which I'll explain in a later post after I get it down. Focus on these two techniques explained below.
I initially started out with the wrap or "stripper pole" style. This is the most secure of the techniques but it's also the slowest method. First you jump up with your arms extended, letting the rope either fall between your thighs or to the outside (I’ve seen both). From there you single wrap the rope around one of your legs and across the top of your boot. The boot of the unwrapped leg clamps down on the other boot, trapping the rope. You can now support your weight without using the power of your arms and hands. Pics are from www.artofmanliness.com

The next rope climb technique is what I call the clamp. This is going to be your fastest way to the top of the rope. The key here is jump up as high as you can and grab the rope…..with your arms extended bring your knees as HIGH AS POSSIBLE then wrap the rope around the outside of your right or left foot (whichever you choose). Next, use your opposite foot to sweep underneath whatever foot you chose and clamp the rope. Repeat this process all the way to the top. 

Check out the video below: 
Jason Khalipa of NorthCal CrossFit explains both of these techniques.

SHIN SKINS

Its important to note when you know you are going to have a
rope climbing session you should:
-Wear high socks
-Wear pants or tights
I like to use Shin Skins. These are pretty popular and work great for me.
You can get these at Rogue Fitness, just click the link to the right.