In reply to NIGBEE:
It's hard to say as only really started climbing again once I'd lost a fair bit of weight, but I'm noticeably better I'd say - certainly trying to hold myself on to pinchy holds etc, I was quite impressed how much easier it was doing it this year. And when doing it last year it was before I put on all the weight, but certainly at more than I am now.
Sorry, I should probably add some more 'background'; I actually cut out a load of waffle as the initial post was rather long and in danger of getting stuck in notepad where I was writing it!
Background a bit backwards, but probably in a more useful order:
Goals: be generally fit to enjoy doing the activities I enjoy doing. Have a decent 'beach body' - I've got a fairly large frame (big chest etc) so think I suit some muscle. Also want a six pack for more 'tart' reasons
- thus the abs work, though I do think more core strength would also help my climbing (keeping feet from swinging out etc).
Climbing seems to be my current focus at the moment, so makes sense to work a routine around that.
While it'd be nice for other exercise to contribute, apart from core work, it's more a case that I at least don't want it to have a negative impact, though I'm sure better general strength and fitness will help a little.
For climbing I want to improve my climbing generally. Strength partly, but technique more. Which reminds me; also need to work some stretching/flexibility in to it too I reckon.
Know enough climbers that are massively better than me to know that bulk isn't needed - and may even be a hindrance. On that, not intending to get massive, but would like a good bit more than I have.
I started climbing a few years ago partly to try and strengthen up my wrists which were causing me problems riding motocross and enduro. At the time it turns out I was just knackering them more with all the stuff I was trying to do to sort them out.
This is still a long term plan; given the choice, afraid I'd prefer to be doing an enduro than climbing (maybe shouldn't say that here :P).
But I still do enjoy climbing a lot and it's certainly more accessible than motorbike riding for a lot of reasons.
Things like doing the Triathlon are purely for the sake of it to encourage me to get and keep some overall fitness. Not something big in the grand scheme of things, nor something I'll enjoy that much.
And finally; fairly sorted on losing weight (err, apart from today maybe, bit stressful etc and ate a tad too much, though seems I've still got a deficiet by the calories my motoactv said I burned
).
Also, well aware that without losing fat abs work will make a bigger not smaller belly!