All The Muscles You Work When Rock Climbing

Indoor rock climbing is a fun challenge and makes for a well-rounded workout, says trainer Dave Mace. It requires some flexibility and coordination, and calls on a range of muscles as you reach, pull, and scramble your way up the wall. Here are the ones you can expect to work.

Lats

One of the main muscles indoor rock climbing works is the latissimus dorsi, aka the “lats” of the mid-back, Mace says. This “pull” muscle helps you hang onto the wall and pull yourself up to the next hold.