[Mountain_marc]

Ok I'll give it a go...

First of all, have you seen a fat climber?

I'm at the climbing gym twice a week and climb at least one day (most of the time it's both days) outdoors on the weekend. And I consider myself to be pretty lean. Most of my climbing partners are lean as well and most hardly hit the gym.

Although you have to be careful with that, your pull muscles are getting a serious workout, all the while your push muscle hardly get used. This can lead to serious injuries (been there, done that).

That is why I'll do one session a week at the gym to focus on neglected muscles.

If done properly, climbing will work a variety of muscles; legs, abs, shoulders, lats and back. As to how many calories it burns, I have no idea. During my many years of climbing experience, i've noticed climbers have crappy diets and drink lots of beer (spend 3 weeks at Camp 4 in Yosemite and you'll experience this) yet still remain lean.

A day of outdoor climbing involves a lot more than climbing. In most cases, a moderate to strenuous hike is involved in reaching the cliff.

And I know after a indoor climbing workout, i'm spent and usually need my PWO shake or i'm beat and sore the next day. Gotta feed those depleted muscles.

Any more questions, feel free to ask me.