Essay on Mountaineering

Mountain climbing or mountaineering is a set of activities that involves ascending mountains. A person who climbs mountains is called a mountain climber or mountaineer. It requires technical equipment such as rope; harness (straps) crampons (a device that is attached to footwear and ice axes.

Mountaineering is an adventurous course. It is commonly associated with feats of daring in a landscape of extreme danger. It is a dangerous sport, but it also has a strange romance and adventure that even climbers can’t fully explain. It requires the highest quality of risk, but this does not deter climbers from attempting to scale the world’s highest peaks.

The direct benefits of mountaineering and rock climbing to physical health is limited. However, based on the known benefits of physical activity and the type of activity involved in mountaineering and climbing, it is likely that mountaineering and climbing can make a positive contribution to physical health. Through the demands of the activity, mountain walking and climbing can have an impact on cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, endocrine and immune systems.

Much of the research on mountaineering and rock climbing highlights the potential negative physiological impact of the activities. However, research also demonstrates that it is possible to minimise potential problems through adequate nutrition and hydration, and appropriate fitting and use of equipment. All physical activities have some degree of risk, but the potential risks of physical activity are far outweighed by its benefits.