Gym climbing ropes have been around for many years.  I bet you remember the days in gym class when you got to climb the rope.  You either loved it or hated it but when you were done I bet you felt a little empowered.  Gym climbing ropes not only build upper body strength but they also build courage and character in the climber. 

There have been many ways invented to get fit and to build upper body strength over the years but none can match the simplicity of climbing a rope.  When you climb a gym climbing rope you have a predetermined goal- to get to the top as fast as you can!  When your goal is so easily laid out, there is only one thing to think about, how to get to the top.  The best way to test your endurance and strength is to be totally focused and when you are climbing a rope your focus is on just that- climbing! 

The benefits of climbing ropes are immeasurable that's why schools and fitness gyms are getting back into climbing more than ever.  With the new high quality ropes you don't have to worry about getting splinters in your hands or having them break. 

The three different types of material available for gym climbing ropes are, manila, unmanila (polypro), and polyplus.  The manila is the same type of natural material always used for climbing ropes but with one difference, there is a new pure grade A manila that is strong and very durable.  Make sure if you are buying a manila climbing rope that you get this new grade A manila or you will regret it.  The unmanila or polypro is a man made type of rope that is very similar to the manila.  It offers a stronger rope at 2/3 the weight.  Polyplus rope is a super strong and durable rope and is soft to the touch.  It is recommended to get knots on the polyplus ropes because the soft polyester jacket can be a bit slippery.  The polyplus ropes are great for younger climbers and people with delicate hands.  Ropes can be bought in custom lengths to accommodate any gym height.  Each rope comes with a choice of bottom, a leather seat or turks knot end, a poly boot end or a whipped end.  These bottoms keep the end of the rope together and help with spotting.

You can get knots installed on your ropes to make it easier to climb, you can choose from woven, big knots, or rubber ball stops.  Woven knots are spliced right into the rope for climbing assistance.  The big knots are tied out of the rope itself, they are bigger and provide platform like assistance when climbing.  The rubber ball stops are easy to grab onto and are recommended for the younger climber.  Knots should be 18 inches apart.  To find out how many knots you need just multiply the length of your rope by 12 and divide by 18 then subtract 2.  This sounds confusing but is quite simple.  I will break it down for you.  First you need to multiply the length of your rope by 12, this breaks the size down into inches.  Example a 18 foot rope x 12 = 216.  Then you need to divide by the 18 inches that knots need to be apart 216/18= 12.  This gives you the number of knots, but you do not need a knot at the top or at the bottom of the rope so you subtract 2, 12-2=10.  You would need 10 knots for an 18 foot climbing rope.

Installation has never been easier!  If you have an I beam, Pipe, or wood beam to hang from, there is a rope hanger designed for you.  You can get an I beam hanger, a wood beam hanger, a pipe clamp hanger or a chain with a quick link to hang your rope.

For safety there is the safety cable attachment which is a back up device attached to the top of the gym climbing rope just in case any of the ceiling hardware fails.  Also it is recommended to have a spotter at the bottom of the rope to help keep the rope steady.  Safety landing mats are a must for on the floor below the ropes.  You can get different thicknesses but 6" - 12" thickness is the best for safety.  If you are using the rope for kids or in a public gym then it is best to get a tambourine for the rope.  A tambourine is a 20" diameter 1/2" thick piece of plywood that gets clamped to the rope.  It can be used to limit climbing height for children but is most popular for limiting access to the mounting hardware and beams where the rope is attached. 

For storage you can get a rope hoist so that when the rope is not in use you can hoist it up to the ceiling so it is out of the way.  This also stores it so people do not have access to it when they are not supposed to.  You can choose from a regular rope hoist or one with a metal lock box so unauthorized people will not be able to get into it.

Gym climbing ropes help build strength, courage, and character.  With so many options you can easily get a climbing rope set up in your school or gym in no time.  You can customize your climbing rope and set up anyway that you need to.  There is just one thing to think about- How are you going to get to the top?

For all your climbing rope needs and to purchase grade A climbing ropes go to www.morleyathletic.com