Ten Very Important Reasons to Climb

We’re currently on season 14 of American Ninja Warrior and it’s viewing audience is the lowest it’s ever been with just 2.9 million.  In fact, it’s dropped steadily since season seven, which had 6.5 million viewers.  A loss of 3.6 million over the past seven seasons. 

So, what’s causing this “downfall” in viewership?  One cited reason is that the contestants are literally falling with the increase of overhead obstacles.  While it quickly narrows down and separates the competition, we can kind of predict who’s going to win, or at the very least, who’s going to fall.  Not a great formula for holding an audience. 

When a monkey swings from tree to tree, using a swinging momentum helped along by gravity, that is brachiating.  It’s also what kids do on the playground, when they swing from rung to rung on an overhead ladder.  So, why aren’t we great brachiators?  Well … for one thing, it’s not a required survival skill of modern humans.

Unless we're a member of a rock-climbing gym, especially in the flat state of Florida, we generally spend no time climbing.  

But, while we’ve all but abandoned brachiating, we should reintroduce it into our lives for at least the following ten reasons:

1. It stimulates both sides of our brains for greater integration and learning. 
2. It floods the brain with fresh, oxygenated blood promoting healthy gray matter.
3. Spinal decompression, back development, and posture. 
4. It relieves stress and tension.
5. Strengthens upper body and grip strength. 
6. It connects the mind and body in a focused activity that improves hand-eye coordination that has been shown to improve reading skills, writing, overall dexterity, and problem-solving.
7. It helps to develop and strengthen fine motor skills.
8. Improves kinesthetic and spatial awareness.
9. It facilitates the expansion of the thoracic cage, developing the maturity of our lungs and overall respiratory capacity and a decrease in respiratory disease. 
10. It’s fun, empowering, and liberating. 

So, get out there and brachiate!  It’s not just for kids anymore.