Rock climbing and bodybuilding are two professional sports that share few similarities. While a rock climber focuses on performance, a bodybuilder focuses on aesthetics.

While some climbers prefer steep outdoor crags with tough-to-negotiate overhangs, other climbers prefer the relative safety of indoor climbing. Whichever type of climbing you prefer, the muscles used are very similar.

Bouldering, or climbing short, difficult routes without a rope to stop your fall, reduces climbing to nothing but you, the rock, and the moves -- plus a crash pad below you, and hopefully a buddy or two to help guide you into the crash pad if you fall.

A little cardio can go a long way. As little as 2 1/2 hours each week can lower your risk of disease and moderately impact your body weight, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Treadmills and stair climbing machines are two common pieces of cardiovascular equipment found in gyms.

According to California Women, Infants and Children Association, one flight of stairs averages 10 steps with a variable of the number of steps on the landings between floors. The number of calories burned climbing 90 steps plus the landing will depend on your how much you weigh and how fast you climb the stairs.

Getting your rock climbing instructor certification requires extensive rigorous training in all aspects of climbing instruction including professionalism, knots and rope handling, teaching, anchoring, risk management, conditioning and climbing movements.

Rock climbing shoes are probably unlike any other shoe that you have worn. Designed to fit tightly, they allow you to feel small holds and features in the rock. To make the process of breaking them in easier, buy shoes that mimic the natural shape of your foot.

Rope climbing is a traditional exercise used by armed forces to prepare soldiers for climbing up and down from hovering helicopters and scaling tall buildings. Rope climbing has also become a mainstream conditioning exercise used by certain training groups like Cross Fit.

Climbers are not known for eagerly conforming to rules or standards. Quite the opposite, in fact. One result of this approach to life is a wide variance in, and rabid defense of, personal climbing styles.

Rock climbing seemingly draws on every kind of movement the human body is capable of, and requires strength, fitness, flexibility and endurance. While strong fingers, arms and shoulders are needed for pulling on hand holds, proper, efficient footwork is also crucial to competent climbing.