Indoor Rock Climbing is a type of rock climbing in which a person uses ropes to ascend an artificially constructed wall, located in a large indoor space.

Indoor rock climbing is an indoor (obviously) alternative to traditional rock climbing. Once viewed as method of training, it's now seen as a sport in its own right. Its success and popularity derives from controllable climbing conditions and convenience of location. The increased level of safety is another preferable element. Custom made climbing walls can be found in gyms and other venues across the world.

Climb artificial rock walls.

There are no formalized rules for indoor rock climbing. However, participants should be mindful of any rules in place at specific climbing venues.

The climbing of rocks, cliffs and mountains for recreational pursuits began in Europe in the early 19th century. The sport of rock climbing, a pursuit calling for distinct athletic ability, emerged from more leisurely practices at the end of the 19th century. Indoor climbing emerged in the 1980's as a climbing alternative for those too busy for traditional rock climbing. For many, the ease of using a climbing wall in a gym far outweighed the amount of time and effort it took to climb a natural wall. Though the first climbing walls were crude in design and degree difficulty, technology quickly allowed for more realistic experiences. Indoor rock climbing soon became known as less of a training activity and more of a unique sporting endeavor.

Climbing Wall
Harness
Holds
Padding

Indoor rock climbing is a relatively safe sport due to the use of harnesses and padding, and the controlled nature of being indoors.

Weight training can build the necessary strong arms and shoulders, while aerobic exercise and yoga can develop good flexibility and agility.

Hold - a shaped grip attached to a climbing wall to provide support while climbing

http://www.awinz.com/rock-climbing-history/default.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_climbing