Few health-related activities provide both mental and physical benefits, but according to Dan Swan, coordinator of the Outdoor Program through the Office of Campus Recreation, rock climbing benefits both the mind and body.

“Rock climbing is like playing a game of chess on the wall,” Swan said. “You have to try to put hands and feet on specific rocks in order to succeed.”

The Outdoor Program will be taking an indoor rock climbing trip Friday, April 8 to the southern Illinois area by Garden of the Gods.

“Rock climbing is one heck of a workout,” Swan said. “Until a person tries to actually do it, they don’t realize what a workout it actually is.”

There are eight open spaces for NIU students to sign up for the trip.

Swan said the trip is an excellent way to get out of DeKalb for the weekend and experience a great workout.

“It is a great opportunity to take a breather and escape NIU,” Swan said. “This is an opportunity you don’t often get when you leave campus.”

The staff of the Outdoor Program is going through rock climbing training in order to ensure the participants on the trip remain safe.

This trip is open to all NIU students. For additional information, call 753-9423.