A gym I used to really love to go to before I moved away was actually a rock climbing gym with a very decent gym floor attached. Those were my favourite treadmills of all time because I'd just be on them watching everyone rock climb and boulder. I think the reasons you mentioned, on average, young boys and girls and women tended to be better rock climbers than men. I think it was the functional fitness and flexibility.. but also I noticed dudes would try and muscle through with biceps while women used their legs more. It was absolutely fascinating to watch while I'd get my cardio in.
At my current gym there are a couple of dudes with absolutely massive shoulders and pecs... and just no leg muscles whatsoever. I'd be absolutely tiny compared to them but I legitimately think I could beat either or both of them in a fight... as long as I kept out of bicep curling reach.
That must be pretty cool. You rock climb still?
I think so too. It seems to come naturally for women to think about using more of their body - makes them far better dancers also.
Or outrun them!
I think in general, the women who have started at the gum in the last decade or so have improved a lot and created effective workouts for themselves. Many men, are still working out as if it is 1983.
Hahahaha, dudes are still chasing Arnie's gains.
I haven't been rock climbing for a couple of years... I'm sure I still know some of the climbing techniques but it would take a while to recondition my hands and fingers again. I'd love to make it a regular thing again but I think I'd have to move... there aren't any places close to me at the moment.