Rope Pull Up the Incline Bench
A gym bench is hooked onto the wall bars to make a ramp, with a rope tied at the top; students climb the ramp pulling hand over hand on the rope, like a mountaineer. They build arm pulling strength, balance on a slope, and hand-foot coordination.
How to play
- Setup (3 min): hook a gym bench on the third or fourth bar with mats on both sides; tie a rope to the top bar so it runs down the bench. Groups of 5 per station (4 to 5 stations).
- Climb 1 (3 min): standing on the bench, walk up while moving the hands up the rope; at the top, touch the bar and walk down backward, still holding the rope.
- Climb 2 (3 min): go up sitting on the bench, pulling with the arms only and feet off.
- Climb 3 (3 min): go up lying face down, dragging the body with the rope, legs straight.
- Challenge (4 min): each student picks a favorite way, and the group counts how many full climbs it makes in 3 minutes with quick turns.
- Wrap-up (2 min): stretch the arms hanging from the low bar with feet on the floor and discuss which way was hardest.
Rules
- One student on the bench at a time; the next waits until the last one is off.
- Safety: come down using the rope too, slowly and backward; nobody slides down the bench.
- The teacher checks the bench hooks before starting.
- Touch the bar at the top, but don't climb onto the wall bars.
Variations
Easier
Hook the bench lower for a gentler ramp.
Standard
Three ways to climb with the rope plus a group challenge.
Harder
Hook the bench higher and climb seated with the legs held in an L.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: pulls from the wheelchair on a rope tied to the wall bars to move closer.
- Visual impairment: the rope is a tactile guide; a partner claps at the end of the bench.
- Lower strength: climb standing only, where the legs help.
Learning goals
- Build arm pulling strength.
- Keep balance while moving along a slope.
- Coordinate hand and foot movements.
Equipment for a class of 25
- gym bench: 5
- wall bars: 5
- ropes: 5
- mats: 10
Teacher tip
Make sure the bench hooks sit securely on the bar and that no one stands under the ramp. This is great preparation for rope climbing.
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