If you climb improperly, yes, it's like doing a bunch of pull-ups. But climbing properly, you try to use your legs to push yourself up, your hands and arms to

If you climb improperly, yes, it's like doing a bunch of pull-ups. But climbing properly, you try to use your legs to push yourself up, your hands and arms to keep you attached to the wall. This allows you to climb a lot more, because your legs are a lot stronger. It's still really hard on your arms, of course.