Squeezing a rubber ball can help to build up those muscles. Will Mayo, an avid ice climber from Vermont, recommends any cardio exercise to prepare for your climb. I like to do one arm lock-offs against a chair to build up my upper body. Running and swimming also help. The most important aspect to ice climbing is safety gear.
Climbers are more likely to get hurt or die when they are in the beginning stages.
As they become more competent, they are less likely to die from a so-called pilot error. They're more likely to get hurt in avalanches or rappel failure. Never forget that you're 100 percent at the mercy of your equipment. As we all know, ice is frozen water and weather changes can affect its shape and stability. Starting early in the day is another key to safe ice climbing.