The problem with being a restless soul, is I am always looking for the next adventure. I sometimes wonder if that means I will never be entirely happy with the day-to-day routine, but hey, if it means I get to try new things …
While looking for ways to keep active this winter, I stumbled on indoor rock climbing. Many people I skydive with rock climb, so it seemed like a good choice.
I started with an introduction package from Climber’s Rock. The great thing is it includes a belay lesson, all rentals and two months of gym memberships including the yoga studio for approx. $80. This gives people a chance to decide if they like rock climbing or not. I found the belay lesson a bit long, but overall good. Once you learn to belay, you do a quick test the next time you come in and are free to climb.
I never expected climbing to be such a workout! I also didn’t think there was such a range of options and things to do at the climbing gym. For example, top rope is when you climb a wall and are attached by a harness to a rope, which a belayer controls at the bottom. Each
route is given a difficulty rating. I’ve seen routes marked between 5.3 and 5.13+ at my gym. I recently managed to do a 5.10- while struggling a fair amount. There is also lead climbing, where the climber clips in with their rope as they climb. A much more difficult process. Many gyms offer auto belays, which is like top rope climbing that does not require a belayer – it’s done by machine.
And finally the gyms offer bouldering, which are shorter walls that are climbed without a harness. They usually involve a few technical moves before either climbing over the wall or jumping back down. Personally I struggle with bouldering, as I find most of the walls are on steep inclines and difficult to hold on to. I also do not have much upper body strength, which makes it harder.
Rock climbing is great because almost any skill level can try it. The easiest routes have children on them and the hardest ones are done by competitive climbers. The equipment is also relatively cheap and lasts a long time. This makes the sport more attractive to first time climbers.
Although I have been mostly sore since starting climbing, being a goal oriented person, I love the challenge of progressing through the levels of climbing.
Cool! Rock climbing gyms are fun.
Yes, its a great activity! I just wish I had discovered it early in the winter. 🙂
You’re a climber now! Awesome!!
Just barely! 🙂 but I’m hoping to keep it up.
I personally love Bouldering over anything. I also think it tones you a lot faster than belaying or top roping. I dont really like either of those two because I weigh like nothing so when someone helps me its like they’re throwing me up in the air lol. I’m glad youre enjoying climbing. Also, thanks for visiting my page! 😀
No problem! I’ve started bouldering more in the last week or so and starting to like it a lot more! I feel like I`m progressing slower at it then top rope though! ah well
Awesome! I’m currently looking for a good indoor rock climbing spot in NYC – seems like a fun way to exercise!
It is a great way to exercise! I have never been big on working out at the gym, but I find having the goal of progressing to higher levels climbs really motivates me at the climbing gym. I’m sure you will find lots in NYC!