Movement Blog

With the holiday season approaching, we know you’re starting to look for the perfect gift for the climber in your life. Staring at racks of carabiners, draws, cams, and belay devices can feel overwhelming—and while no trad climber we know would turn down another black Totem, sometimes the best gifts don’t add weight to a harness. We pulled together a guide of our favorite ideas that skip the hardware and give something meaningful, useful, and memorable. From those planning their next big wall adventure to the brand-new climber, we’ve got something for everyone.

If you’re thinking about trying indoor climbing, welcome. You’re in the right place. Finding the best gym as a beginner can feel like a lot (“Do I need gear? Will everyone be better than me?”). The truth is: choosing a beginner-friendly climbing gym makes a huge difference in how comfortable, confident, and excited you feel starting out. A great beginner gym gives you more than walls to climb. It gives you friendly people, approachable classes, clearly marked routes, and a community that cheers you on as you take your first steps off the ground. If you happen to live near one of the Movement Climbing, Yoga, & Fitness locations across the U.S., you’ll find all of that plus yoga, fitness, events, and a whole lot of encouragement.

When it comes to picking out a climbing harness, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are dozens of options, each claiming to be the most comfortable, lightweight, or “next-level performance” choice. But let’s be real…most harnesses do the same job, and at the end of the day, the best one is the one that fits your body and your style.

Climbing is one of the most rewarding (and demanding) sports out there. Whether you’re chasing your next boulder project or logging endurance laps on the rope wall, your body is constantly adapting to stress. At The Climb Clinic, we work with climbers of all levels (from first-time gym members to seasoned 5.14 crushers) and we’ve noticed that most climbing-related injuries fall into just a few categories. Here are the five most common injuries we see and how to prevent them at Movement.

Climbing has always been about problem-solving, and for Melissa Ruiz, it’s also a sport that reflects her determination. She began climbing in 2018 and started competing in paraclimbing that same year. This September, Melissa competed at the IFSC Para Climbing World Championships in Seoul, where she dominated the RP1 category and took home her first gold medal. We sat down with Melissa to talk about her journey to the top, how she approaches problem-solving on the wall, and the next big goal she’s set her sights on.

Sorry not sorry to admit that we’ve grown addicted to podcasts. Odds are, if you’re looking for information on something, there’s someone on the internet with a microphone talking about it. Below, you’ll find our top binge-worthy podcasts about climbing and more to keep you hooked.

At Movement, we love that no two climbers are the same. Walk into any of our gyms and you’ll see people of all levels, backgrounds, and styles all finding their own rhythm on the wall So… what type of climber are you? Answer these quick “Would you rather” questions, then scroll down to see which type of climber/class fits you best: Weekend vibes—what’s your go-to? a) Hitting the road for a new adventure 🌍 b) Brunch + catching up with friends 🥞 c) A yoga flow or wellness retreat 🧘 d) Trying something totally new 🌱 What’s your playlist vibes? a) Anything loud + high energy 🎸 b) Whatever gets the whole crew singing 🎤 c) Chill beats or lo-fi focus 🎶 d) Honestly… still building my climbing playlist 🤷 How do you celebrate a send? a) Planning the next big project 💪 b) High-fives all around 🙌 c) Sitting in the quiet and soaking it in ✨ d) Taking a victory selfie 📸 Mostly A’s? You’re the Adventure Junkie. Mostly B’s? You’re the Social Butterfly. Mostly C’s? You’re the Mindful Mover. Mostly D’s? You’re the Trailblazer-in-Training

Have you ever hopped on the wall, only to get confused a few moves in? Climbing can often feel intuitive, but sometimes a tricky sequence can throw you off and burn precious forearm power. That’s where route reading comes in. By taking some time to plan before you pull on, you can climb smarter, save energy, and give yourself a better shot at sending. In climbing competitions, you’ve probably seen athletes miming moves from the ground or even rehearsing an entire route in their heads. Route reading helps you (and the pros!) separate the mental processing from the physical effort. By studying a climb before you get off the mat, You’ll create muscle memory for key techniques, anticipate the crux (the hardest part of the climb), and feel more confident when it’s time to commit. Ready to give route reading a try? Here are a few tips to conserve forearm power, maximize each attempt, and give yourself a better chance at flowing through your beta.

In the spirit of the upcoming spooky season, let's talk about something that all climbers face at some point on the walls — fear. Fear is a normal reaction to risk and your body's way of protecting you from harm. The problem occurs when fear bubbles up despite being prepared in a situation that is relatively low-risk. How do we convince our self-protecting brains that a controlled lead fall at the gym is not equivalent to free soloing El Cap? Keep reading for our best tips on how to approach the most anxiety-inducing situations in climbing.

Looking to level up your movement on the wall? Climbing isn’t just about strength—it’s about using technique to climb smarter, not harder. In our Part 1: Climbing Techniques and How to Use Them blog, we shared 5 fundamental skills every climber should know. Now, we’re diving deeper with 7 more essential techniques: Drop Knees, Toe Hooks, Stemming & Pressing, Laybacks, Knee Bars, Rock Overs, and Dynamic Movement. Learn what they are, when to use them, and how to practice each one to become a more efficient climber.