So, you’ve had your first taste of a climbing gym with an orientation, a gym tour, and a chat at the front desk. But if your curiosity is still scaling the heights, here are 3 things they might not tell you about climbing gyms for beginners:
1. Just show up in your workout gear, and they'll handle the rest. When beginning a new hobby, many assume they need to buy all the equipment right away, which can be costly. Climbing gyms usually offer rentals for shoes, chalk, harnesses, and ropes at a small fee and sometimes free on your first visit. This approach lets you test the waters before committing to your own gear.
2. Climbing gyms are all about the community. Unlike traditional gyms where people often keep to themselves, climbing gyms foster connection. The community is there to support and cheer you on, making the experience far more welcoming than you might expect. With beginner-friendly routes, climbing, yoga, and fitness classes, there's something for everyone.
3. You’ll master the art of falling. While falling is inevitable, there’s a safe way to do it. Climbing gyms teach this during orientation, helping you avoid injuries and gain confidence. If falling seems intimidating, there are ways to avoid it. During orientation, you are also instructed to use the 'down climb' holds as a safe way to get down, but you could also use any hold nearby to make your way safely down the wall. You can also look for routes that are not so high up off the ground, make the fall short.
Looking to get started on your climbing journey?