Movement Blog

In our gyms, everything is inspected regularly—bolts, anchors, quickdraws, you name it. But out at the crags, where there isn’t a Rockstar facilities team to back you up, it’s up to the climbing community to keep each other safe. At outdoor climbing areas, on public land, there is no routine maintenance or inspection by land management agencies, and all work is done by local volunteers. This means as climbers we are responsible for the bolts and anchors we choose to use! Thankfully, with the help of the American Safe Climbing Association (ASCA), caring for the crags you love has never been easier.

With any big dream, there’s always a moment when it feels too big, too unattainable, and maybe even a little crazy to say out loud. For Brooke Deans, that moment came in the fall of 2023 when she decided to take on the challenge of a lifetime: running a 100-mile race. And not just any race—the Canyons 100 Mile Endurance Run, part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, and the only major of its kind in North America. Brooke had only been racing for a year, with three races under her belt—two 50Ks and one 50-miler. But she was ready for this monumental leap.

Oh, the clichés of falling. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Thank you, Confucius, for that timeless nugget of wisdom. In climbing, though, it's not just about getting back up — it's the quality with which we get up and how we try again. Falling is inevitable. If you’re climbing, you’re going to fall. The very first time you step into our gym, it’s explained. We start with an orientation video explaining that falling is part of the deal and how to do it safely: spot your landing, tuck your arms in, legs shoulder-width apart, bend the knees, roll onto your bum and back. All the technical stuff to keep gravity from getting the best of you. But beyond the physical technique, there’s a whole art to falling. A deeper lesson. Let’s talk about what it means to fall—and what it can teach us, both in climbing and beyond.

Bouldering is an exhilarating and accessible form of climbing that many of us have tried, or at least seen, at our local gyms. We highly recommend it if you haven't given it a go yet! Bouldering walls are typically shorter, ranging from 10 to 18 feet, with a thick mat underneath to catch you when you fall. No ropes are involved, so when you fall, you simply get back up and try again from the ground.

Welcome, climbers! Today, we're diving deep into the world of climbing footwear with a test drive of the Scarpa Reflex VS shoes, sold exclusively at select Movement Gyms, nationwide. These shoes are the newest and most affordable model in the Scarpa fleet, boasting a blend of comfort, performance, and durability that's hard to beat. Join us as we explore everything you need to know about the Scarpa Reflex VS and why it's a game-changer for climbers everywhere.

In honor of our annual West Coast Friction Series competition, let's talk all things friction to get you (and your skin) in Peak Performance shape. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, caring for your skin is crucial for optimal sendage. In this blog, we'll explore five essential tips tailored specifically for climbers aiming to achieve maximum friction all while taking care of their precious skin.

There is a saying in climbing: “All you need to get started is a pair of climbing shoes and a chalk bag.” But there is something weird that happens when you slide on climbing shoes the first time, whether you borrowed them from a friend, inherited them from your aunt, or got a pair of rentals from the front desk. “…oh these feel, different” is a VERY common reaction. It’s a strange, strange sensation. Now you have a shoe that has never felt like anything else on your foot. Where do you go next? What is this shoe supposed to feel like? The wall of options in the gear shop can feel overwhelming. Not to worry! In this blog, we'll spill the beans on the tips and tricks for landing that ideal climbing shoe fit.