Movement Blog

Andrew first got into climbing after hearing about a local adaptive meetup—and was instantly all in. What began as weekly sessions quickly turned into a passion, leading to his first-place finish at Paraclimbing Nationals this past March. In this Q&A, he talks about finding community through the sport and where he hopes climbing will take him next.

Climbing has a way of drawing people in, whether through the thrill of movement, the challenge of the sport, or the community it fosters. For Isabel, it was a chance introduction in 2021 that quickly turned into a passion—and soon after, a competitive pursuit. Just this past March, she won 1st place in her category at Paraclimbing Nationals, a testament to her dedication and hard work. In this Q&A, she shares her journey from first-time climber to national champion, her approach to training and mental preparation, and her aspirations for the future of paraclimbing, including the sport’s Paralympic debut in LA28.

Hosted at Movement Plano this past weekend, 21 of the country’s top Speed Climbers assembled for USA Climbing’s Speed Training Camp. Offering our Climbers premium lessons to aid in keeping their excellent performance this season. (photo by: Phuc Nguyen) Head Coach of the Team CRG Atlanta, Olexiy Shulga, led the wonderful climbing program. Utilizing her extensive expertise working with some of the county’s highest performing Speed Climbers. Various officials from the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee also made the journey to support our athletes, like Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach, Amanda Fleece, and Senior Psychological Services Provider, Sean McCann. (photo by: Phuc Nguyen) Beyond just tuning their skills in a more collaborative space, this camp gave the opportunity to bring together athletes from around the country to make bonds, compare programming, and share techniques. A chance some only get during competitions.

Fear is a natural response when climbing, whether you're scaling towering walls or tackling tricky boulders. It can keep you sharp, but it can also paralyze you if left unchecked. Managing fear is key to building confidence and finding joy in climbing, and one of the most effective tools you have is your breath. Here are some breathing techniques to help you stay calm and focused during your climbs.

So, you’re thinking of becoming a Movement member. We may be biased, but we’ve seen firsthand how climbing transforms individuals and communities. It’s not just about climbing -- It’s about doing something together. From meeting new partners to group fitness & yoga classes, at our gyms, every interaction is an opportunity to connect. Read on for our favorite perks of being a member. Our memberships & passes page is here whenever you’re ready to dive in!

Inside the World of Competitive Lead Climbing