Movement Blog

There’s something special about ending your weekend surrounded by nature—especially when that nature lives in the heart of San Francisco. Nestled inside Presidio National Park, our San Francisco climbing gym offers an experience you can’t find anywhere else in the city: climbing, movement, and recovery, all steps away from miles of trails, iconic views, and historic landmarks.

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.

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.

It’s been a couple of months since we opened the doors to Movement Mountain View, and we’re already feeling the love from our new community. Whether you live nearby or you're just visiting the Bay Area, this space was built to bring people together — to climb, connect, train, and unwind. If you haven’t stopped by yet, here’s a glimpse of what makes this location special.

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.