Movement Blog

You’ve seen the Instagram posts, you’ve watched Free Solo, and now you’re ready to try indoor climbing for the first time. You’re in the right place! We’re so excited to help you on this journey. Climbing will bring you a sense of community and personal growth, not to mention a full-body workout—but it can feel overwhelming at first. That’s why we built a list of the best Movement gyms for complete beginners. Read on for our recommendations for where to try climbing for the first time, complete with post-climb plans with your new crew!

Walking into a climbing gym for the first time can feel intimidating. It’s easy to assume everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing and that you’re the only person who feels unsure.

Chalk is a small thing that makes a big difference on the wall. It helps keep your hands dry so you can stay focused on the next move—especially when the holds get a little more demanding.

It's one of the most common questions we hear from people considering their first visit. And the answer is straightforward: NO. (Surprising, right?!) Climbing looks like it requires almost superhuman strength when viewed from the outside, but once you learn proper technique and body mechanics, it becomes something you'll fall in love with. Climbing is unique because it's a sport that builds the strength it requires as you progress. You don't arrive with it; you develop it by showing up.

So you just joined Movement…WELCOME! Whether you signed up because a friend dragged you in on a guest pass or you are testing the waters with one of our Trial Memberships, the first two weeks in this community are a magical time.

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.

Summer is for saying yes to new adventures. Whether it's weekend hikes, patio hangs, or finally getting serious about your fitness goals, it’s the perfect time to switch things up. If you’ve been eyeing a new gym, looking for a fresh routine, or just need something that feels fun again then Movement might be your new go-to.

I remember looking 30 feet down at my friends, my fingers and arms were sore from over gripping, there were no colorful plastic rocks, and all that I could think was – Oh this is hard.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly up a 15-meter (49 ft wall)? Maybe you want to push yourself in an area of climbing you’ve never thought about exploring before? If so, this is the blog for you. In honor of the Speed World Cup coming to Denver this summer, let’s take a deep dive into speed climbing.

Climbing grades. Love them, hate them, argue about them in the parking lot—they're a root part of climbing culture. There are a ton of grading systems across the world of climbing, but the goal is to come to a shared understanding of what you can expect when venturing into the vertical unknown. Here at Movement, we like to use the Yosemite Decimal System (more on this later).