Movement Blog

You might think route setting is just drilling plastic holds onto walls all day. And sure, that's technically part of it - but saying that's all there is to setting is like saying painting is just putting colors on canvas or cooking is just throwing ingredients in a pan.

Picture this — it's the last week of December. You're not sure what day it is, pie is becoming one of the major food groups, and it's day five of hosting the parents. Doesn't a gym session sound good right about now? Read on for the ultimate guide on bringing your family and friends along with you to Movement, whether you're traveling or hosting this holiday season!

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.

Here at Movement Fountain Valley, we're so psyched to introduce our new gym director team. We'd like you all to meet Tiff, who stepped into the Gym Director Role back in October, and Tara who became our Assistant Gym Director earlier this November. Together, they make up “TnT” — a powerhouse team dedicated to keeping the stoke alive and the community thriving. Tiff and Tara aren’t new faces around here. They’ve each been integral parts of the Movement family for years, bringing their passion for climbing and community to every aspect of what they do.

Let's be real - there's a lot to love about climbing. As we head into the season of gratitude (and prime sending temperatures), here's a reminder of why we're thankful to be part of this chalk-dusted family:

Ever wonder how your zodiac sign influences your climbing style? We’ve put together a fun climbing horoscope just for you. Find out what the stars say about your next send and discover tips tailored to your sign!

Are you looking for the best climbing gyms in the Bay Area? With four unique locations—soon to be five—in San Francisco, Belmont, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara, Movement Gyms provide world-class experiences for everyone, from first-time climbers to seasoned experts. Each gym offers a distinct combination of climbing terrain, fitness and yoga spaces, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Here are some of our favorite highlights from each location:

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.

So, you just started climbing at a Movement Gym - congrats! Now that the weather is cooling down and the leaves are starting to change, you may be thinking about gearing up and taking your skills outside. Climbing is not only a great way to stay active and grow your community, but it's also an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors, especially in fall, when the temperatures are cooler, and the crisp air makes it ideal for sending.

Stalling out is seemingly the most normal thing that can happen to a person in climbing, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating, and it certainly doesn’t make it easier to fix. In early 2022, I was stuck on the Dinner Ledge of plateaus and searching for a way to improve, when my friend and climbing partner let me know that Movement Sunnyvale was starting up Peak Performance Training (PPT). I decided that getting professional coaches involved was a solid plan, so I signed up.