Movement Blog

Does this sound like you? You’ve been climbing consistently, hangboarding, and training off the wall, but you still can’t send your project. Or maybe you’re a more casual climber but you’re so sore after each session, you’re not able to climb as much as you’d like. Either way, the missing puzzle piece may be nutrition.

As back-to-school season rolls around, parents are always on the lookout for fun, engaging activities to keep their kids active and learning. Enter rock climbing – a sport that's fun for all ages - whether your 3 or 73! Imagine a playground that stretches up to the ceiling, filled with colorful holds and exciting challenges. That's what a climbing gym looks like through a child's eyes!

Menstrual cycle tracking is something that’s missing from a lot of women’s training regimens. For most of us, it’s an event that we know happens monthly, but we don’t know what happens week-to-week. Understanding what our hormones are doing is the first step in transforming what we might think of as a barrier, into a superpower.

We hope you're taking on our July Member Challenge to climb a classic! We are celebrating the 7-year anniversary of Alex Honnold free soloing the classic, Freerider on El Capitan. Here are our tips to get you on the leaderboard (or at least how to finish climbing all 3,300 feet!)

In climbing, as in life, there's something thrilling about the prospect of a race. Two competitors, a clearly defined finish, and the drive to be the quickest. You may have seen a unique wall in your local gym marked by uniform red holds. Here, climbers tap into this excitement as they face off in a vertical sprint to the top. Blink, and you might miss it. This is speed climbing.

Summer is the perfect time to embrace new challenges, connect with others, and enhance your wellness journey. At Movement Gyms, we offer a variety of classes, events, and community activities to help you make the most of your membership! Here are some tips to get the most out of your Summer Membership:

If you’ve ever been interested in climbing training boards, but you don’t know where to start—we’ve got you covered. From Tension to Kilter to campus, we’re covering the basics of the climbing training board landscape in 2024.

Spent plenty of sessions crushing it at our indoor gyms and feeling ready to take your skills to the great outdoors? We're so stoked for you to experience the thrill of climbing on real rock. There's nothing quite like fresh air, the sounds of nature, and that satisfying burn as you problem-solve your way up an outdoor route or boulder.

Rock climbing is a multifaceted sport that challenges the climber's physical strength, mental acuity, and technical skills. Beyond the thrill of ascent, it’s a dance of precision where fitness and strength training play a crucial role in enhancing overall performance. Unlike conventional gym routines, climbing demands a combination of strength, technique, and problem-solving, offering a holistic approach to fitness that can transform climbing abilities. Boosting Physical Capabilities: The Role of Strength Training Incorporating strength training into a climber's regimen is pivotal for pushing past plateaus and advancing to more challenging routes. Key exercises like deadlifts and pull-ups build muscle endurance and power, which are essential for maintaining grip and pulling oneself up on the rock. Additionally, core-focused workouts such as planks and leg raises develop the stability needed to balance and maneuver through complex sequences on the wall. Grip Strength: The Foundation of Climbing One of the most direct benefits of weightlifting for climbers is the enhancement of grip strength. Exercises that involve hand weights, barbells, or resistance bands can significantly improve a climber’s ability to hold onto grips with less fatigue. This is crucial for both bouldering and big wall climbing where a strong, enduring grip can make the difference between success and a fall. Enhancing Flexibility and Mobility While strength is a clear asset, flexibility and mobility are equally critical. Climbers also benefit from incorporating yoga into their training schedules to increase their range of motion. This flexibility allows climbers to reach farther holds and maintain more challenging positions without injury. Dynamic stretching can also aid in preventing strains and enhances the fluidity of movements on the rock. Building a Community of Strength and Skill Strength training for climbers often thrives in a community setting, where shared goals foster motivation and learning. Climbing gyms (like Movement!) that offer fitness classes tailored to climbers provide environments where novices and veterans alike can learn from each other’s experiences and push their limits under the guidance of trainers familiar with the unique demands of the sport. The Synergy of Climbing and Strength Training The integration of strength training and climbing is not merely about achieving physical improvements; it enriches the climbing experience, boosting confidence and enabling climbers to tackle more difficult projects. This synergy not only elevates individual performance but also contributes to a richer, more inclusive climbing culture, where climbers support one another in achieving their personal bests. By emphasizing both fitness and climbing, climbers can enjoy a more fulfilling experience in the sport—advancing their skills, overcoming challenges, and enjoying the community that comes with shared pursuit of climbing excellence.

Whether you're a seasoned climber with years of experience or a newcomer eagerly embracing the thrill of scaling rocks, chances are your adventures have led or will lead you to some of the most breathtaking climbing destinations across the country. As climbers, we're privileged to explore these natural wonders, but with this privilege comes a responsibility to protect and preserve these environments for future generations. This is where climbing stewardship comes into play.