Movement Blog

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.

Life can get a little hectic sometimes, and even the things we usually turn to for stress relief—like climbing—can start to feel like a lot when we’re running low on energy. Mental and physical fatigue can be tough to deal with, and if we’re not careful, it can catch up to us—not just in everyday life, but on the wall, too.

You’ve probably seen a bunch of run clubs popping up, and you probably have some climber friends who can’t go a single day without hitting the pavement. Then again, you might know someone who refuses to do any form of cardio that isn’t just the approach to a route or boulder. So, how much does cardio actually help us in climbing?

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.

Let’s face it, climbing can be tough on your body. You’re pulling, pushing, hanging, and twisting in ways that most workouts don’t even come close to. And while climbing is a killer workout on its own, adding cross training can make a world of difference in how strong, stable, and injury-free you feel on the wall.

When we aim to level up our climbing, many of us tend to focus on finger strength, endurance, technique, or power. While these aspects of training are crucial to climbers, one element we often overlook is mobility. Before diving into how mobility can supercharge your climbing, let’s clarify what it really means.

As the new year rapidly approaches, many people are starting to think of what they want to accomplish—whether it’s climbing a higher grade, overcoming a plateau, or improving nutrition. However, a common pitfall many people find themselves in is setting goals that are too unattainable. So how can you set goals that you can actually stick to? Here’s six tips to make sure your resolutions are both challenging and achievable.

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:

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.

One great way to improve your climbing is to add regular weight training to your routine. Yep--it's true! While rock climbing is a skill sport, lifting weights is a preventative measure to help balance out muscles and protect against injuries. Lifting weights will create total-body strength that will allow the body to move in a variety of different ways. That's why we asked Trish, one of our Alpine Fitness instructors at our Englewood location, for a 60 minute fitness routine that will improve your grip strength and ability to hold tension so you can hold yourself on steeper terrain more easily, while also practicing movements that will support more precise footwork and improve technique.