Movement Blog

So you’ve been putting in the reps top roping, building confidence, and eyeing those draws on the wall. Lead climbing can be an exciting and rewarding next step in your climbing journey. Leading challenges you both physically and mentally, and because it comes with more risk than top rope, learning the right systems, building good habits, and having a solid belay partner really matters. The good news? You don’t have to rush into it. Like any new climbing skill, learning to lead climb safely is all about progression. In this guide, we’ll walk you through three approachable ways to start lead climbing to build your skills, confidence, and comfort on the wall.

Whether you’ve been climbing for a few days, years, or decades, you’ve likely felt the physical changes that come from pulling on plastic or rock. But as climbing has moved more into the mainstream light, another aspect has gained attention: the mental changes.

Are you hoping to get outside in the coming months? Whether it’s your very first day at the crag or you’re a seasoned climber planning a trip somewhere new, hiring a guide can completely transform your experience. Climbing guides bring a wealth of knowledge to any outdoor adventure. They know the best routes at every grade, how to move efficiently through a crowded crag, and how to manage technical systems safely and smoothly. They’re not just strong climbing partners, they’re instructors, mentors, and often your biggest cheerleaders when it counts.

Climbing gear goes through a lot. Sweat, chalk, friction, repeated falls, being shoved into gym bags, forgotten in cars – you name it. While your gear is designed to be durable and long-lasting, how you treat it between sessions can play a big role in its lifespan and how well it performs. The good news? Taking care of your gear is simple. We’ve outlined a few quick and easy steps to fold to your climbing routine that will go a long way to keeping your gear feeling (and smelling) fresh!

With the holiday season approaching, we know you’re starting to look for the perfect gift for the climber in your life. Staring at racks of carabiners, draws, cams, and belay devices can feel overwhelming—and while no trad climber we know would turn down another black Totem, sometimes the best gifts don’t add weight to a harness. We pulled together a guide of our favorite ideas that skip the hardware and give something meaningful, useful, and memorable. From those planning their next big wall adventure to the brand-new climber, we’ve got something for everyone.

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.

In the spirit of the upcoming spooky season, let's talk about something that all climbers face at some point on the walls — fear. Fear is a normal reaction to risk and your body's way of protecting you from harm. The problem occurs when fear bubbles up despite being prepared in a situation that is relatively low-risk. How do we convince our self-protecting brains that a controlled lead fall at the gym is not equivalent to free soloing El Cap? Keep reading for our best tips on how to approach the most anxiety-inducing situations in climbing.

As climbers, gear is a vital part of the sport we love. It comes to the gym, iconic crags, climbing trips, and some pieces have been with us potentially for years. Despite all the great memories, identifying when it’s time to replace gear is an important safety measure that should not be overlooked. Some signs may be obvious when gear is at the end of its life, others may be more subtle.

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.