Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. 130 new indoor climbing gyms opened in the US between 2013 and 2016, and climbing is slated for inclusion in the 2021 Olympics–I think we can officially say that the once-fringe pursuit of “dirtbags” has gone mainstream. Despite its burgeoning popularity, many people who might be interested to try rock climbing still find it daunting. But the great thing about indoor gym climbing is that there really is a place for everyone. Here are 11 reasons why you should try gym climbing.
1. Gym climbing is for pretty much anyone
Young, old, large, small, short, tall. Climbing is completely personal and enjoyed by all sorts of different people. Despite what you see in climbing videos, scraggly white dudes are not the only ones climbing.
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2. Gym climbing is fun
Ever notice that kids climb all over everything? They do it because it’s FUN! So why do we stop once we get older? Climbing is an intuitive activity that brings out the kid in all of us. If for no other reason than to have fun, you should try gym climbing.
3. Gym climbing is a whole-body workout
Rock climbing is not just good for your hands and arms–your legs, shoulders, core, back, and pretty much every other muscle are involved. In fact, one of the most common mistakes beginners make is overusing their hands and arms–so if your forearms and hands are your only sore bits, ask a more experienced friend or a gym staff member how to climb more efficiently and get the rest of your body involved!
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4. Gym climbing has relatively inexpensive startup costs
Yes, you should beware all enterprises that require new clothes–but gym climbing is cheap compared to many other hobbies. The only equipment you absolutely need is climbing shoes, and you can easily rent those at first to make sure you like the sport. After that, you can get brand new shoes for as cheap as $50. Even if you get a chalk bag and harness you’re only looking at another $100. Monthly memberships to a climbing gym are usually equitable to a normal gym membership, and climbing gyms often include workout rooms and other amenities normally offered by gyms.
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5. Gym climbing is great cross training
Rock climbing isn’t just about brute strength–it requires delicate balance and a good amount of flexibility (I mean, have you seen Ashima climb!?), so it’s great cross training for a variety of other sports. The fine muscle control you’ll gain will benefit you in just about any other activity–and it’ll even improve your posture!
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6. Gym climbing requires problem solving
Climbing is great mental exercise too–bouldering routes are called “problems” for a reason. Climbing requires figuring out a sequence of moves that will work to get you to the top, and then implementing that sequence physically. But there’s often more than one way to do it, and people of different heights, sizes, and skills will end up completing a route totally differently–so one person’s beta (information about how to do a climb) might not work for you. Every route is a unique puzzle!
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7. Gym climbing progress is (initially) very fast
Climbing has a standardized system for rating the difficulty of routes, so you can clearly measure your progress. When you first start gym climbing you’ll be surprised how quickly you improve, which feels amazing and is great positive reinforcement. Even though the rapid improvement tapers off after a while, and progress comes more slowly, by then you’ll be hooked. Just make sure to take it slow and not injure yourself!
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8. Gym climbing is a great way to make friends
Gym climbing involves a good amount of down time. If you’re bouldering, you need to rest in between problems, and if you’re top-roping, you’ll be belaying half the time. These are both great opportunities to start up conversations and get to know new people! You already have something in common, and climbers love talking about climbs they’ve done or are planning to do. Plus, many climbing gyms also have regular social events and other ways for members to meet people and get to know each other.
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9. Gym climbing has positive mental benefits
We all know the mental benefits of exercise. It increases mood-related hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. A 2015 study in Germany tested gym climbing’s effect on depression and found a significant improvement in symptoms in those who climbed regularly. Additional studies have found it helpful in treating anxiety and even PTSD. There are also other benefits that aren’t yet measurable by science, like the confidence gained by overcoming fears of heights and falling.Â
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10. Gym climbing will help you develop a new vocabulary
Jargon is fun. Imagine getting to use words like “beta”, “crux”, “juggy”, “crimp”, and “redpointing” in normal conversation without anyone looking at you strangely. Climbing will open your world to a whole new language. With enough practice, you could be this guy. To make sure you’re prepared, check out The Super Secret Language of Climbers.
11. Gym climbing will become your new obsession
Seriously, you’ll love it. Give gym climbing a try and see what happens. And then, when you get obsessed and want to give outdoor rock climbing a try, you can hire me as your rock climbing guide. So really, the number one reason to try gym climbing: job security. For me, that is.
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