Climbing in a Gym

Bill Brown June 18, 2008

Climbing at a gym is a great way for beginners to get familiar with climbing in a safe, controlled environment. In a gym, new climbers can learn the basics, develop skills, and meet other climbers.
The routes are usually clearly marked, and most gyms cater to climbers of all skill levels. While many climbers prefer climbing outside, gyms can come in very handy when the weather is foul or when you don’t feel like making the trek to a remote climbing area.

In most climbing gyms there are some bouldering areas, but the predominant climbing style in a gym is top-roping, where the rope is tied to the climber, strung through an anchor at the top of the wall, and attached to a belayer (either a climbing buddy or a gym employee) at the other end.

Once you’re tied in, resist the urge to jump on it and climb away. Although it seems like you can just power your way to the top, climbing at it’s best is a thinking man’s sport. As you come to the wall, look it up and down. Try to map your course of action in your head. Note the areas that you think will be easier, the ones that will be more difficult, and any places that you can take a rest if you need to.

The visual overview might seem superfluous, but your vision is severely limited when your face is inches away form the wall, and it helps to have a basic idea of its layout fresh in your mind. My friends and I actually review climbing videos from our previous trips to harder areas so that we can plan out our future attempts.

When you get on the wall, here are a few things to remember:

1. Hug the wall. You want to keep your hips (aka center of gravity) close to the wall. If you stick your butt out away from the wall, it’ll put you off with it, and you’ll look like a rookie. No one wants that.

2. Be aware of your center of gravity. Try not to lean way out to one side or another. Your ideal position is to have your core directly over your legs. This helps at keeping fatigue at bay and it makes things a lot simpler when you want to move. There are exceptions, but in general, you’ll have a much easier time this way.

3. Use your legs! I’ve said this before, but I can’t stress it enough. Your arms are for balance and shifting your weight. Your legs hold your weight. Your feet will be what get you to the top, not your hands. When you plan your next move, make sure you know where your feet are going to end up. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

These basic tips should have you looking like you know what you’re doing, and as you get more familiar with the movement and your strength increases with time, you’ll find yourself on more and more challenging areas. Soon you’ll feel ready for some real rock.

To find a climbing gym in your area, check out http://www.indoorclimbing.com

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One Response to “Climbing in a Gym”

  1. Climbing in a Gym | Gearfire.com on June 18th, 2008 8:53 pm

    […] admin wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptClimbing at a gym is a great way for beginners to get familiar with climbing in a safe, controlled environment. In a gym, new climbers can learn the basics, develop skills, and meet other climbers. The routes are usually clearly marked, … […]

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