By Molly Beard

The skies are grayer, the rain more frequent, the daylight hours are noticeably shorter, and no matter how much we want to deny it, winter is upon us. Sigh. While walking outdoors is still an option, many may not want to spend so much time in the cold and wet. Walking indoors on a treadmill is another possibility, but the scenery never changes and ennui sets in quickly. Don’t despair, though, there are other indoor exercise possibilities! How about trying vertical walking, aka rock climbing?

Rock climbing. What image comes to mind when you hear of this sport? Do you see huge mountains blanketed in snow, perhaps sheer rock faces thousands of feet high, or an action flick from Hollywood, complete with unbelievable feats of strength and bravery? While rock climbing can encompass some of these aspects — with an exception to the Hollywood images — the reality is much tamer, safer, and more accessible than you might have imagined.

In the last 10 years climbing has become an increasingly popular sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. With indoor rock gyms removing the risks of weather and rock-fall, more folks who swore they “would never do something crazy like rock climbing” are giving this multi-faceted sport a try. On any given day you can see a range of people enjoying their climbs, from toddlers to 70-year old grandparents, from first-time climbers to seasoned competitors training for their next event. Climbing is a unique sport in that the challenges are infinite and every individual chooses their own challenges.

What is an indoor rock gym like? Picture this: a comfortable, climate controlled warehouse-sized space — no cold or wet conditions here! Well-lit walls dotted with brightly colored handholds that you grasp with your hands and stand on with your feet to scale the wall. Special ropes draped from the top for safety and easy use. Smiling, experienced staff to teach climbing basics and to ensure everyone’s safety. These and many more
features are hallmarks of a modern indoor rock gym.

“What about the actual climbing?” you might ask. Climbing is one of the best whole-body workouts available. A common misconception is that climbing is all about arm strength. While you do use your hands and arms, the truth is that your legs are more important as you must push with your feet to move your body up the wall. If you can walk, you can climb! While your arms, legs, and torso do get a good physical workout, your brain benefits too. Unlike other whole-body sports like swimming or Nordic skiing, climbing demands problem-solving skills and other comprehensive brain processes. Few sports help you to be fit and smart at the same time. Seriously, while climbing is often likened to chess, the real benefit comes from being mentally involved in the activity while you do it, a sure-fire cure for winter workout blahs.

How to get started? Most indoor gyms offer a variety of classes specifically for new climbers. A great way to try climbing is to sign up for a “belay session” or group event, where staff members take care of all the rope management and safety. A typical session usually lasts about an hour, includes all the necessary equipment, and requires no previous climbing experience.

Another way to begin is to take an introductory or a basic climbing class. These classes teach you belaying technique (a specific action of handling the rope so as to keep the climber safe from falling), knot tying, and general climbing safety to be able to navigate the gym on your own. Many rock gyms offer an introductory package that, in addition to the class, includes a temporary gym membership giving you the opportunity to practice your new skills.

Where to go? There are three commercial gyms to choose from in the Portland area. Just south of Portland there is ClubSport of Oregon Adventure Center; the largest indoor rock gym in Oregon, 503-968-4535. In west Portland, there is Stoneworks Climbing Gym; home to one of our nation’s oldest youth climbing teams, 503-644-3517. Near downtown, on the eastside, is Portland Rock Gym; Portland’s oldest facility, and the second-oldest facility in the nation, 503-232-8310.

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to find out just how much fun climbing really is. Winter may be looming upon us, but armed with this information you now have another option for keeping yourself fit, avoiding boredom, and staying dry.

Molly Beard is a native Oregonian, and has been an avid (her mom says obsessed) climber for 10 years. She wishes she could teach her cat to rock climb, but happily settles for instructing the humans. When able to tear herself away from her cat, you can find Molly route setting and teaching at ClubSport or coaching the youth climbing team at Stoneworks.