Climbing walls across the country have become the playgrounds for those hungry to get fit, have fun and explore new experiences. The proof is in the pudding: more than 30 walls have sprung up in London alone in the last five years. This isn’t a trend. It’s a movement that shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2019, the catalyst for my journey was a casual comment from a work colleague about her newfound climbing hobby. Little did I know that this seemingly offhand remark would lead me into a world that has transcended its roots in underground dens – a place pro climbers would visit during off-season to level up their abilities on the mountain tops.
Today, climbing is more than scaling walls; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about staring down fears, forging connections within a community, discovering pain and joy in failure. The climbing gym isn’t merely a place to work out; it’s a home for those seeking challenges, friendship, and an escape from the sameness of daily life.
Millennials and Gen Zers are swapping out avocados and lattes for a different kind of membership: an all-access pass to a world of falls, laughter and triumphs. Indoor climbing is not just a sport; it’s a safe space.
Taking hold
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
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This story is from the March 2024 edition of Men's Fitness UK.
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