Voices Indoor Rock Climbing is the Beginner-Friendly Sport You Should Try This Winter Say goodbye to cabin fever and take your fitness to new heights. By Kelsey Ogletree Kelsey Ogletree Kelsey Ogletree is an independent journalist covering national stories on food, wellness and travel. Born and raised in Montana, she moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University—and ended up staying a decade. While she recently moved to Alabama, she still has her ear to the ground on all things Midwest. In addition to Midwest Living, she's a regular contributor to AARP The Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and more. When she's not writing or interviewing, she loves scouting out local bakeries and coffee shops, visiting small towns, taking long walks, and snuggling with her kitty and husband. Midwest Living's Editorial Guidelines Published on December 6, 2021 Photo: Courtesy of Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym Midwesterners withJanuary exercise goals have a distinct disadvantage—the weather. If stationary bikes and bicep curls don't excite, consider indoor climbing. The sport is unexpectedly beginner-friendly and provides a truly holistic workout. Scaling a wall builds physical strength, mobility and flexibility. It also stimulates and focuses the mind through problem-solving: When you're deciding which ledge or foothold to grab next, you can't think about anything else. In Cleveland, Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym has two locations and an especially welcoming vibe. The nonprofit model supports a variety of local causes, large and small. North Mass Boulder. In Cleveland, Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym has two locations and an especially welcoming vibe. The nonprofit model supports a variety of local causes, large and small. PHOTO: Courtesy of Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym North Mass Boulder. PHOTO: Courtesy of North Mass Boulder That's why stress subsides as you persevere through a route, says Peter Stancato, founder of the nonprofit Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym in Cleveland. After trying climbing at a pre-wedding gathering, he opened Nosotros as a welcoming space where strangers can become community. With 200 routes, Climb Iowa is the state’s largest climbing gym, just north of Des Moines. A satellite location downtown specializes in bouldering—lower heights, but without ropes. Last fall, national chain Movement opened its first Midwest outposts in Chicago’s Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. Weight and cardio areas overlook colorful climbing walls. With 200 routes, Climb Iowa is the state’s largest climbing gym, just north of Des Moines. A satellite location downtown specializes in bouldering—lower heights, but without ropes. PHOTO: Dylan Huey Last fall, national chain Movement opened its first Midwest outposts in Chicago’s Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. Weight and cardio areas overlook colorful climbing walls. PHOTO: Michael “M” Hecker "We love how climbing is deeply relational," Stancato says. Don climbing shoes (most gyms rent them) and join a beginner's class, then try substituting climbing for one or two workouts each week. 3 Tips for New Climbers Get Friendly Bring pals the first time, and plan to make new ones on the wall. Climbers like to help beginners get a grip on things, and chatting adds to the enjoyment. Look Ahead Climbing puts your body in unnatural positions—and high up! Prevent panic by focusing on what's in front of you and the physical sensations you're feeling. Keep Going Every new climber feels physically challenged and a little self-conscious. Learning to remove the barriers you create for yourself is one of the rewards. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit