I hate working out. Really. Going to the gym takes the joy out of my life and I usually always find some excuse not to physically go. In an effort to lose weight and get healthier I decided to seek out a gym that not only had workout equipment but classes as well in an effort to learn better workout routines for women.
I’m a variety kind of gal and if I have options other then the treadmill and weights I am more apt to participate but I also enjoy finding other fun ways to get fit. Over the next few months, I plan to try out new workout options and share them with you! So if your like me and need more physical activity options then a traditional gym offers, these posts are for you!
Workout Variety: Indoor Rock Climbing
There are 2 main rock climbing gyms in the Portland area. One is Evo Rock + Fitness and the other is Salt Pump Climbing Co. Both offer day passes to those who don’t want to pay for a membership and have options for kids, since the kids were coming with us and both going to try out rock climbing for the first time. I decided to check out Salt Pump this time around.
Arriving
The first thing that I noticed was how friendly the staff was. This was our first time ever doing any type of rock climbing and the staff was knowledgeable and helpful with any questions that we had. You have to pay for a day pass as well as equipment rental so this is not exactly a cheap way to get fit but it was actually really fun and a great physical activity for the kids. The facility itself offers many climbing walls as well as bouldering (climbing without ropes).
The Experience
I will let you in on a little secret of mine: I am terrified of heights. So the idea of climbing straight up a wall that is 45 feet height didn’t exactly excite me. I will say though, after multiple attempts I was never going to make it to the top, at least not this time around so my fear of heights was unfounded.
After several attempts of attempting to maneuver the walls and cling to the small little “rocks” for dear life, I finally got the hang of it. You begin to find what works for you and the best paths to take. The best part about being a first timer is that there are multiple spots where you have the option of auto-belay. This means that you don’t have to know how to tie in or have someone with you while climbing.
I will say that we all had fun climbing! It started to become a challenge to see if we could get further then we did the lat time or find a different path to take. Once we became more comfortable with the auto-belay system, the kids especially, started to become more confident in what they were doing.
It was also a really good workout. My arms and legs were burning afterwards and I felt really tired (I am also probably not in the best shape to be rock climbing). In total we spent almost 2 hours there. It was great that not only was I getting a workout, but the kids were as well and they were having fun!
What fun ways are you trying to get not only yourself but your family fit? Have you ever tried indoor rock climbing before?
Adriana says
I love indoor rock climbing. Its so much fun plus you are literally working every muscle
I have never done this before and it looks really an exciting workout for me to try of course with family . I am glad that you found something that will help you to become fit while enjoying.
Indoor rock climbing is a fun activity and it engages the kids and takes away their fear factor after they climb and fall a few times. They are now including this in many team events at workplaces to improve team building exercises.
Oh wow, looks like a fun experience. I want to try rock climbing too. My husband would be so happy to try this for sure
You’re a girl after my own heart. I hate working out too. I have never tried rock climbing before, but you really made it look like fun. I will have to give it a try sometime.
Lyosha says
Sounds super FUN! I would so love to try this, I actually want to but never did try. Sounds very exciting! Thank you for reminding me I actually want to try this
Sounds like ain’t interesting way to keep fit. Like you, I hate the gym. Luckily, I never get fat and don’t have need to go to the gym. Home exercises, yes. Does indoor rock climbing appeals to me, YES. I will love to try it out.
I know so many people who have really been getting into rock climbing lately. I never liked it as a kid, but I’ve been wanting to try it again to see if I’ll enjoy it now. Great post!
Kathleen Cregg says
OK, I tried this a few years ago and it is harder than it looks! The best feeling is when you get to the top! You’ve inspired me to try again!
Monidipa Dutta says
Whether you’re rock climbing indoors or out, the rock climbing session provides a good workout. During this time you build stamina, strengthen your muscles and increase your heart rate to work cardio. … But the sport also tests your core body muscles and legs to enable you to find the right balance during your climb.
I would LOVE to do this sometime!!! It looks so so so fun!
It’s good when you enjoy your choice of exercise. Makes it feel more rewarding. I haven’t been rock climbing. It would be cool to try out though.
Yonnah M says
It’s good when you enjoy your choice of exercise. I haven’t been rock climbing, but it would be fun to try.
Danielle says
My husband and I love rock climbing. We were surprisingly pretty sore after our first time, but we love it!
This is something I have been wanting to try! We have an awesome indoor facility here.
Neil Alvin Nicerio says
Oh nice! I would love to see one of those indoor rock climbing activities open here in the Philippines.
What a fun way to get fit! We have a ton of rock climbing places in my city. I will certainly have to venture to one soon!
ramzy says
it is a complete sport, also gives confidence in itself it is a very good discipline
Samar says
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
Loved it, especially the pictures.
Thanks for sharing.
Ciara says
Oh my gosh, are you me!? I hate working out and I hate heights, too - haha. But rock climbing is so fun! I can’t wait to take my kids when they’re old enough.
Kelsey says
omg looks so much fun! I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks!
cendu says
ugh! me and working out are not friends, I’m motivated for about a day and then head for the pizza lol. This is actually something I think I could do and stick to because it actually looks so fun!
Wow! I really like that climbing workout I hope we have that Indoor Rock Climbing near in my hometown awesome photos!
Monidipa Dutta says
Whether you’re rock climbing indoors or out, the rock climbing session provides a good workout. During this time you build stamina, strengthen your muscles and increase your heart rate to work cardio.
Nicole says
Indoor rock climbing is definitely a work out. It’s greys to see there’s ways to stay active even with kids.
Vaishali says
We have an indoor rock climbing wall in town! Yayy
Ellen | ZyraKuma says
Rock climbing is so much fun! I use to do it when I was on a school excursion. I want to do rock climbing again in the near future.
Nina Nichols says
I tried wall climbing before and I always failed to reach the top. lol. I think I am not just really into sports. Looks like really a lot of fun!
Samantha Flores says
Oh, yes! You use all kinds of muscles you probably didn’t even know you had when rock climbing!
*Samantha- https://herjournal.blog
Alex says
This looks so much fun, although I would prefer actual rock climbing.T his can be done along with family
thanks for share!
blair villanueva says
It is a great exercise and family bonding too! Your baby looks like wants to try it as well 😀
Elizabeth O says
absolutely stunning idea. it is really fun to have this in the home. very active fun activity. thabks for sharing such idea.
ann says
We had an amazing wall climbing experience when my son was 6. I thought to try even if I have the fear myself but I enjoyed it! Surprisingly! 🙂
aisasami says
There is indoor rock climbing nearby my apartment but I never have done it before. I don’t know if it will be easy for me.
Sheena Moncatar says
i always wanted to do indoor wall climbing but never got the chance. Your photos really look awesome! You guys surely had a blast. I will definitely try this activity real soon. Thanks for sharing.
Erin says
I love rock climbing!
Adharsh says
Wow it’s a new thing for me. Indoor rock climbing is looking cool. Hope I could try it in future. Thanks for sharing.
Dan @ Style High Guy says
This looks like a brilliant way to get fit. I’ve seen indoor climbing walls around and never given them a second thought - brilliant idea!
JK Darling says
Wow… I would love to try indoor rock climbing sometime. I wish it’s possible to have this experience in my city. 😊
Leonel says
Thanks for the great article