So you’re trying to stay in shape, but the thought of spending yet another mind-numbing hour on an elliptical machine or arc trainer sends you into fits. You’ve run, stepped and crunched so often that you’re looking for something different; a physical challenge unlike anything you’ve tried before. How about one of the fastest growing individual sports around the world: rock climbing? It’s exciting, adventurous, and a great way to stay physically as well as mentally fit.
How to get started though? Sure, there are plenty of public lands and parks where great rock climbing is available, but if you’re stuck in the city for the weekend where are you going to go? Well, you’re in luck, because there are a number of indoor facilities that are tailor made for both the beginning and experienced climber, and the following three are a good place to start right here in New York City.
Manhattan Plaza Health Club
In the thirty-some-odd years of its existence, the Manhattan Plaza Health Club has expanded into a 35,000 square foot complex and has positioned itself as the premium climbing facility in New York. (Not only do they offer rock climbing, but other activities that you wouldn’t expect to find in a gym, such as scuba-diving.) The highlight of the facility though, is the climbing gym which covers roughly five thousand square feet and offers over 60 routes which are redesigned monthly to challenge even the most experienced climbers. There is also a cave with a large multi stepped lead roof set, a pair of twenty foot squeeze chimneys, and a 160 foot bouldering route.
The gym hosts workshops, seminars and competitions, and their instructors average three years experience in outdoor climbing which should reassure beginners. Special rates for adult groups and child parties are offered, and unlimited use of the climbing gym is included with a membership. (Harness and shoe rentals are available for a nominal fee.)
M.P.H.C.
482 W. 43rd Street
(212) 563-7001
The Field House at Chelsea Piers
Although less grand in scale, the twenty three foot indoor rock wall at the Field House at Chelsea Piers is ideal for both beginners and more experienced climbers. You can learn new techniques from their staff, and they invite climbers to receive Field House belay certification at any of their classes.
Adult sessions are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but will vary in size depending on the number of participants. They also hold children’s classes and parties, noting that “Individuals and small groups are welcome. All equipment is included” All in all, Chelsea is a strong choice for beginners or those who are simply more cost conscious.
The Field House
Between Piers 61 & 62
23rd St. & Hudson River Park
Reservations (212) 336-6500 ext. 0
Extra Vertical Climbing Center
This is an accessible climbing center right in the heart of midtown that you may have overlooked even though it’s been here for at least ten years. The Extra Vertical Climbing Center has both a thirty foot wall and a fifty foot wall that tower over the sidewalk below. This particular facility positions itself as kid-centric and notes that: “The staff are professional, safe, and family-friendly. Kids and adults can stop in any time and try a climb, or they can take classes which improve mental focus, coordination, balance, and flexibility.”
As does Chelsea Piers, Extra Vertical does private parties for birthdays or any other occasion.
Extra Vertical
Broadway between 62nd & 63rd
(212) 586-5382
Regardless of which one you choose, do yourself a favor and get off that miserable treadmill, step away from the spin bike, put down the free weights… and start climbing!
Sources:
NYMetroParents, http://www.nymetroparents.com/bestbetsinfo.cfm?id=22753&catid;=175
Indoorclimbing.com, http://www.indoorclimbing.com/newyork.html
Manhattan Plaza Health Club, http://www.mphc.com/pages/facilities/climbing-gym.php
Chelsea Piers, http://www.chelseapiers.com/fhAdRock.htm
