Winter workouts can be a bit boring. The monotony of the gym and the outside windchill make it easy to stay curled up under a cozy blanket. Unless the kids are bouncing around the house full of energy.
Thank goodness there's a place where the family can literally climb the walls. Climb Lawrence provides the community with a fun and safe way to be active both in the winter and year-round. The large, open climbing area has numerous routes to try with varying degrees of difficulty. Plus, there is a fitness center with weight machines and cardio equipment for a more traditional workout experience, including yoga classes.
The climbing gym is open to anyone age four and older. Manager Chase Hoag says while many of the members are college students, they also get lots of kids and people in their 50s and 60s trying out their skills.
"I think our oldest member is 72 years old, and he's a better climber than me," Hoag says, "Climbing is really an all-inclusive sport. You know, I think people can be intimidated by the prospect of it, but climbing is for everyone. We want people to come in and feel like this is a safe place for them to explore and learn. It can make exercise fun and enjoyable, and not just a monotonous task that you have to do."
Most of the gym is set up for bouldering, where people climb to about 15 feet off the ground. Soft, thick pads cover the floor to cushion any falls. However, for anyone who wants to feel more anchored, one area has ropes to catch them if needed.
Hoag points out, "Falling is part of climbing. I always tell the kids in my classes if you're not falling, you're not doing it right."
To start your Climb Lawrence adventure, go to ClimbLawrence.com.