Skyler Brooks began climbing recreationally between college classes with his friends. The sport was an outlet, whether he needed to blow off steam, engage his inner child, or challenge himself to reach the top; it was never a serious entrepreneurial endeavor, until it was.
"I fell in love," he says. "I was climbing five days a week and made friends with the gym owner. I learned about the business, and opening a gym became an idea my wife and I fantasized about but never thought would happen."
Skyler and his wife, Vanessa, moved to Fort Worth with their daughter, Eloise, four years ago, and the rest of their families followed suit shortly after. The change of scenery made everything feel possible.
"Every step we took brought us closer to opening the gym until one day it happened," Skyler remembers. "It was meant to be."
Today, the couple owns The Blok Climbing Co. on Vickery Boulevard with Skyler's parents, and just like his college years, it's more than a gym.
"It turned out to be the best decision we ever made," Skyler says.
The Blok Climbing Co. specializes in bouldering, a form of rock climbing performed on shorter walls without ropes, with padded flooring to catch the occasional fall. Skyler explains the difference between traditional climbing and bouldering:
"Rope climbing is like cross country—it's endurance-based. Bouldering is more like track—higher intensity with shorter bursts of energy. It allows your inner child to play."
Beyond climbing, The Blok offers a traditional fitness room with free weights, pull-up stations, and cardio equipment. They also feature a recovery room Skyler not-so-lovingly nicknamed the "torture chamber," which includes a cold plunge and sauna for muscle recovery.
But what truly sets The Blok apart is its members.
"We host a lot of community events," Skyler says. "We have competitions, vendor markets, board game nights, and social gatherings. It's a place where people come together, not just to work out but to connect."
Unlike traditional gyms, where headphones are a shield and people prefer solitude, climbing fosters engagement.
"It's inherently social," Skyler explains. "You're always talking with others, giving advice, and working through climbs together. It's a natural icebreaker when you jump on the same climb as someone else."
The benefits of climbing, both physically and mentally, are what drew Skyler to the sport. He outlines several key advantages:
- Full-body workout: Climbing engages the arms, back, core, and legs simultaneously, building functional strength.
- More engaging than a typical workout: Every climb is different, keeping things exciting and helping climbers stay motivated.
- Improves flexibility and mobility: The sport requires a full range of motion, naturally increasing flexibility over time.
- Enhances balance and coordination: Navigating holds and movements helps improve bodily control.
- Mental challenge: Climbing is like solving a puzzle—you must figure out the best route and techniques to succeed.
- Boosts confidence and resilience: Overcoming climbing challenges helps build mental toughness and self-assurance.
- Built-in social benefits: Climbing fosters strong community bonds, making it a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Great for mental well-being: The combination of physical exertion, problem-solving, and social interaction makes it an excellent stress reliever.
"Most people spend 95% of their climbing time failing," Skyler laughs. "But that 5% of the time when you finally complete a tough climb, it's the best feeling. It mirrors life—pushing through challenges, self-improvement, and celebrating victories."
Climbing remains a niche sport, but its appeal has grown significantly thanks to the Olympics adding various events in 2021 and the rise of famous climbers like Alex Honnold.
"We see people from all walks of life," Skyler says. "Our youngest climber was two years old, and our oldest is 74. It's not just about brute strength—it's technique, problem-solving, and learning how to move your body efficiently."
Climbing positions are similar to yoga poses, with many from Skyler's gym partaking in both exercises.
"Yoga requires body control in positions that aren't typical for most people," he notes. "Climbing is the same, so there's a lot of overlap."
Skyler hopes the Blok will familiarize more people with the sport, bringing in people from his new community so he can meet them his favorite way.
"We are more than just a gym; we're a social hub for people to hang out," he says. "If you don't want to go to the bar or spend money at a restaurant, come to the gym. We always have something going on. "
Whatever is happening, there will always be someone from the Brooks family mingling amongst attendees, hanging in the lounge with their kids, or participating in a challenge.
"It's been incredible to see the community form around The Blok," says Skyler. "We're excited to keep growing and sharing this passion with others."
So, whether you're a seasoned climber or a curious beginner, Skyler and his team are ready to welcome you to the wall.