Climbing is an excellent way to give both your body and mind a complete workout. It engages and works all muscle groups simultaneously, using both fast and slow-twitch muscles, helping to build strength and endurance. It can also improve your balance and co-ordination, as well as increase your mental control and problem-solving ability.
You must remember, however, that climbing can be dangerous. Before you take, part, therefore, it’s really important that you read both our climbing risk form, as well as the rules and conditions of use. You’ll need to do both these things before booking a competency test at your closest centre. You will also be given a full safety briefing and provided with all the safety equipment you need to ensure your time with us is as safe and as fun as possible. Once you have completed these steps, you will then be able to book yourself onto climbing sessions whenever you want. We also have climbing lessons available that can take you from complete beginner to a proficient indoor climber, following the NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme) pathway.
Indoor Climbing
Indoor climbing on artificial structures that aim to mimic the experience of outdoor rock is a fun, safe and social way to try the sport for the first time. It will help build your confidence, improve your skills, or just get you a little practice. Indoors, hand and foot holds are easily visible, in contrast with a natural wall, where finding a good hold may be a challenge.
Many of our leisure centres are equipped with indoor walls and have trained staff on hand to teach the necessary safety techniques, as well as climbing gear available for rent or to buy. Several also offer junior, disability and adult sessions where you can meet others who want to learn and build on their climbing experience. Furthermore, indoor climbing is also ideal for holding active kids’ parties, which mean you can enjoy all the fun, but without the fuss (or, indeed, the mess.)
Clip ‘n Climb
Some centres also offer Clip ‘n Climb facilities that add a splash of colour as well as a huge variety of climbing. Clip ‘n Climb is perfect for everyone – whatever their age or experience, while at centres with these facilities, we also offer a fantastic range of kid’s parties, which are fantastic fun, keep the children active and means you don’t have to deal with any of the clearing up.
Climbing lessons
As well as recreational climbing, at many of our centres, we also offer climbing lessons and courses. These are delivered in partnership with the national governing body NICAS (National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes) and offer a direct pathway for young climbers to go from complete beginner all the way to potentially being a highly skilled climber. Classes are open to children and young adult of all ages, beginning as young as five, going all the way up to 18. It’s a fantastic way to learn hand-eye co-ordination and discipline as well as being a fantastic workout! You can begin your journey to the top of the climbing world right here.
To find your nearest centre, click here. You can book sessions via the app, or online, as well as contacting the centre directly.