Abby Nelson was featured in yesterday's article entitled "Climb an Indoor Mountain This Fall" on AOL's That's Fit health portal. Writer Kyle Stack interviewed Abby about everything from using rock climbing as a leg workout to knowing which route to take on the wall. Check it out here.

Please join us in congratulating Sports Center member Brian Kim on his 2nd place performance at the Unified Bouldering Championships Pro Tour in Lincoln, NH!  The finals took place at the Nor’easter presented by Eastern Mountain Sports.

ClimbingNarc.com says, “Brian Kim…might just be the strongest climber you’ve never really heard much about.” Congrats Brian!

If you want to learn to boulder like Brian, don’t miss the Sports Center’s brand new bouldering cave! Open to members and non-members. Call the Rock Wall at 212.336.6083 for more information.

Climbing is all about challenging yourself.  You never stop improving, from the first time you put your foot onto a wall to the elite level, because there’s always a harder climb you can aspire to next.  And while expert climbers make it look easy, the sport is intense, combining focus, strength and flexibility.  But it’s also easier than it may seem to a leery beginner.  And many accomplished climbers are so enthusiastic about the sport that they are eager to help a newcomer.

Some climbers first come to the wall because they want a great workout; but they stay because, mentally and physically, the sport is like nothing else.  Many people think that they won’t like climbing or be able to do it; but you won’t know for sure until you try it, because the skills you need are unexpected and untested by most other activities.*

If you’re interested in climbing, but don’t want to deal with the responsibility of equipment or ropes, then iCLIMB is the class for you. Whether you’re new to rock climbing or can’t remember how to belay, do not worry. After iCLIMB, you’ll be able to navigate the wall like a pro.

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1. Anybody can do it. You don't have to be super strong or be able to do even one pull-up. Take a lesson and learn how to be safe in about an hour.
2. It's not dangerous. Rock climbing gear is made to hold hundreds of pounds; it can definitely hold you.
3. Everyone is "afraid of heights." People assume that you can't be afraid as a climber, but I'm still petrified. You just get used to trusting your equipment and climbing partner.
4. It's a great date idea! Teamwork and trust push couples to new limits rarely experienced over a dinner date. If you already know how to climb, it's very impressive and usually very sexy.
5. Climbers are usually in good shape and pretty nice to look at. Don't worry if you aren't yet. Come climb and you'll get there.
6. It's fun. There is always something to climb that will make you want to go to the gym. The same thing might not be true for running on a treadmill.