NEW TOPIC - Exercise Skinny: The Climb

After a few months back at the gym, and some achievements to boot, I think it's time for a new discussion on my blog about exercise.

Rock Climbing at Crunch

Since I joined Crunch, I've been trying new classes from pilates to hippie yoga (focuses on your hips and core).

But, the one activity that's emerged as a favorite is rock climbing at the wall at the E. 59th Street location.  The open hours for the wall are 5 pm until 9 pm from Monday until Wednesday and from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday.  For members, it's only 10 dollars to climb and that includes sneakers and personal instruction.  There are also non-member rates, which I think are in the 30 dollar range.

After my rock climbing adventure in Maine, I have been eager to keep up my new hobby, and Crunch has provided the perfect venue for that.

So far, I've been three times.  I've never had to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes to climb, which is nice, and other climbers are really friendly and supportive.  It's a motivating atmosphere!

Since only one person can go at at time, climbers end up getting some personal training from the instructor, who is super helpful and encourages people to get to the top even when it seems impossible.

My first time was a little rough, but I made it and got up a second time.  During my second visit, I climbed up  really easily on the first try. 

Pondering My Next Move

To add some challenge, I started lying down and pulled myself up.  For my third visit, the added challenge was climbing over the overhang.  My goal is to add a challenging element during each visit, and hopefully I'll become stronger and more adept, which will ultimately prepare me for tougher outdoor climbs.  Colorado, here I come!

Exercise can get boring, and ultimately that was why I gave up on the gym the last time around.  However, with climbing, I've learned that there are a million ways to make it more challenging, and so it's been a fantastic activity for someone like me who gets bored very easily.  I don't think anyone can quite "master" it -- so I've got a long road ahead of me.