Looking for a fun, inclusive way to work out? Check out Indianapolis' rock-climbing gyms.
If you’re a fan of exercise but not a fan of the monotonous rut of workout machines, you should check out a rock climbing gym.
Challenging but playful, rock climbing is a full-body exercise that builds strength and works your cardiovascular system. One 2017 study by U.S. and German researchers suggests rock climbing's health benefits are so significant that it may act as an effective treatment for depression.
The sport also can be adapted to match the physical abilities of people with disabilities, and in the process offer a variety of social, psychological and physical gains, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Everyone should consider rock climbing,” Jake Clark, an employee at local climbing gym Climb Time Indy, told IndyStar.
He said their youngest gym member started at 18 months old. Their oldest member is 74 years old.
“We see (people) from every walk of life and every age in between,” Clark added. “It is truly a sport for anyone, which is so cool.”
More: Indianapolis 5K, half marathon and marathon races you won't want to miss this summer
Like all sports, climbing has its risks. Most gyms will ask you to sign a waiver before you use their facilities.
But top rope climbing, in which a climber is hooked to a rope that rests on an anchor at the top of a climbing route, is “extremely safe,” according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Bouldering is another popular form of climbing, in which you climb shorter walls without a rope or harness. Gyms place giant pads below you to cushion your falls.
More: Meet 'Sky Ninja,' the Greenwood 15-year-old competing on 'American Ninja Warrior'
The Indianapolis area is home to a handful of climbing gyms where you can try both styles. Each has their own distinct layout and community, though the services they offer are similar. And they do carry some gym equipment if you want to mix up your exercise.
Here are three of those gyms:
Climb Time Indy
8750 Corporation Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256
317-596-3330
Located in the Castleton area, a short distance north of the I-69's 82nd Street exit. One of the smaller but more economic climbing gym options in Indianapolis. They have over 200 rope routes and bouldering routes, the latter of which are technically known as "problems."
For first-timers: A day pass is $12. If you’re only interested in bouldering, a day pass is $10. Gear can be rented for an additional cost. Climbers aged nine or younger get free gear rental with a day pass.
Membership: $40 a month. If you’re joining the gym alongside someone under the age of 18, the minor’s membership is $20 a month. They offer family membership rates of $143 a month for two adults and two children, and $120 for two adults and one child. Membership includes access to “kids’ club” climbing classes, yoga classes, free gear rentals once a month, discounts at the gym's gear store and climbing classes.
Youth programs: They offer “kids’ club” climbing classes every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for youth aged seven to 17.
Exercise equipment: Dumbbells, kettlebells, balance equipment, battle ropes and climbing training boards.
Classes: Climbing classes for youth and yoga classes.
EPIC Climbing and Fitness
1931 Stout Field West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-247-1931
Located on the city’s west side in an 18,000-square-foot building near the Indiana National Guard Armory. It has around 50 bouldering problems and over 120 rope routes at any given time. A gym with a strong focus on community, which is fostered in part through annual member parties.
For first-timers: A day pass costs $19. Climbing gear can be rented at an additional cost. They offer an intro to climbing package for a minimum of two people that includes top rope climbing lessons, a techniques class and a 2-week pass to the gym, at $45 per person.
Membership: $70 a month. Families can get a discounted membership of $70 a month for the first family member, $56 a month for the second family member and $33 a month for every family member after that. Membership includes free rental gear for a month, free yoga classes, discounts at EPIC’s gear shop and on gear rentals, access to member appreciation parties and guest passes.
More: Dive right in: Your guide to public pools and aquatic centers in Central Indiana
Exercise equipment: Various climbing training boards, treadmill, stair machine, elliptical machine, rowing machine and a weight training area with dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells.
Youth programs: Climbing camps in the summer and a youth climbing club, which acts like an after-school program during fall and spring.
Classes: Regular yoga classes Sunday through Wednesday. Core strength classes and aerial silks classes also are available.
North Mass Boulder
1411 Roosevelt Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201
317-953-6667
Located on the city’s near-east side by the Circle City Industrial Complex. No ropes here — this gym is dedicated to bouldering. They have an estimated 60 to 70 bouldering problems at any time. They also have saunas, a co-working area and a café that serves healthy food, coffee, smoothies and beer.
For first-timers: A day pass is $18. For students, minors aged 14 or younger, active military and veterans, a day pass is $14. Rental shoes are free for first-time guests. Anyone can also sign up for a free 30-day pass.
Membership: $75 a month. For students, minors aged 14 or younger, active military and veterans, $62 a month. Family membership packages cost $115 a month for one adult and one minor, plus $40 a month for any additional family member. Membership includes discounts in the gym’s retail space; access to weekly fitness classes, yoga classes and intro to bouldering classes; access to monthly events; and guest passes.
Youth programs: Offers birthday party packages, fall climbing clubs and a summer camp.
Exercise equipment: Multiple treadmills and exercise bikes; stair climbers; elliptical machines; a full weight-training area with machines and free weights; various training boards for climbers; a “treadwall,” which is a vertical climbing wall that moves like a treadmill belt.
More: Horses helped this 7-year-old grow at Children's TherAplay
Classes: Offers a variety of yoga classes, HIIT classes, Zumba classes, strength conditioning classes and more.
Call IndyStar courts reporter Johnny Magdaleno at 317-273-3188 or email him at jmagdaleno@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @IndyStarJohnny
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rock climbing in Indianapolis: Four gyms to get you started
