Three Places to Get Off that Boring Treadmill and Start Climbing
So you're trying to stay in shape, but the thought of spending yet another mind-numbing hour on an elliptical machine or arc trainer sends you into fits. You've run, stepped and crunched so often that you're looking for something different; a physical challenge unlike anything you've tried before. How about one of the fastest growing individual sports around the world: rock climbing? It's exciting, adventurous, and a great way to stay physically as well as mentally fit.How to get started though? Sure, there are plenty of public lands and parks where great rock climbing is available, but if you're stuck in the city for the weekend where are you going to go? Well, you're in luck, because there are a number of indoor facilities that are tailor made for both the beginning and experienced climber, and the following three are a good place to start right here in New York City.
Manhattan Plaza Health Club
In the thirty-some-odd years of its existence, the Manhattan Plaza Health Club has expanded into a 35,000 square foot complex and has positioned itself as the premium climbing facility in New York. (Not only do they offer rock climbing, but other activities that you wouldn't expect to find in a gym, such as scuba-diving.) The highlight of the facility though, is the climbing gym which covers roughly five thousand square feet and offers over 60 routes which are redesigned monthly to challenge even the most experienced climbers. There is also a cave with a large multi stepped lead roof set, a pair of twenty foot squeeze chimneys, and a 160 foot bouldering route.
The gym hosts workshops, seminars and competitions, and their instructors average three years experience in outdoor climbing which should reassure beginners. Special rates for adult groups and child parties are offered, and unlimited use of the climbing gym is included with a membership. (Harness and shoe rentals are available for a nominal fee.)
M.P.H.C.
482 W. 43rd Street
(212) 563-7001
The Field House at Chelsea Piers
Try one of the fastest growing individual sports around the world: rock climbing It's exiting, adventurous, and a great way to stay not only physically but mentally fit.
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