Re:
Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2013 4:33 pm
Hotoven wrote:fatdad wrote: IMHO gyms are pretty close to being worthless.
I think so too!
Although for starting out and getting use to the ropes they are helpful. By the time you consider yourself a "rock climber" you will hate gyms.
Eh, I'd have to disagree. For many living pretty far away from decent rock, a gym is critical for staying strong while performing climbing specific movements. A pullup bar or weight training definitely won't cut it. In my honest opinion, indoor gyms are why we have 5.15 now. You don't have the commute to the crag or weather to derail your training. There are definitely pitfalls to indoor climbing.....it for sure doesn't replace outdoor climbing by any stretch of the imagination. You don't have weather or altitude to deal with. You get no route finding experience on an indoor wall. You get no gear placement experience. You do get the feel of being on lead on walls that have bolted routes. You get basic rope work experience. The glaring issue is you get no ANCHORING experience. I know a lot of climbers who focus on belaying and placing gear on lead, but don't put a lot of thought into anchor building. So in all, an indoor gym isn't a replacement for outdoor climbing, but it's definitely NOT worthless! It's simply another tool at your disposal.