If you’ve been reading our blog lately, we’ve been talking about some of our favorite things to do around Frederick. In the past couple of months, we’ve mentioned some of our favorite parks and also a list of the best breweries in downtown Frederick.
If you’re looking for some physical activity other than the boring old gym…we mentioned some of our favorite hike’s in the area but it is also quite cold these days!
Luckily, Frederick has an indoor climbing gym where you can learn to rock climbing in a safe environment.
What is Rock Climbing?
Rock climbing is a physical activity that involves ascending rock formations or cliffs using special equipment and techniques. There are different types of rock climbing, including sport climbing, trad climbing, and bouldering. Rock climbers can also choose to climb indoors or outdoors but if you are just learning…then it’s probably better to start indoors!
There are different types of rock climbing:
-Traditional Rock Climbing: Ascending natural features such as cliffs and boulders using only your hands and feet, and traditional climbing gear such as ropes, axes, and pitons.
-Sport Climbing: Ascending artificial structures such as man-made cliffs and rocks, using pre-placed bolts and quickdraws.
-Bouldering: Climbing short, low routes without a rope, often on very steep terrain.
Benefits of Rock Climbing
The benefits of rock climbing are physical and mental. It can help build strength, improve flexibility, increase endurance, and promote teamwork skills. Climbing may also be therapeutic for people with arthritis or high blood pressure.
It also offers physical exercise that is different to most normal physical routines. The variation offers a work out of different muscles you might not normally use in regular workouts.
It is a great activity or new hobby to get started however we do recommend getting lessons or training from professions.
What to Wear While Rock Climbing
Rock climbing can be a fun and challenging sport, but it’s important to be properly prepared before you start. In addition to the proper gear, you’ll also need to wear clothing that will allow you to move freely and won’t restrict your movement. Here are a few tips on what to wear when rock climbing:
-Wear clothing that is comfortable and doesn’t restrict your movement.
-Avoid baggy clothes, as they can get caught on rocks and other obstacles.
-Choose clothing that is lightweight and breathable, so you stay cool and comfortable.
-Avoid wearing cotton, as it absorbs moisture and can make you feel cold and damp when wet.
Where to Rock Climb in Frederick, MD.
The Boulder Yard is Frederick, MD’s best indoor rock climbing gym.
Located inside a 3500 square foot facility, the Boulder Yard boasts a variety of climbing surfaces and difficulty levels to accommodate climbers of all experience levels. They also have a well-stocked pro shop, and a staff of experienced climbers who are happy to help beginners get started.
The difficulty of the climbs ranges from something that anybody can accomplish to something near-impossible, with everything in between. They specialize in bouldering ONLY as they want to replicate the experience of climbing on an actual boulder outside or inside a cave.
The facility has no ropes or harnesses because for this type of rock climbing it is not needed. Instead climb freely, over giant cushioned pads with the help of expert rock climbers.
The Bouldering Yard also offers a full training room with free weights, cable machines, cardio, TRX, boxing equipment and more! (It can even replace your normal, ole boring gym!)
The Boulder Yard sets their grading and difficulty to imitate outdoor climbing. This means that the climbs are a bit more difficult than comparable gyms in the region, but they will better prepare you to go outside and climb on actual rocks!
To that end, the Boulder Yard also offers weekly beginner classes, monthly skills clinics, and regular member excursions to local climbing sites such as New River and Red River Gorges.
If you’re looking to try out rock climbing in Frederick, The Boulder Yard is the place to go!
Directions to the Boulder Yard
