Cover (Photo: yns plt/Unsplash)
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Want to go rock climbing, but you'd rather stay indoors at the same time? Here are some spots around the metro where you can enjoy both
You've likely seen it before: a massive wall of faux rocks with multi-coloured grips set into it at varying distances. But what really caught your eye was the person scurrying up the holds at speed, hands grabbing the holds and pulling themselves up with ease, with nothing but a rope and pulley system in place to keep them from landing if their grip slips. And maybe you've wanted to try it yourself!
Indoor wall climbing is different from bouldering that the former requires a bit of gear: a rope and harness, climbing shoes, and climbing chalk is optional, but being able to face great heights is essential as climbs frequently go above 30 feet off the ground. But if you're determined to try out this great sport that provides a whole body workout, trains your physical strength and problem-solving skills, and lets you do it all indoors, bouldering is the solution for you.
Bouldering is much the same as its much taller counterpart, but as climbs tend to be only 12-15 feet high, no rope and harness is required. It's easy for beginners to get into, and with the shorter height it's a great way for those who are scared of heights to get into the sport.
Here are just a few places you can go wall climbing or bouldering indoors, no matter the height:
1. The Bouldering Hive
Nestled within the upper ground floor of Circuit Lane at Circuit Makati, The Bouldering Hive is the first bouldering-only gym in the Philippines. With its range of available climbing passes and coached sessions, beginners and experienced climbers will find themselves right at home with this unique experience.
2. Climb Central Manila
Located at The Portal, Mayflower Street, Greenfield District, in Mandaluyong City, Climb Central Manila is an all-around indoor climbing gym that caters to everyone from seasoned veterans, beginners, and even kids. It is the largest air-conditioned climbing gym in the country and sports various climbing walls, including 30 feet walls, auto-belay walls one can climb on their own, and of course, shorter bouldering walls.
3. Power Up Climbing Gym
The Power Up Climbing Gym is the first commercial climbing gym in the Philippines, having been opened in October of 1994 and being operational ever since. It is a pioneer for indoor wall climbing in Manila, and they offer different packages for beginners and advanced climbers alike and provide all the gear needed to get started.
Branches of the Power Up Climbing Gym's walls can be found at multiple locations in Alabang, BGC, Cubao, and Diliman.
4. The Edge Climb Gym by The Upper Deck
Part of The Upper Deck Gym, the Edge Climb Gym has a more outdoor setting, and with good reason—their climbing walls can go up to seven storeys tall! Climbers interested in outdoor rock climbing can get some practice with this gym's rock-textured walls and colour-coded grips.
You can find The Edge Climb Gym on the 6th floor of Ortigas Technopoint One, #1, Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Pasig.
5. Maic's Gym
Maic's Gym is perfect for climbing enthusiasts in Marikina, where they offer much more than just indoor climbing. With their budget-friendly monthly rates, climbers can climb to their hearts' content and then make use of the gym's other facilities and classes right after.
Maic's Gym can be found at 7 Ditchoy Street, Midtown Subdivision, Barangay San Roque, 1801 Marikina City.
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