Trash Talk about Gym Climbing

From Asana Athlete and Climbing Advocate, Scott Glasberg

Youth, Adults, Demographics, and Impressions

Gym Climbing has became the new playground for the Modern Climber. No longer is climbing on plastic training for climbing, gym climbing is now the place to climb. Growing up in San Diego, where surfing and road biking are more acknowledged than climbing, it is easy to see how more people are being introduced to climbing in a gym, rather than in a natural environment. Let’s examine how has this recent influx of gyms changed the demographic and face of climbing in general. Also, how does plastic influence the mentality of someone new to climbing? Climbing gyms are breeding grounds for young, upcoming dedicated climbers. Indoor climbing gyms are replacing after school activities, summer camps, and organized sports for many youngsters. Climbing gyms bring in younger kids, wielding more experience for those youngsters planning to keep climbing. This increases the amount of kids climbing, the overall popularity of the sport, and the strength of these future climbers. I can only forecast that with more kids becoming involved, the greater chance there will be stronger and stronger climbers appearing. As indoor rock replaces a location to introduce Rock Climbing, Gym Climbing is more readily available for those wanting to crank. The business-man who dislikes traditional work out regimen; or the stay at home mother, who doesn’t always have time to go on weekend trips, both find their escape through a couple hours of activity at the gym. From a young teen getting their kicks on lunging between small holds, to the over 40 woman increasing their fitness level, the density and population of climbing is increasing because of climbing gyms. Simply, Climbing Gyms make climbing a growing sport. Now what does this mean for the future of the nation? Analysts say that gas prices will decrease. The demography of climbers in climbing areas will increase, more gyms will be built, and people will have to commute less, sources claim. “Climbing gyms and our morals and virtues will restore humans to a more “natural man” state.” Said the last dirt-bag vagabond. Secondly, demographics regarding birth, marriage, disease and death, all are staggering with the influx of climbing gyms. With more single climbers mingling with one another, the rules of attraction (which were mentioned in a previous article, “Climbing Grades: Advantages, Disadvantages, and sex”) are sure to prevail. We notice that two main factors that attract two partners are Similarity and Proximity. Climbing Gyms act as a medium to increase these factors. The similar interest of climbing will most definitely attract two figures. Once a common similarity bond is shared, these two sweaty gym rats will realize how close they live to one another. This defines proximity: where we tend to fall in love with those who live close to us, rather than our possible soul mate who lives in Constantinople. Climbing critics believe demographics regarding disease and death will drastically decrease once people become familiar with climbing. I asked Hangontodat Crimper, and he stated, “The climbing mentality could save the world. Healthy Eating, Obsessive Exercise, and an Ecological mindset can only wield positive results’ climbing just needs to get more popular!” Notice climbing gyms are wielding positive results in society. The youths are getting stronger, and folks uncommon to climbing are now common, and the world could be saved because of climbing. Let’s take a gander at the only worry I have about climbing gyms: Their effect on how people perceive what climbing is all about. The Gym being the new medium for climbing, influences the mentality of someone who is being newly introduced, to be obscured. The gym climber does not have the privilege of a first impression. He or she lacks the impression of what climbing really is. First Impressions can be the most important things that determine the passion of a relationship. Indoor Climbing does not offer the same impression that outdoor climbing does. Until, a rock climber has an outdoor experience will he/she realize if they are passionate for climbing or not. For instance, the aspects of mentors and patience play a huge factor. A mentor from an outdoorsman’s perspective may give insight into the patience of the climbing journey for the climber. Where as, a new climber in a gym atmosphere does not recognize the true power of the climbing process, and may grow frustrated. It is only until the climber is reaffirmed with a natural connection, an uplifting second impression, that he or she will begin to love ‘real’ rock climbing. Those who have outdoor experience fuel the right atmosphere for these children, and adults alike. Impressions are everything, when meeting a woman, getting a job, or a random person on the street; impressions dictate the future of a relationship. This is how impressions and attractiveness work: When you have an impression of something that goes from bad to good, this is great, you will tend to like what ever the impression is of, more. Vice Versa when impressions go from good to bad, forget about it being attractive. Gyms can either build someone’s relationship with the climbing world, or quickly snatch their interest away. With this in mind, I can’t stress enough to encourage outdoor activity enough. The outdoors gives children a respect for nature, a chance to for a unique insight into virtues, and life long lessons to stand for.