The most common forms of exercise include running and biking, whether outdoors or by using stationary equipment indoors. However, another form of increasingly popular exercise is rock climbing. Climbing provides mental stimulation, physical challenge, and a social experience. Method Climbing in Newark provides all that and more.
Method Climbing is an expansive facility inside the renovated Walker House luxury apartment complex. The ground floor features the 2,000-square foot Method Cafe and retail space; meanwhile, the lower basement floor houses the gym area, complete with cardio machines, free weights, and fitness equipment. In addition to offering various types of climbing and a gym, Method Climbing hosts both fitness and yoga classes.
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Bouldering, Top Roping, & More
Method Climbing sports more than 12,000-square feet of climbing terrain; in particular, they have 8,000-square feet of bouldering and 4,000-square feet of top roping. “It’s important for climbers to train for strength and endurance to prevent injury,” says Co-owner James Chi; he owns the spot with his wife, Min. “The yoga, Capoeira, and fitness classes help with balance, body positioning, strength, and endurance,” he adds. Click here to see their list of climbing classes.
The climbing gym hosts many events that foster an active community, such as mock competitions. For instance, events include Black Girls Boulder, College Night, Ladies Crew, Spectrum Climbers (LGBTQ+), and Subtle Asian Climbing. They also host alternative events like chess meet-ups and tournaments, Member’s Appreciation Nights, plus Karaoke and Open Mics.
Future plans for Method Climbing include adding 45- and 60-degree climbing walls, which are steeper than their current walls. They also plan to develop scholarship programs so those who can’t afford to go to the gym can attend.
The Method Climbing Community
The husband and wife pair are longtime Newark residents and avid climbers. “The sport and community has had such an amazing impact on our family,” James says. “The support and inclusivity is something that is missing in so many sports and activities. Newark has never had a climbing gym and it was our dream to bring the climbing community to the city.”
In fact, James says patrons come for the climbing, but stay for the community. “People are realizing that climbing is more about the social nature of its community than its physical aspect,” he explains. “Climbing is an intense physical workout; it’s a fun and holistic way to exercise. But climbing is really about the community. It’s surprisingly accessible for people of all skill levels and physical ability; and is a great way to meet like-minded individuals in a safe and supportive environment.”
Visit Method Climbing at 16 Lombardy St in Newark. (Click here to find them on Google Maps.) To learn more, click here to visit their website | Follow them on Instagram | Click to give them a call.
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Top (Hero) Photo: © Method Climbing
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
Marco Soriano / Instagram (via @methodclimb)
Jennie Jariel / Instagram (via @methodclimb)