{"id":34814,"date":"2025-02-25T14:19:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T19:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/philarockgym.com\/?p=34814"},"modified":"2025-02-25T14:19:42","modified_gmt":"2025-02-25T19:19:42","slug":"indoor-climbing-walls-types-features-how-to-get-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/philarockgym.com\/indoor-climbing-walls-types-features-how-to-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Indoor Climbing Walls: Types, Features, &amp; How to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"34814\" class=\"elementor elementor-34814\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5135e79 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5135e79\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ae0fa95\" data-id=\"ae0fa95\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8c4d62 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e8c4d62\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Indoor climbing offers a controlled environment where climbers can develop technique, build strength, and push their limits without the unpredictability of outdoor conditions. Whether you&#8217;re a beginner or an experienced climber, understanding the different types of climbing walls, grading systems, and key features will help you progress and enjoy the sport.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>This guide will cover:<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li>Types of indoor climbing walls<\/li><li>Features and angles of climbing walls<\/li><li>How climbing grades work<\/li><li>Tips for getting started<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e47f0b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e47f0b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Types of Indoor Climbing Walls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e8d949c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e8d949c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Climbing gyms typically have three main types of walls, each designed for different climbing styles:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0d0515 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a0d0515\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Top-Rope and Lead Climbing Walls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2ed51ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2ed51ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>These walls are designed for sport climbing, where climbers use a harness and rope for protection. They range from vertical to steeply overhanging and use the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for grading.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li><strong>Top-Rope Climbing:<\/strong> A rope is anchored at the top of the wall, with a belayer managing slack as the climber ascends. This is the most beginner-friendly form of roped climbing.<\/li><li><strong>Lead Climbing:<\/strong> Climbers clip the rope into protection points as they ascend, requiring more skill, endurance, and confidence.<\/li><li>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><p>Many gyms have <strong data-start=\"1880\" data-end=\"1903\">auto-belays<\/strong>, allowing climbers to top-rope without needing a belay partner. These automated devices retract the rope as you climb and slowly lower you when you fall or finish the route.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46f7bb9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"46f7bb9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Bouldering Walls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5439207 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5439207\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Bouldering is a style of climbing that involves <strong data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2215\">shorter walls, typically between 10 and 15 feet tall<\/strong>, with thick padded flooring instead of ropes for protection. Bouldering problems (routes) tend to be <strong data-start=\"2317\" data-end=\"2348\">more powerful and technical<\/strong>, requiring strength, balance, and problem-solving skills.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p data-start=\"2410\" data-end=\"2677\">Bouldering is a great way to develop technique and strength quickly since climbers can attempt the same problem multiple times without needing a partner. The V-scale grading system is used to rate bouldering problems, with difficulty increasing as the number rises.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-06cdb97 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"06cdb97\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Slab Walls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-761c9cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"761c9cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Slab walls are angled <strong data-start=\"22\" data-end=\"44\">less than vertical<\/strong>, meaning they lean away from the climber. Unlike overhanging walls that demand upper-body strength, <strong data-start=\"145\" data-end=\"237\">slab climbing relies on balance, precise foot placements, and efficient body positioning<\/strong> to maintain control. Since holds are often smaller and footholds can be minimal, climbers must focus on <strong data-start=\"342\" data-end=\"450\">weight distribution, smearing (pressing the foot against the wall for friction), and controlled movement<\/strong> rather than relying on grip strength. Slab climbing is an excellent way to develop <strong data-start=\"534\" data-end=\"585\">technique, patience, and trust in your footwork<\/strong>, making it a valuable skill for both beginners and advanced climbers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84a1b0c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"84a1b0c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Bonus: Training and Specialized Walls<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9026ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e9026ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Many climbing gyms feature <strong>training-specific walls and equipment<\/strong> to help climbers improve strength, endurance, and technique. These may include:<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li><strong>Campus Boards and Hangboards:<\/strong> Used for finger and upper-body strength training, improving grip endurance and explosive power.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li><strong>Adjustable Training Boards (Tension Board, Kilter Board, Moon Board):<\/strong> These are LED-marked climbing walls that can be set at different angles to train specific movements and skills. They are popular among experienced climbers for finger strength and dynamic movement training.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fdd92b8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fdd92b8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Climbing Wall Angles and Their Impact on Technique<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1217b7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d1217b7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/philarockgym.com\/all-about-indoor-climbing-walls\/\">angle of a climbing wall<\/a> significantly affects movement and technique. Understanding the differences between slabs, vertical walls, and overhangs will help you adapt your climbing style.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Slab Climbing (Less Than Vertical)<\/strong><\/p><p>Slab climbing requires balance, technique, and careful foot placement. Since the wall leans away from the climber, less upper body strength is needed, making it a useful terrain for learning technique. Slab routes often involve small footholds and require precise weight distribution.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Vertical Climbing (90 Degrees Perpendicular)<\/strong><\/p><p>Vertical walls require a combination of footwork and grip strength. Since gravity pulls the climber straight down, the challenge comes from managing body position and using efficient movement to conserve energy.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Overhang Climbing (More Than Vertical)<\/strong><\/p><p>Overhanging walls demand more upper-body and core strength, as climbers must fight against gravity pulling them away from the wall. Techniques such as heel hooks, toe hooks, and dynamic movement become essential.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Roof Climbing (Parallel to the Ground)<\/strong><\/p><p>Extreme overhangs, or roof climbs, require advanced techniques to stay on the wall, such as toe and heel hooks, bicycle moves, and compression climbing. These routes are physically demanding and require significant endurance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eb86a36 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eb86a36\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Climbing Grades Work<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6feeffd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6feeffd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In the U.S., climbing grades are divided into two systems: the V-grade scale for bouldering and the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS) for roped routes. The reason for having two systems stems from the <a href=\"https:\/\/philarockgym.com\/how-do-climbing-grades-work\/\">history of the sport<\/a>.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>For many years, climbing primarily focused on routes, so there was no need for a separate grading system. It wasn\u2019t until the 1980s, when bouldering emerged as its own discipline, that climbers recognized the existing system didn\u2019t accurately reflect the difficulty of shorter, more powerful climbs. As a result, they developed the V-scale specifically for bouldering.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>What does this mean in practice? If you see a \u201c5.10b\u201d in a gym and aren\u2019t familiar with climbing grades, it might seem confusing at first. However, as you gain experience, these ratings will start to make more sense.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Climbing grades serve as a general guide to difficulty, but many factors\u2014such as hold size, wall angle, required techniques, and reach\u2014can affect how challenging a climb feels.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c78002a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c78002a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Sport Climbing Grades (Yosemite Decimal System - YDS)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-feafee4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"feafee4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Used for top-rope and lead climbing, this system ranges from <strong>5.0 to 5.15<\/strong>, with difficulty increasing as the number rises. After 5.10, the grades are further divided into <strong>letters a-d<\/strong> (e.g., 5.10a, 5.10b, etc.), with \u201ca\u201d being the easiest and \u201cd\u201d the hardest. Some gyms also use \u201c+\u201d or \u201c-\u201d instead of letters.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Grade\/Difficulty Level<\/strong><\/p><p>5.0 \u2013 5.4\/Very Easy (Beginner)<\/p><p>5.5 \u2013 5.7\/Easy (First few climbs)<\/p><p>5.8\u2013 5.10\/Intermediate (Regular climbers)<\/p><p>5.11 \u2013 5.12\/Advanced (Experienced climbers)<\/p><p>5.13 \u2013 5.14\/Expert (Very strong climbers)<\/p><p>5.15+\/Elite (Few climbers worldwide)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-227e5b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"227e5b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Bouldering Grades (V-Scale)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4dd38ce elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4dd38ce\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Used for shorter, more intense problems, the V-scale starts at <strong>VB (Beginner)<\/strong> and currently goes up to <strong>V17 (Elite).<\/strong> A <strong>&#8220;+&#8221; or &#8220;-&#8220;<\/strong> can indicate whether a problem is on the harder or easier side of a grade.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Grade\/Difficulty<\/strong><\/p><p>VB\/Very Easy (Beginner)<\/p><p>V0 \u2013 V2\/Easy to Intermediate<\/p><p>V3 \u2013 V6\/Intermediate to Difficult<\/p><p>V7 \u2013 V10\/Advanced<\/p><p>V11 \u2013 V13\/Expert<\/p><p>V14 \u2013 V17\/Elite<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92c9813 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"92c9813\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Getting Started with Indoor Climbing<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cb7d4d7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cb7d4d7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Here are four quick tips to help you feel comfortable during your first climbing sessions.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4cf7766 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4cf7766\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Choose the Right Wall<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-efc6391 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"efc6391\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>First-time climbers:<\/strong> Start with top-rope climbing or easy bouldering problems (VB-V1, 5.5-5.7).<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Those looking to build strength:<\/strong> Try overhanging bouldering problems.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><strong>Those working on technique:<\/strong> Focus on slab routes to improve footwork and balance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af34699 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"af34699\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Learn Basic Gym Etiquette<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb3f924 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fb3f924\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Wait your turn on bouldering problems.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Avoid stepping on ropes or sitting under climbers.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Use chalk responsibly to avoid excess dust.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>Communicate clearly with your belay partner before starting a climb.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-67bfb94 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"67bfb94\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. Warm Up Properly<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-671953e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"671953e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A proper warm-up reduces injury risk and improves performance. This should include:<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"92\">Try <strong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"47\">light stretching and mobility exercises<\/strong> to improve flexibility and prevent injury.<\/p><p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"92\">\u00a0<\/p><p data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"190\">Start with <strong data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"122\">easy climbing<\/strong> to activate your muscles and prepare for more challenging routes.<\/p><p data-start=\"94\" data-end=\"190\">\u00a0<\/p><p data-start=\"192\" data-end=\"299\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">Incorporate <strong data-start=\"204\" data-end=\"233\">finger and grip exercises<\/strong> to strengthen your hands and enhance your hold on climbing holds.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3876bd4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3876bd4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Focus on Consistency and Progression<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-021820b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"021820b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The best way to improve in climbing is to challenge yourself with different wall angles and climbing styles. Regular climbing, experimenting with new techniques, and gradual difficulty increases will lead to steady progress.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78bc486 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"78bc486\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89a2498 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"89a2498\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Indoor climbing walls provide a variety of challenges, from technical slab routes to steep overhangs that test strength and endurance. Understanding wall types, grading systems, and key climbing techniques will help new climbers progress faster and enjoy the sport more. Whether you&#8217;re training for outdoor climbing or simply looking for a fun, full-body workout, indoor climbing offers endless opportunities for growth.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-70c79b2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"70c79b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Next Steps<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fb1bc7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8fb1bc7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Visit a local climbing gym, rent or buy some climbing shoes, and start exploring different walls and routes. The best way to learn is through experience, and every climb will teach you something new.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Indoor climbing offers a controlled environment where climbers can develop technique, build strength, and push their limits without the unpredictability of outdoor conditions. Whether you&#8217;re a beginner or an experienced <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/philarockgym.com\/indoor-climbing-walls-types-features-how-to-get-started\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34624,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[204],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beginner"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Indoor Climbing Walls: Types, Features, &amp; How to Get Started | Philadelphia Rock Gyms<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"New to indoor climbing walls? 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