Rock Climbing Near YOU, for ages 3+!

When over a dozen local moms are in need of something DIFFERENT to do for a Mom’s Night Out, for some reason, my mind went right to Rock Climbing!  I’ve never in my life done it, or anything like it, yet I felt it would be something we could all enjoy.  So….. I reached out to Philadelphia Rock Gym in Coatesville and connected with Lauren, a Director there. 

I learned that women “ROCK” at rock climbing because it’s all about the leg muscles, not upper body strength as one may think!  Also, that if someone isn’t interested in actually climbing, then belaying may be a better fit for them.  The Gym we visited is their Valley location nestled in Coatesville off of Rt 82.  There’s even a private party room there where Lauren said we could gather before, during, and after our climbing experience to enjoy beverages and snacks. 

I partially went into this experience with the determination to do something I never thought I could do before.  I’m terrified of heights and have never been a very psychically strong person, but I was determined to do my best.  Another part of me was excited to do this because I wanted to have experience under my belt so I could return with my children next!  CHECK, missions accomplished!  My fear of heights got in the way of me proceeding with my climb, but the encouragement and instructions from the trainers we had and Lauren were exactly what I needed to go just a tad further than I ever believed I was capable of going.  I doubted my abilities to let go of the rope and be able to get down thanks to my partner who was belaying for me.  But again, with the impressive encouragement and instruction, I LET GO!  This is huge, people, HUGE!  I don’t get on step ladders and I control all.things.possible, so this was so super therapeutic for me.  I’m still feeling proud of myself for accomplishing this.  And that is exactly what rock climbing is all about, challenging yourself just a little more each time.  It’s such a feel-good experience and so much fun!!!!!!!!!

Like I previously mentioned, I wanted to experience this so I could bring my children.  I love to expose my girls to new things and to show them first-hand that it’s awesome to try new things.  I learned that Philadelphia Rock Gym has After School Programs and that kids can start climbing as young as 3 years old!  Often compared to “vertical chess,” climbing is a sport that combines grace, strength, intelligence, and agility.  When kids are on the wall, they don’t just work their physical muscles, but their mental muscles as well—dealing with problem solving, teamwork, personal challenge, and more.  And lucky for my timing, we have added their upcoming Open House into our calendar!  Hope to see you there!!!

If this all sounds tempting to you, please take my word for it and look further into all that PRG has to offer.  I went with a group of 14 women and all 14 of us left there excited to return.  The facility was fantastic and comfortable to navigate, but what really drew us all in was the staff.  Lauren was fantastic at explaining things to us and making us feel welcome, but even more impressive were the instructors we had; Bailey and Scott, along with their teenage assistants, Stephanie and Noah.  Every mom I was with kept complimenting this team!  We felt safe, comfortable, encouraged, and most of all, relaxed enough to have so much fun!  I can only imagine how fantastic their kids birthday parties must be given this kind of staff!  PRG has a GREAT thing going for it, and luckily they have amazing facilities all over the Philly region!  Learn more about their Oaks, Valley Township, East Falls, and Wyncote locations here.

Be sure to contact Philadelphia Rock Gym to book your own group outing!  They have a group program for every organization: School field trips, Fundraisers, Teambuildings, Corporate groups, Scouting Programs, Outdoor Guiding… You name it!   Your squad will thank you, trust me!

And for my rookie comrades who want to experience what my friends and I got to experience, block a chunk of time in your calendar now and go for the Intro to Climbing package. This is the easiest way to get started. Learn everything you need to know about climbing, AND receive a free two week trial membership!  Score!

Hopefully by now I’ve clearly conveyed how much of a true fan my friends and I are of PRG now.  Be sure to go experience it for yourself, you CAN do it!!!!!

Disclaimer:  Philadelphia Rock Gym welcomed my group in for a complimentary Mom’s Night Out in exchange for this VERY honest review.  I received no monetary compensation and all opinions are my own.  Truly, GO!  And hope to see you at the Open Houses!