Oct 16, 2009 10:27 am US/Central
North Texans Climbing Way Out Of Unhealthy Lives
GRAPEVINE (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
With the cloudy skies and rainy days in the October forecasts, many North Texans are turning to indoor exercise to get healthy. But they're not logging endless hours on the treadmill or Stairmaster. They're climbing walls.
"You use a lot of upper body strength," Stephen Small told CBS 11 News, "your abs, forearms, and finger strength."
The sport is popular with all ages. On any given day at Summit Climbing Gym in Grapevine, dozens of climbers can be found, clinging to artificial rock. Beginners are encouraged and veterans are welcomed. Some climbers prefer to challenge themselves with unassisted bouldering, while others prefer using a safety rope held by a belayer. Climbing requires more than just physical strength and gusto; for many, it's a thinking man's game.
"The parts that really intrigue me are the mental aspects and the problem solving," said climber Mike Harris.
Problems like where to place the next hand hold, figuring the next move for a foot, which way up the holds, and the most pressing question, "Will I reach the top?"
And while climbers may be off the ground, they need to keep something grounded: their fear.
"It's hard sometimes because when you're really high up, it can get scary. I'm kind of scared of heights," admitted Tori Lambeth, "but I'm getting better."
Prices vary from gym to gym, but
Summit Climbing Gym offers a day pass for $20. That includes the harness, shoes and chalk.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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