Wall climbing: a different way to get in shape

Nathaniel Shober, 21, of Chicago, just finished his climb. His forearms were burning, and he was tired but felt good.

"Wall climbing is exhilarating," said Shober. "It’s a really good way to workout."

Shober was climbing at the Fitplex, located on 1235 N. LaSalle St., which is the site of a 22-foot high and 40-foot wide indoor climbing wall.

Climbing is an excellent alternative to many lifetime sports because it is full body workout and can be done well into the golden years. Unlike running, tennis, biking and swimming, rock climbing combines not only upper and lower body exercise, but a cardiovascular workout as well.

Because Fitplex is near LaSalle and Division streets, it is a relatively easy location for virtually anyone in the Chicago area. And you don’t necessarily need to be an experienced climber to go to Fitplex.

"We have people come in here anywhere from grade school to people in their 50s. They really like working with our instructors," said Mandy McCormick, the receptionist at Fitplex.

The instructors are quite experienced and help out novice climbers go over the necessary knots, climbing technique and overall information about safe climbing. After you’ve been properly instructed, the possibilities are endless since Fitplex employees change the climbing routes quite frequently and they allow you to climb with anyone else.

"Once people are done with the instruction, they can climb with friends and family. We even have corporate and team climbs to help develop leadership and teamwork skills," McCormick said.

The Fitplex is an excellent place to start out if you have an interest in climbing.

"I’ve only climbed a couple times, but it’s totally safe because the instructors here really know what they are doing. And the course changes all the time which make it interesting and fun," Shober said.

Basic gear is provided and climbing shoes can be rented for $4. Non-members need to pay a $12 fee, or buy a 10-day pass for $90, which is rather standard. But what’s not standard at Fitplex is the personnel.

"Our instructors are very friendly, we try to make climbing a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. Many times people come here and just hang out. Many people in the younger crowd develop great relationships with our instructors which is good because they are having fun and also getting a workout in," said McCormick.

The equipment is another great feature at Fitplex. As part of the Multiplex group, which has four facilities in the metro area, along with clubs in Deerfield, Rolling Meadows and Naperville, it prides itself on having first-rate equipment.

The climbing wall is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

In addition to climbing, Fitplex offers several other alternative sports at the club. Boxing, jujitsu, and kickboxing are different ways to break not only a sweat, but your basic workout routine as well. The club for these activities is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on any of the Multiplex facilities, feel free to visit www.multiplexclubs.com or for the Fitplex, go directly to www.multiplexclubs.com/fitplexmultiplex/

PHOTOS:
A view of all the activities Fitplex offers.
A classy entrance to the Fitplex facility.

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