Climbing walls across the country have become the playgrounds for those hungry to get fit, have fun and explore new experiences. The proof is in the pudding: more than 30 walls have sprung up in London alone in the last five years. This isn’t a trend. It’s a movement that shows no signs of slowing down.
In 2019, the catalyst for my journey was a casual comment from a work colleague about her newfound climbing hobby. Little did I know that this seemingly offhand remark would lead me into a world that has transcended its roots in underground dens – a place pro climbers would visit during off-season to level up their abilities on the mountain tops.
Today, climbing is more than scaling walls; it’s a lifestyle. It’s about staring down fears, forging connections within a community, discovering pain and joy in failure. The climbing gym isn’t merely a place to work out; it’s a home for those seeking challenges, friendship, and an escape from the sameness of daily life.
Millennials and Gen Zers are swapping out avocados and lattes for a different kind of membership: an all-access pass to a world of falls, laughter and triumphs. Indoor climbing is not just a sport; it’s a safe space.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
In the latest campaign from Charles Tyrwhitt, rugby player Marcus Smith and cricketer Joe Root are taking the lead and stepping up their offduty game with some sharp summer outfits. From tailored linen to comfy chinos and lightweight blazers, summer just got stylish
Sleep is crucial for both metabolic health and athletic performance
How well, and how long, did you sleep last night? It’s an important question, because in its Sleep Manifesto 2024, The Sleep Charity notes that a whopping 43% of adults sleep less than the NHS-recommended seven to nine hours.
CARDIO SWEAT
Elevate your aerobic fitness and fast-track fat loss with this cardio workout from the Movement Blueprint founder Harvey Lawton
THE LEARN ROPES
Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it offers a number of serious health benefits in Skipping is more than a throwback. Done right, it off ers a number of serious health benefi ts in a budget-friendly and convenient formula that can be done virtually anywhere
MOUNTAINEERING IS ABOUT THE TENSION BETWEEN HUMAN NATURE AND MOUNTAIN NATURE.IT'S ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF DYING
MF meets mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner
BUDGET BEATS
Apple’s new low-price buds punch well above their price tag
FITNESS GOALS
Teddy Sheringham’s playbook for staying in shape in your fifties
Summer SIZZLERS
Fuel your summer with these fresh, high-protein recipes
THE MONT BLANC MONSTER
The Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) is among the most challenging and prestigious trail running events in the world. Typically held annually in the last week of August, it circumnavigates the iconic Mont Blanc massif. Covering approximately 106 miles, with a gruelling elevation gain of around 32,800 feet, the race demands exceptional endurance, technical skill, and mental fortitude – as Dominic Bliss witnessed for himself at last year’s event…
FEEL THE BURN
Training for HYROX? This lung-busting workout from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete Jake Dearden will get you race ready